“Hades” is not the first story to retell the classic myths of the Greek gods. “Hades” is not the first work of fiction to feature an entire cast of lovable, lifelike characters. It is not even the first video game to use procedurally-generated dungeons. Yet, drawing from previous works, developer Supergiant Games manages to spin these elements together to create a new, unique experience. Following an early-access window beginning in December 2018, “Hades” made its official cross-platform release on Sept. 17, 2020, to notable success. Given the experience of Supergiant Games in their previous hit titles, this success is by no means a fluke. “Hades” represents a masterpiece of modern cohesive design.
Evaluating it by gameplay alone, “Hades” earns its spot as one of the sharpest video games of 2020. Within three days of its official release, Hades surpassed the impressive milestone of one million total copies sold (1). Metacritic, though not the be-all-end-all for video game critique, places Hades squarely among the top five best-reviewed video games of the year with dozens of near-perfect scores (2).
On top of this, “Hades” offers more than just innovative, infinitely replayable gameplay. Hidden among the hordes of wretches and other foul creatures populating the Underworld in which the game takes place, there lies a profound story that only “Hades” can tell. Players may enter the world of “Hades” expecting a gritty action game filled with reckless violence, when, in reality, it tells a touching story of determination, perseverance, and, above all, family.
The Gameplay
At its core, “Hades” exists as a faithful addition to the roguelike genre. This genre takes its name from the 1980 adventure game “Rogue,” an innovative title that tasked players with navigating an expansive and randomly-generated dungeon. Each time the player loads the game, they are met with a challenge unique from the last. In “Hades,” players face a similar gauntlet. The protagonist Zagreus, son of the Greek god Hades, seeks to escape the Underworld and reach the mortal realm. Each time the player begins a new escape attempt, the layout of the Underworld is randomized.
This is where a major feature of “Hades” comes into play: death. Nearly every video game features “game over” as a central mechanic, but “Hades” takes a different, refreshing approach. Dying in “Hades” punishes the player by sending them back to the very beginning of the game. The enemies populating the Underworld grow increasingly more lethal as Zagreus climbs higher toward the surface, so players will quickly grow accustomed to starting the game over. In a lesser game, the idea of starting back from square one after each death would seem tedious and unnecessary. “Hades” instead takes special care to encourage players to learn from each mistake. The game promises players that each failed attempt better equips them to make it even further on their next attempt. Upon each return to the House of Hades, players have an opportunity to use resources gathered in the Underworld to level up. Intuitively, one might assume that any video game that encourages players to fail in this way would not exactly fit the description of “fun.” Interestingly, this repetitive cycle of dying and growing stronger creates the exact magic that keeps players invested.
Unlike some other roguelike adventure games, “Hades” incorporates a plethora of other elements that truly guarantee each play session is a new experience. As Zagreus attempts to flee from his father’s domain, the other gods of Mount Olympus periodically grant him additional power-ups (referred to as boons in-game) that alter his abilities. For instance, a blessing of Zeus may grant Zagreus the ability to bounce lightning between enemies to create a chain attack, while a blessing of Poseidon creates crashing waves to disrupt enemy movement. As the player progresses through the Underworld, these boons can stack together to create a seemingly infinite number of playstyle combinations. On top of the many different abilities granted by each of the Olympian gods, the player may also choose from eight unique weapons, each based on notable weapons in Greek mythology.
No matter how many attempts it may take a player to finally escape the pits of Tartarus, each escape feels refreshingly new. Without exaggeration, a player could toil away hundreds of hours in “Hades” and they may still not experience everything the game has to offer.
The Story
Just as “Hades” represents a breakthrough in roguelike gameplay, it also exists as a masterclass in ludonarrative storytelling. The term “ludonarrative dissonance” refers to the inevitable clashing between how a video game functions and the story it tries to tell. Some games may opt to sacrifice storytelling altogether in favor of tight gameplay, while others may heavily compromise gameplay to achieve a coherent story. Supergiant Games, however, designed “Hades” so every element of the gameplay in some way complements the story, and every element of the story in some way complements the gameplay.
While Zagreus’ mission seems straightforward, players eventually learn more about his motivations and what sort of situation belies his quest. The son of Hades, Zagreus is doomed for all eternity to roam the halls of his father’s domain within Tartarus. Hades, unsurprisingly, proves to be a dispassionate and neglectful father, causing his son to make his first escape attempt. Zagreus hopes that, somewhere on the surface among the mortals, he might find his mother and live a better life. Every time Zagreus fails in his quest, however, his soul is sent back to the House of Hades within the deepest level of Tartarus. Due to this ingenious dynamic between Zagreus and Hades, the roguelike format takes on a whole new meaning. Not only is the player working toward learning new skills to complete the game, but Zagreus is working toward growing as a character, to escape his demanding father’s grasp.
Despite his situation, Zagreus’ resolve never falters. He remains determined, witty and charming, no matter how many times he meets an unfortunate end. Zagreus acts as a surrogate for the player, itching to get right back in the saddle just as soon as he falls.
The game also features a wide cast of characters who never fail to bring a smile. Players can listen in on Zagreus’ witty banter with these characters, and, in doing so, the secrets of “Hades’” story slowly reveal themselves.
The gameplay alone would win “Hades” high praise. However, by seamlessly integrating a meaningful story into the game, Supergiant Games created something truly magical.
The Mythology
A major element of the game’s appeal also comes from the role of its themes and characters, all pulled directly from Greek mythology. Not a single character is truly original, from the Olympian gods who aid Zagreus in his quest to the chthonic beings who inhabit the House of Hades. Much like its gameplay, however, “Hades” manages to breathe new life into these archaic archetypes to create a unique identity.
Their roots in Greek mythology and oral tradition certainly define each character, though the game’s writer, Greg Kasavin, masterfully granted each god their own tastefully contemporary personality. The dialogue never grows repetitive. The surplus variety of character interactions consistently livens up the otherwise somber atmosphere of the Underworld
“Hades” also incorporates its mythological influences in ways that support the story’s central themes. For instance, players might encounter the character of Sisyphus while navigating the labyrinth of Tartarus. Sisyphus, according to his origin in Greek mythology, attempted to escape death by tricking the gods themselves. As punishment, Zeus tasks Sisyphus with rolling a hefty boulder up a steep hill for all eternity. Whenever the peak of the hill comes within reach, the boulder rolls right back down to the bottom and Sisyphus must begin again (3). In “Hades,” Sisyphus stays cheerful no matter how many times his boulder falls, reminding both Zagreus and the player to remain optimistic regardless of their uncountable deaths. Similarly, the great musician Orpheus makes an appearance as a dejected husk of his former self. Just as Zagreus strives to reach the surface, the story of Orpheus depicts a tragically failed attempt to escape the clutches of the Underworld with his beloved Eurydice, which in turn caused him to fall into a great depression. As Sisyphus represents unwavering determination in the face of hardship, Orpheus teaches Zagreus and the player the great dangers of surrendering to one’s self-doubt.
At the heart of “Hades” lies the paramount message of family. The central conflict between Zagreus and his neglectful father drives the plot. A handful of flashback sequences reveal the resentment Hades holds toward his son, showing how a father can project his insecurities onto his child. Zagreus’s decision to leave the Underworld is not a simple act of defiance, it is the natural consequence of his father’s coldness. The Greek gods, in their original mythos, made up one huge, powerful, and dysfunctional family. This familial structure plays a role in “Hades,” with the Olympian gods frequently referring to Zagreus using familial terms of endearment. In this case, while Hades represents the painful neglect of a detached father, the other Olympians represent the warmth that familial connections typically promise.
My Verdict
To say that “Hades” perfected the roguelike formula would not be an original statement. That being said, Hades shows how a video game can use old conventions to create something entirely its own. With its addictive gameplay, charismatic characters and impactful story, this game provides a seamless experience all the way through. No matter how many tries it might take Zagreus to reach the realm of the mortals, “Hades” remains unrelentingly fun. Suffice to say, “Hades” truly defines itself as a modern masterpiece.