Reviews

My name is Rachael (grade 11), and I would rate Hades is a 5/5. Released in 2018 by Supergiant games, Hades is a charming game about Zagrus, the son of Hades, and his attempts to fight his way out of the Greek underworld to see his mother. This narrative blends well with the games rogue-like mechanics. Despite the core gameplay loop revolving around acquiring loot and fighting the same bosses in a randomly laid out map, the game keeps itself fresh by introducing new elements in later attempts, as well as allowed the player to choose between various weapons with unique upgrades and play styles. This variety combined with synergies the player can create with temporary upgrades found during their run makes each run through hades a unique and enjoyable experience where failure feels more like a lesson than a punishment. However, the steep challenge presented may turn away younger or less experienced players. Like all rogue-like games, only unlocked weapons and skills are carried over between runs, so the real progression made by the player will be simply learning to play better. Hades also presents satisfying moments of humour and interesting characters, driving the story to a satisfying conclusion for determined players, bearing in mind that the underworld will have to be escaped many times to see the full story. The average completion time comes in at 20 hours, but this will likely vary based on player skill. In conclusion this game will certainly be enjoyed by those who enjoy simple but compelling narratives and tough but fair gameplay.