Hades’ plot exploits the ancient, but not forgotten myths of ancient Greece. And it does it very well
Hades somehow got lost among the major announcements at The Game Awards 2018. In addition, gamers looked at the project with disbelief, because the game was released in early access, which rarely offers something good. Yet Hades is not made by graduates of the school of computer science from Vasilkov, but by Supergiant Games, the creators of Bastion and Pyre. The developers have already shown what their imagination is capable of in past projects, so in their case the beta test can become a mere formality.
The Divine Comedy
Hades / Photo: НВ
Hades’ plot exploits the ancient, but not forgotten myths of ancient Greece. The main character’s name is Zagreus and it just so happens that he is the son of Hades, the god of the underworld. Connoisseurs of Greek mythology will immediately notice the inconsistency, but the scriptwriters will explain this as the game progresses. Young Zagreus is tired of living in the kingdom of the dead and he decides to get out of it, but the path will not be easy.
Dead souls roam behind the walls of the castle of Hades, who are aggressively disposed even against members of the divine family. So Zagreus will have to fight his way up with the sword. The closer the hero gets to Olympus, the more he learns about his true origin and the secrets that his father hides.
Hades / Photo: НВ
The Hades story is told through dialogue and the narrator’s voiceover. The developers did not have the budget for animation for each character, so players will be looking at static but stylish portraits. They also decided to make the environment in a hand-drawn style that would perfectly suit a DC or Marvel comic book. With the visuals Supergiant Games, as always, got it right.
The characters are even more pleasing. In addition to Hades and Zagreus himself, other mythical heroes and monsters live in the palace. For example, the house is cleaned by little Medusa Gorgon, and the role of the butler is played by Hypnos. Households react differently to the main character and are always ready to chat with him. Hades turned out to be especially chatty, who constantly reproaches his son for trying to get out of the kingdom of the dead.
The plot, graphics and characters create a kind of “divine comedy” feeling. Despite the gloomy atmosphere, the characters find a reason to joke, but outside the castle, the environment directly screams about its hostility. It turns out such a contrast between intense battles and the calm atmosphere of the Hades estate, where you can relax after fighting monsters. By the way about them.
To battle
Hades / Photo: НВ
Hades belongs to the roguelike genre or, as gamers call it, “roguelike”. Its main feature is the random generation of the environment and the overestimated complexity. After each death, the character loses the accumulated skills and part of the resources, and the situation changes. So during the next race, monsters, traps and the level itself will be different.
During battles, Zagreus can use not only a sword, but also a spear, battle shield and bow. Each weapon behaves differently and forces the player to change tactics of battle. For example, the spear is great for mid-range combat and crowd control. The main character knows how to throw it at enemies and inflict damage at a distance. So the player can get rid of small monsters first before attacking a large opponent.
Hades / Photo: НВ
On the contrary, the shield is suitable for players who like to go to the break and fight as aggressively as possible. This weapon is intended for close combat and does more damage, although it increases the chance of more often grabbing from enemies.
I liked the bow least of all, and this is the first disadvantage that the developers should fix. The problem is that although it allows you to attack from a distance, it does so too slowly. As a result, more than two opponents on the battlefield become a real threat. In addition, the damage does not allow you to kill with one hit, so now the bow is the most useless weapon in the game.
Hades / Photo: НВ
While Hades will interfere with the main character in every possible way, the other gods, on the contrary, will try to help. In some rooms, Zagreus will find gifts that make him stronger. Aphrodite can endow the hero with an energy shield that will activate when dodging. Ares ‘Gift will allow you to deal more damage to enemies with a special attack, and Zeus will give Zagreus’ weapon the power of lightning. From each god, the hero can take only one gift, but also replace it with another, if the opportunity arises.
Additional abilities should be chosen wisely, because they are better suited to a particular playstyle and weapon. For example, if you play with a shield, then it is advisable to pump damage and evasion in order to quickly fly into the epicenter of the battle and leave it without damage.
Unfriendly neighbors
Hades / Photo: НВ
An approach must also be sought for the inhabitants of the dungeon, who will try to stop Zagreus from climbing Olympus. Each monster has its own attack strategy to learn. The same strongmen with clubs are slow, but if they hit, it will be very painful. There are also small enemies who place mines. They are quite easy to kill, but it is worth watching the location of the bombs, because at some point the hero may be trapped and blown up.
There are also reward chests on the levels, which will have to be fought for. Opening the box, Zagreus summons enemies who protect valuable contents, and while the main character is fighting monsters, the resource is gradually depleted. It turns out that the faster you defeat enemies, the more resources you will get. The idea is cool, but in reality you hardly want to touch these chests, simply because it is not worth it: the hero will either be killed or he will be left with little value.
Hades / Photo: НВ
In addition to ordinary enemies, Zagreus will be hindered by bosses, which are distinguished by high health, strong armor and powerful attacks. They also have their own combat strategy, but before you memorize it, you have time to die a couple of times.
Life after death
Hades / Photo: НВ
After dying, Zagreus goes back to the castle of Hades, where he can communicate with the locals, choose another weapon and improve his skills. In the room of the protagonist there is a mirror that allows you to pump and unlock skills for a special currency, which Zagrey will receive after going through the dungeon rooms. The main character will be able to improve attacks with a certain type of weapon, learn new techniques, and even improve his survivability.
Hades / Photo: НВ
Skills should be pumped based on your own passing style, but the developers have left enough room for experimentation. At any time, the player can redistribute “experience points”, improving other skills. This allows you not to get stuck on one weapon or fighting style, and constantly experiment.
Hades / Photo: НВ
You can also improve your character using artifacts. If you give ambrosia to one of the characters, then in return you can get a thing useful in battle. For example, +20 health or gold preservation after death.
Hades – HB Verdict
Hades is a great example of how “beta” status means little. Now the incompleteness of the game gives only the absence of some bosses, weapons and so-so optimization. Otherwise, there is everything for fans of the genre: challenges, an interesting combat system and great replay value. To call Hades a masterpiece, you have to wait for the final release, and now the game can be put 8.5 out of 10.
