Nothing better describes the new game "Hades" than attempting a nearly impossible task repeatedly knowing that one will most likely end up where they started. That is what makes it a joy to play.

In the game, players take on the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades. While trying to break out of the underworld, Zagreus is also known as the Greek god of death. Along the way, players gain the aid of Greek Olympians and other pillars of Greek mythology. The game also has players fighting a star-studded rogues gallery of mythical monsters in their quest to escape.

"Hades" is an action rogue-like game with varying weapons and play styles. From short to long-range and combinations of the two, there are a lot of options

However, being a roguelike means that when you die, you start over from the beginning. Certain items, however, do respawn with the character to make the next attempt smoother. The narrative develops with each of the players trying to push them to say "just one more run."

The game can also lead players into frustration when all they want to do is get to the end. Once players reach “the end,” there is a certain number of times they have to finish the game in order to get a full ending.

Finishing the game is not the end, as the post-game offers plenty for those looking for extra challenges. After the main story has ended, there is plenty to do, from upgrading weapons to filling out the game's journal entries. 

"Harrowing" is one word for the soundtrack as it takes instruments like the harp and reed pipes that would be associated with ancient Greece and puts some modern twists on them. For example, the musical instruments replicate heavy base and bluegrass guitar coupled with a synthesizer for a magical, yet eerie effect. It gives the feeling of a world much larger than the player or the hero. The creator, SuperGiant games, has a reputation when it comes to sound design.

The studio SuperGiant is most well known for its 2011 game "Bastion," which launched the studio that only had a group of artists and developers working out of a family home. The studio would then go on to release the games "Transistor" and "Pyer."

While "Hades" isn't the studio's first game, it is their first title to be released into early access, or where players can buy and play the game while the studio is still working on it. Early access allowed the studio to receive feedback from players and to polish the game and gain a steady stream of playtesting.

"Hades" first launched in early access on December 2018 with its full launch in September 2020.

“Hades” is available on Steam and Nintendo Switch. The game has already sold more than a million copies and sits at a very positive rating on Steam. 

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