Why I Was Wrong About Hades

Roguelite: Like A Roguelike, But, Lite

Eagle-eyed gamers will immediately insist that Hades is actually a 'roguelite' rather than its more punishing 'like' brother, and this is true. Roguelites utilise a similar permadeath loop, but allow some progression to be kept for future attempts, granting more forward movement and end result satisfaction in later runs.

As such, dying in Hades doesn't feel like failure, far from it. The untimely-yet-plentiful deaths of protagonist Zagreus, son of Hades, is a part of the journey, and when the sweet, frantic combat ends, the character development and exposition begins.

It's clear that Hades' developer Supergiant had a whole host of inspirations during development, as it unapologetically pinches elements from adventure, RPG and dating simulator genres. As you venture through the underworld's four distinct phases (Tartarus, Asphodel, Elysium and the Temple of Styx) the game is an immensely satisfying, isometric action title, with carving through rooms of enemies being the primary goal.However, upon returning to Hades' humble abode the game becomes decidedly different, albeit for a few minutes.

Hades never relies on its gameplay to prop up other aspects of the game, as each new mechanic unfolds in a way that always complements the next.