TESTED GAMESailure is an important part
of Hades, where each
run has a random layout
of enemies and death sends you
right back to the beginning. That
might sound like a turn-off for
those who prefer a story over
a challenge, but this roguelite is
easier to forgive than most.
The fast and tight combat feels
terrific as you hack and slash your
way out of the ancient Greek
underworld. Clearing each room
of enemies grants items or gifts
from the gods, allowing you to
unleash even more destruction.
Thanks to the random factor, plus
a range of paths and rewards to
choose from, each run plays out
differently to the last.
And most crucially, Supergiant
Games has been careful to ensure
defeat doesn’t completely strip
you of progress. You might have
to start at the beginning again
but you’ll unlock new weapons,
while collectibles can be used
on upgrades to make your life
a bit easier on the next run. Best
of all is the option to toggle ona ‘god mode’, which gradually
reduces your overall damage
while ensuring the experience
still isn’t a cakewalk.
It’s a delight discovering each
weapon’s quirks and much elation
comes from defeating a previously
impossible boss. Even if you’re
lucky enough to reach the end
early on, which is possible with
the right skills in about 40 minutes,
you’ll have only just scratched the
surface. There’s still an intoxicating
number of upgrades and playing
styles to uncover, not to mentionmore of a colourful cast who won’t
cross your path until later runs.
Just when you think you’ve seen
all Hades has to offer, a new tweak
takes you out of your comfort
zone while also expanding your
options. It quickly becomes very
addictive, tempting you back in
for another go just to see what
this weapon or that upgrade can
do, or what you’ll find in the next
room. Even if you’ll have to face
numerous setbacks, few games
make you feel so godly.
Alan WenSTUFF SAYS A treat even if you don’t like roguelites... and if you do, it’s the best there is +++++
Hades
True to its ominous name, this is a hellishly tough underworld action ‘roguelite’ from
one of modern gaming’s most original developers... yet it’s absolutely heavenly to playPC, Switch / stuff.tv/Hades
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