Info about Hades: Official game description: **Hades** is a _god-like_ rogue-like dungeon crawler that combines the best aspects of Supergiant's critically acclaimed titles, including the fast-paced action of **Bastion**, the rich atmosphere and depth of **Transistor**, and the character-driven storytelling of **Pyre**. BATTLE OUT OF HELL ------------------ As the immortal Prince of the Underworld, you'll wield the powers and mythic weapons of Olympus to break free from the clutches of the god of the dead himself, while growing stronger and unraveling more of the story with each unique escape attempt. UNLEASH THE FURY OF OLYMPUS --------------------------- The Olympians have your back! Meet Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and many more, and choose from their dozens of powerful Boons that enhance your abilities. There are thousands of viable character builds to discover as you go. BEFRIEND GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERS ----------------------------------- A fully-voiced cast of colorful, larger-than-life characters is waiting to meet you! Grow your relationships with them, and experience thousands of unique story events as you learn about what's really at stake for this big, dysfunctional family. BUILT FOR REPLAYABILITY ----------------------- New surprises await each time you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld, whose guardian bosses will remember you. Use the powerful Mirror of Night to grow permanently stronger, and give yourself a leg up the next time you run away from home. NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE --------------------- Permanent upgrades mean you don't have to be a god yourself to experience the exciting combat and gripping story. Though, if you happen to be one, crank up the challenge and get ready for some white-knuckle action that will put your well-practiced skills to the test. SIGNATURE SUPERGIANT STYLE -------------------------- The rich, atmospheric presentation and unique melding of gameplay and narrative that's been core to Supergiant's games is here in full force: spectacular hand-painted environments and a blood-pumping original score bring the Underworld to life. Release date: 17 Sep, 2020 Categories: Roguelike, Dungeon Crawler, Real-time Combat, Character Progression, Single-player Story, Player Customization, Meta-Progression, NPC Relationships & Romance - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: No data - Playtime Metrics: No data - Time-to-fun: No data - Player Archetypes: No data Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Rich Narrative & Memorable Characters (weight 0.99): The game is lauded for its compelling, well-written story and deeply developed characters, which are brought to life by outstanding voice acting. The narrative unfolds organically with each run and death, making every interaction meaningful and fostering strong emotional connections with the cast. - Innovative Roguelike Design (weight 0.88): The game redefines the roguelike genre by seamlessly integrating its narrative with the gameplay loop, making death a purposeful part of progression rather than a punishment. It's highly praised for converting players who typically dislike roguelikes, offering accessibility while maintaining depth and challenge. - Exceptional Gameplay & Replayability (weight 0.84): Players consistently praise the game's incredibly fun, addictive, and fluid combat system, highlighting its balance, variety, and responsiveness. The game offers immense replayability through diverse weapons, boons, and evolving strategies, ensuring each run feels fresh and rewarding, even after hundreds of hours. - Balanced Difficulty & Progression (weight 0.8): The game offers a well-balanced difficulty curve that is challenging yet fair, with options like 'God Mode' to cater to all skill levels. The progression system is intelligently designed, ensuring players always feel a sense of advancement and improvement, even after failed attempts. - Stunning Art & Sound Design (weight 0.76): Reviewers consistently highlight the game's breathtaking, unique, and vibrant hand-drawn art style, which perfectly captures the Greek underworld atmosphere. The phenomenal soundtrack, composed by Darren Korb, is equally praised for its ability to enhance both intense combat and emotional narrative moments. - Engaging Greek Mythology Integration (weight 0.75): The game masterfully reinterprets and integrates Greek mythology, offering a fresh, humorous, and deeply respectful take on its lore and characters. This thematic depth enhances the world-building and provides an additional layer of enjoyment for fans of the genre. - Exceptional Polish & Attention to Detail (weight 0.66): The game is consistently described as a highly polished experience, with meticulous attention to detail evident in its fluid animations, responsive controls, and bug-free performance. This craftsmanship contributes to an immersive and high-quality overall presentation. Common complaints: - Repetitive & Grind-Heavy Gameplay (weight 0.17): Many players found the core gameplay loop, combat, and enemy variety to become monotonous and repetitive after extended play. The need for extensive grinding for upgrades and story progression further exacerbated this issue, leading to player fatigue. - Limited Enemy & Boss Variety (weight 0.11): Players noted a lack of diversity in enemy types and boss encounters across different locations. This contributes to the feeling of repetitiveness, as many enemies are palette swaps or have similar attack patterns, making combat stale. - Weapon & Build System Limitations (weight 0.11): The weapon roster is seen as lacking variety, with some weapons feeling unfinished or awkward. The build system is also criticized for imbalance and relying too much on luck for synergistic upgrades, limiting strategic depth and player choice. - Steep Learning Curve & Difficulty (weight 0.1): The game presents a significant initial difficulty spike and a steep learning curve, especially for newcomers to the roguelike genre. This often results in frequent early deaths and frustration, making it hard for some players to get into the game. - Unclear Visuals & Off-Screen Attacks (weight 0.1): Combat readability suffers from visual clutter, making it difficult to track the player character, enemies, and projectiles. Additionally, enemies frequently attack from off-screen or are obscured by the environment, leading to unfair damage and frustration. - Roguelike Elements Disliked by Some (weight 0.09): Some players, particularly those new to or generally disliking the genre, found the inherent repetitiveness and randomness of roguelike mechanics to be a deterrent. The game's roguelike elements were sometimes perceived as superficial or contradictory to its narrative focus. - Story Pacing & Progression Issues (weight 0.06): The narrative progression is often criticized for being too slow, relying heavily on random dialogue triggers, and requiring extensive grinding. This artificial lengthening of the story can lead to a loss of interest, especially for players not keen on repetitive runs. - RNG Frustration & Imbalanced Boons (weight 0.04): The heavy reliance on RNG for boons and power-ups can lead to frustrating runs where players feel their skill is nullified by bad luck. Many boons are perceived as mere number tweaks, lacking game-changing impact, and some combinations are imbalanced or useless. - Minor Technical & Quality of Life Issues (weight 0.01): Players reported minor visual bugs, input issues, and a general sense of fatigue from repetition. Some found the fishing mechanic to be an inconsequential and poorly explained afterthought, detracting from the overall experience. - Character & Mythology Disconnects (weight 0.01): Some players found the character relationships to be drawn out or the character development, particularly Hades', to be inconsistent. Those familiar with Greek mythology sometimes found the story boring or the portrayal of characters unconvincing. Gameplay feedback: - Varied Combat & Builds (weight 0.14): Combat is fast-paced, fluid, and dynamic, emphasizing dodging and strategic attacks over button-mashing. Players can experiment with a vast array of weapons, each with unique aspects, and combine them with diverse boons from Olympian gods to create countless unique and powerful builds. - Deep & Customizable Difficulty (weight 0.14): The game offers a wide range of difficulty options, from an accessible 'God Mode' for casual players to a challenging 'Heat System' and 'Pact of Punishment' for those seeking extreme challenges and replayability. This system allows players to gradually increase difficulty and rewards, ensuring a tailored experience. - Rich Greek Mythology Narrative (weight 0.09): Players control Zagreus, son of Hades, on a quest to escape the Underworld and uncover his past. The story is deeply integrated with Greek mythology, featuring well-developed characters, evolving dialogues, and romance options that unfold with each escape attempt. - Roguelite Core Loop (weight 0.08): The game is a roguelite dungeon crawler where death is a core mechanic. Players repeatedly die, return to the House of Hades, and use accumulated resources to unlock permanent upgrades, new weapons, and story elements, making each subsequent run stronger and more informed. - Strategic Boon System (weight 0.05): Olympian gods bestow temporary boons during runs, each with unique themes and effects that significantly alter gameplay. Players strategically choose and combine these boons, including powerful 'Duo' and 'Legendary' tiers, to create synergistic builds and adapt to challenges. - Challenging & Varied Bosses (weight 0.03): The game features distinct regions, each culminating in a boss fight. These bosses have unique mechanics and variants, requiring players to learn their patterns and master their abilities. Randomly generated rooms and enemy compositions keep each run fresh. - Engaging Side Activities (weight 0.02): Beyond combat, the game offers engaging side activities such as decorating the House of Hades, fishing, and deepening relationships with various characters. These elements add depth and replayability to the core loop. - Easy to Learn, Hard to Master (weight 0.02): The game's basic concepts and controls are quickly grasped, but true mastery requires hundreds of hours of play. The learning curve is steep, but the game encourages continuous improvement and experimentation with its mechanics. Performance notes: - Great Steam Deck Compatibility (weight 0.04): The game is frequently lauded for its flawless performance and perfect controls on the Steam Deck, making it a highly recommended experience for portable play. Battery life is also noted as reasonable. - Excellent Performance & Optimization (weight 0.04): Players consistently report that the game runs smoothly across a wide range of hardware, from high-end PCs to older Macs and low-resource machines. Many highlight stable frame rates and a general lack of performance issues, even during intense combat. - Varied PC Requirements Feedback (weight 0.03): There's conflicting feedback regarding PC requirements; some state it needs a 'gamer-level' PC, while others claim it runs on 'potato' or low-end machines. The general consensus leans towards accessible requirements. - Limited Graphics Options (weight 0): One player expressed a desire for more graphics options beyond just resolution, suggesting a potential area for enhancement in visual customization. - Visual Issues with Sprites (weight 0): One player noted that Reshade helped with graphic issues, but problems persisted when the game became too sprite-heavy towards the end, suggesting potential visual clutter or performance dips in specific scenarios. - Rare Freezing Issue (weight 0): A single report indicates the game freezes when a life is lost. This appears to be an isolated incident, but worth noting for potential investigation. - Difficulty with On-Screen Clutter (weight 0): One player reported some difficulty when many elements are on screen, which could imply occasional visual overload or minor performance dips in very busy scenes. - Manageable Game Size (weight 0): One player mentioned that the game's installation size is workable, indicating it doesn't pose a significant storage burden. Recommendations: - Highly Recommended Game (weight 0.33): The game is overwhelmingly recommended by players across various preferences, including roguelike fans, action RPG enthusiasts, and even newcomers to the genre. Many consider it a masterpiece and a must-play, often rating it 9/10 or 10/10. - Sets Roguelike Standard (weight 0.21): Players frequently praise the game as one of the best, if not the best, roguelikes ever made. It is seen as a gold standard, redefining the genre's possibilities and setting a new benchmark for future titles. - Engaging for Diverse Players (weight 0.21): The game appeals to a broad audience, including fans of Greek mythology, dynamic combat, and compelling stories. It's recommended for both seasoned roguelike players and those new to the genre, with some suggesting it can change non-fans' opinions. - Addictive and Replayable (weight 0.19): Players find the game highly addictive and difficult to stop playing, often leading to hundreds of hours of playtime. Its engaging nature and replayability are highlighted as key strengths, making it a game that keeps pulling players back in. - God Mode for Accessibility (weight 0.14): The inclusion of a 'God Mode' is appreciated, making the game more accessible for players who are intimidated by roguelikes or prefer to focus on the story. This feature allows for a more relaxed experience, reducing difficulty with each death. - Anticipation for Hades 2 (weight 0.1): There is significant excitement and anticipation for the sequel, Hades 2. Many players express eagerness to play it, with some even planning to purchase it immediately upon release or having already done so. - Worth Full Price (weight 0.08): Many reviewers assert that the game is worth its full price, with some even recommending purchasing it on multiple platforms. They emphasize its value, stating it's worth every penny and that waiting for a sale is unnecessary. - Praise for Supergiant Games (weight 0): Reviewers express gratitude and admiration for Supergiant Games, recognizing them as a benchmark studio. This indicates strong developer loyalty and appreciation for their work. Other player notes: - Highly Polished & Addictive Gameplay (weight 0.05): Players consistently praise the game's exceptional polish, lack of significant bugs, and addictive nature, leading to hundreds of hours of gameplay and high replayability. Many initially skeptical players became deeply engrossed. - Engaging Narrative & Characters (weight 0.05): The game features a compelling, gradually unfolding story rich with well-written, humorous characters and extensive, dynamic dialogue. The character development and interactions are frequently highlighted as a major strength. - Stunning Art & Voice Acting (weight 0.04): The game's art style, character designs, and overall visual direction are consistently lauded as beautiful and impressive. This is complemented by top-tier voice acting for all characters, enhancing the immersive experience. - Accessible Roguelike Experience (weight 0.02): Many players, including those new to or previously averse to the roguelike genre, found this game to be an enjoyable and accessible entry point. It successfully integrates a strong narrative into the roguelike loop, which is uncommon for the genre. - Anticipation for Hades II (weight 0.02): Many players express excitement and anticipation for the sequel, Hades II, often purchasing the first game to prepare or understand its backstory. This indicates strong brand loyalty and interest in the franchise's future. - Broad Appeal & Value (weight 0.02): The game is considered suitable for a wide range of players, from kids to adults, and is often seen as excellent value, especially when on sale. Its suitability for portable devices like the Steam Deck is also noted. - Exceptional Soundtrack (weight 0.01): The game's soundtrack is consistently praised for its quality, with energetic combat music and atmospheric calmer tunes. It significantly enhances the game's mood and overall experience. - Supergiant Games' Quality (weight 0.01): Players frequently commend Supergiant Games for their consistent quality, recognizing the studio's growth and their mindful approach to game development, particularly in narrative and artistic direction. - Compact Game Size (weight 0.01): The game is noted for its relatively small file size, which is appreciated by players as 'old fashioned' and manageable. Emotions: - Satisfaction (weight 0.35): Players feel satisfied by the game's high overall quality, including its refined gameplay, engaging story, and character development. The continuous progression, even after death, and the high replayability with varied runs and builds contribute significantly to this feeling. Achieving milestones like platinum trophies or overcoming challenges also provides a deep sense of accomplishment. - Excitement (weight 0.15): Excitement stems from the game's frenetic, crisp, and satisfying combat, which often leads to addiction. The anticipation for new content, especially Hades 2, and the thrill of discovering intricate builds and new dialogues keep players eagerly engaged. Overcoming difficult bosses and experiencing the game's dynamic battles also generates a strong sense of exhilaration. - Admiration (weight 0.08): Admiration is primarily driven by the game's exceptional artistic direction, including its stunning visuals, magnificent animation, and captivating soundtrack. The masterful integration of narrative with roguelike gameplay, well-written characters, and impressive voice acting showcase the developers' incredible care and attention to detail, leading players to consider it a masterpiece. - Enjoyment (weight 0.05): Players find enjoyment in the game's fun and addictive gameplay loop, which offers unique builds and dynamic characters. The engaging story, character development, and the ability to improve runs and understand game mechanics contribute to a consistently entertaining experience. Even the challenge and the process of learning from losses are often cited as enjoyable aspects. - Joy (weight 0.05): Joy is experienced through the game's charming characters, humor, and engaging aspects like petting Cerberus. The fun and replayability, along with the beautiful soundtrack and heartwarming story, contribute to a deeply positive emotional experience. Discovering hidden references and reuniting characters also brings moments of pure delight. - Frustration (weight 0.05): Frustration arises from elements such as the late-game grind, repetitive losses, and unbalanced weapons or RNG-dependent runs. Players also express annoyance with tedious story unlocks, visual clutter in large fights, and specific difficult boss mechanics. Issues like poor communication regarding companions or an underwhelming epilogue can also lead to disappointment. - Engagement (weight 0.03): Players are deeply engaged by the game's evolving story, dynamic character relationships, and captivating interactions. The addictive gameplay loop, diverse playstyles, and continuous discovery of new plotlines keep players hooked for extended periods. The challenge and the desire to unlock everything also contribute to a strong sense of immersion and sustained interest. - Appreciation (weight 0.03): Appreciation is felt for the developers' passion and effort, evident in the game's overall quality, attention to detail, and innovative design. The seamless integration of Greek mythology, stunning visuals, and excellent voice acting are highly valued. Players also appreciate the game's accessibility features and its ability to provide great value for its price. - Surprise (weight 0.03): Surprise often comes from players unexpectedly enjoying the game, especially if they typically dislike roguelike or action genres. The game's unexpected depth, rich narrative, and continuous discovery of new dialogue after many hours also contribute to this feeling. Its strong performance on lower-end hardware can also be a pleasant surprise. - Disappointment (weight 0.03): Disappointment stems from aspects like poor translations, underdeveloped upgrade systems, or a perceived lack of meaningful death. Players also express dissatisfaction with high repetitiveness, grindy post-endgame content, and an underwhelming epilogue. Unbalanced mechanics, limited character interaction, or the game not living up to hype can also lead to this emotion. - Addiction (weight 0.02): Addiction is caused by the game's compelling gameplay loop and high replayability, leading to a strong desire for 'just one more run.' The engaging progression system, captivating story, and diverse power-ups make it hard for players to stop playing. Many describe losing track of time and prioritizing the game over other activities. - Love (weight 0.01): Love for the game is expressed due to its exceptional overall quality, including its engaging gameplay, compelling story, and beautiful presentation. Players deeply connect with the characters, art style, and sound design. The game's constant freshness and profound impact on players' gaming experiences also foster a strong emotional attachment. - Amusement (weight 0.01): Amusement arises from the game's charming character interactions, humorous dialogues, and witty writing. Players find humor in self-deprecating statements about their failures, exaggerated descriptions of gameplay, and relatable character dynamics. The narrative setup of dying and being berated by the father also provides comedic relief. - Relief (weight 0.01): Relief is experienced when the game proves to be beginner-friendly and mitigates the rage often associated with losing in roguelikes. The accessibility options, particularly 'God Mode,' and the realization that death isn't punishing but rather a form of progress, alleviate stress. Finding a roguelike that addresses common genre frustrations also brings a sense of ease. - Awe (weight 0.01): Awe is inspired by the game's perceived perfection, often exceeding players' expectations. The stunning and unique visuals, impeccable sound design, and the continuous discovery of new dialogue even after hundreds of hours contribute to a sense of wonder. Many consider it a pinnacle of its genre and a definitive lesson in game development. - Anticipation (weight 0): Anticipation is primarily driven by the upcoming sequel, Hades 2, with players eagerly looking forward to its release. The desire to unlock more content in future runs, progress the story, and explore new abilities and weapons also fuels this forward-looking emotion. - Boredom (weight 0): Boredom can set in due to repetitive gameplay after many hours, especially when enemies grow stale or the game loses its challenge. The lack of new dialogue after completing main story arcs and unchanging dungeon layouts can also contribute to a feeling of monotony. - Gratitude (weight 0): Gratitude is expressed towards friends who gifted the game or the developers for their attention to detail and the game's quality. Players also feel thankful for the game's positive impact on their lives, such as relieving stress or reigniting their passion for gaming. - Humor (weight 0): Humor is generated by the game's witty writing, exaggerated statements, and meme-like references. Players find amusement in hyperbolic self-deprecating comments, unexpected character interactions, and the game's ability to make light of intense situations or personal struggles. - Confusion (weight 0): Confusion arises from initial difficulties in understanding game mechanics or the fragmented plot details. Visual clarity issues due to the art style or dialogues appearing out of order can also contribute to this feeling. Some players also express bewilderment regarding overwhelming positive reviews or perceived character motivations.}