Hades
Game Pass of the Week
Developer: Supergiant Games
Game Pass Launch: August 13th, 2021
This is a game that brings a unique style and twist on the Greek myths all wrapped up in a rogue-like. It is releasing along aside two other entries of the same genre, Boyfriend Dungeon and Curse of the Dead Gods. I did play all three, but Hades to me was the standout from a gameplay perspective and as such, landed as my choice amongst the three. That being said, they are worth your attention if Hades is to your liking or you enjoy the rogue-like genre broadly.
Hades has that “losing all track of time” quality that is arguably the highest praise you can give a game. My only real detraction is that a run through the halls of hell can be a bit long but this is more or less mitigated by Quick Resume on Xbox. All the other aspects outside of gameplay are wonderfully constructed and complementary to the addicting gameplay loop; the music, the art style, the voice acting, the writing, all of it.
Game of the Year Distinction
The standout feature of this rogue-like that had it winning every game of the year award imaginable is its unique approach at delivering a compelling story. This is of course, in addition to the amazing gameplay, but the narrative delivery is truly what sets Hades apart from other rogue-likes.
It is not uncommon for games in this genre to have no story, only environmental story telling, or a broad narrative loosely described usually just once. Hades is the opposite, filled with story and characters that are fun and full of life. The complexity of how this game decides which of these narrative beats to show and when is impressive stuff. It is masterful from a technical perspective and gives you a unique experience never done (or done well) within the genre. There is a reason you are trying to escape hell, aside from the obvious and that reason is salient and immersive.
