Hades

96%
Game Brain Score Based on 115,300 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • music
Hades Game Cover
The 2020 game of the year Hades just got a PS5 release and it's still amazing with a bonus touch of a next-gen graphics and haptics!
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"Hades" is a single-player fantasy hack and slash game with an intriguing story, exceptional gameplay, good visuals, and delightful music. As the immortal Prince of the Underworld, players battle out of hell using mythic weapons and the powers of Olympian gods, with plenty of replayability and unique character builds to discover. The game features a fully-voiced cast of colorful characters, creating a dense and emotionally engaging atmosphere.

  • iPad
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  • Mac OS
  • Nintendo Switch
  • PC
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  • Play​station 4
  • Play​station 5
  • Windows
  • Xbox One
  • Xbox Series X|S
  • Cloud
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Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 115,300 reviews
story14,160 positive mentions
grinding1,346 negative mentions
  • story27,033 mentions

    The story of "Hades" is widely praised for its engaging narrative and character development, seamlessly woven into the gameplay mechanics of a roguelike. Players appreciate how each death contributes to story progression, allowing for a rich exploration of Greek mythology and the relationships between characters, particularly the protagonist Zagreus and his family. While some find the story's pacing slow and the need for multiple runs to fully unlock it somewhat tedious, the overall consensus is that the storytelling, voice acting, and art direction elevate the game to a masterpiece level, making it a must-play for fans of both action and narrative-driven experiences.

    • “The story is (surprisingly) so gripping and isn't as repetitive as you'd think from a game where you clear similar rooms each run.”
    • “The story keeps you intrigued and the different paths you receive keep the game fresh and fun.”
    • “The unique art style, engaging gameplay, and a story that unfolds with each run make this game a masterpiece.”
    • “The story progresses in the worst way possible for a rogue.”
    • “The pacing for unlocking things in general, but especially the main story, is just too slow.”
    • “The grind does not really feel grindy since its so well-interwoven into the story/lore and progress.”
  • gameplay19,930 mentions

    The gameplay of Hades is widely praised for its fluidity, responsiveness, and engaging mechanics, making it a standout in the roguelike genre. Players appreciate the variety of weapons and boons that allow for unique builds and strategies in each run, while the integration of story elements into the gameplay loop keeps the experience fresh and compelling. Despite some criticism regarding repetitiveness and grind, the overall consensus is that the gameplay is addictive and rewarding, complemented by stunning visuals and a captivating narrative.

    • “The gameplay loop and the controls are as smooth as they need to be.”
    • “It is the ultimate fusion of amazing gameplay and a great story.”
    • “The gameplay is super satisfying - highly responsive, varied and very fun and rewarding.”
    • “The gameplay loop can be repetitive and downright tedious.”
    • “The gameplay is horrible.”
    • “The gameplay is extremely dull and boring with little to no strategy or depth other than clicking on an enemy 'til they're dead.”
  • music13,174 mentions

    The music in "Hades" has received widespread acclaim for its exceptional quality and ability to enhance the gameplay experience. Composed by Darren Korb, the soundtrack features a mix of energetic battle themes and emotional melodies that perfectly complement the game's narrative and atmosphere, making it memorable and engaging. Players often highlight the music's role in creating an immersive experience, with many expressing a desire to listen to the soundtrack outside of the game itself.

    • “The soundtrack is excellent and so is the writing for the characters within the setting.”
    • “The music is so good that I catch myself listening to it even when I'm not playing.”
    • “The music, the gameplay, the story, everything about this game is top notch.”
    • “Actually the soundtrack is the worst part but you can just mute it and put on some Drake.”
    • “For all the praise I have for this game, I am not attached to the music, unlike the rest of the game.”
    • “One point is deducted for the latter heat challenges being punishing and the music not clicking with me.”
  • graphics9,605 mentions

    The graphics of "Hades" have received widespread acclaim for their stunning, hand-drawn art style that beautifully captures the essence of Greek mythology. Reviewers highlight the vibrant colors, intricate character designs, and fluid animations, which contribute to an immersive gameplay experience. The combination of exceptional visuals, a captivating soundtrack, and engaging storytelling creates a visually appealing and emotionally resonant atmosphere that keeps players coming back for more.

    • “The artwork for the characters and environments is stunning!”
    • “Stunning graphics and art design, consistent all the way through, with gorgeous character design and so many lovely settings.”
    • “The graphics are beautiful, the character art stunning, I like the random levels they feel unique each time, and the story is compelling and consistent and partners very well with the lore and meta of the game.”
    • “The graphics are like super-duper awesome and shit, and the story is like a wild adventure with gods and stuff.”
    • “The graphics are very well done; frame-rate and polish is smooth.”
    • “The graphics, sound design, gameplay, voice acting, lore, weapons, boss fights, dating sim-esque character storyline progressions are all a+.”
  • replayability4,328 mentions

    Hades is widely praised for its exceptional replayability, with players highlighting the variety of weapon choices, boons, and difficulty modifiers that keep each run fresh and engaging. The game's design encourages experimentation and exploration, making it easy to return for "just one more run." Many reviewers note that even after completing the main story, the game continues to offer new content and challenges, ensuring a high level of replay value.

    • “The variety of weapon abilities and boons make for an insane replay value.”
    • “A nearly perfect and almost infinitely replayable roguelite that brings me back again and again.”
    • “The replayability is wonderful, the gameplay is top-notch, and the character design, the music, literally every element is perfect.”
    • “Still a good game but has no replay value compared to Risk, Binding, or Gungeon.”
    • “The replayability of this game knows no bounds, since it always never fails to bore me since, it isn't all that repetitive.”
    • “The gameplay feels incredibly smooth, and the game has a ton of replayability.”
  • grinding1,457 mentions

    The grinding aspect of "Hades" has received mixed feedback from players. Many appreciate the game's ability to weave grinding into the narrative, making each run feel rewarding despite the repetitive nature of the gameplay. However, some players find the grind tedious, especially in the late game, where unlocking certain upgrades and completing the story can require extensive farming and repetition. Overall, while the grinding is integral to the experience, it can become overwhelming for those who prefer a more streamlined progression.

    • “Boss fights are hard and require a lot of focus, but they are not tedious at all; on the contrary, they're very engaging.”
    • “The mechanics of restarting the whole escape from hell are not tedious at all since you get to interact with so many characters when you're back at the House of Hades.”
    • “Insane replayability, not too grindy, and it feels very satisfying.”
    • “Just found it too grindy with too many HP sponge enemies/bosses; all the runs feel the same and I quit before the 'lategame'.”
    • “The story is not that exciting to successfully masquerade the grind for me, and Hades became just a tedious bore for me when the patterns became clear.”
    • “The grinding for incremental upgrades reminds me a lot of Rogue Legacy, which I ended up hating as well.”
  • humor1,309 mentions

    The humor in "Hades" is widely praised for its clever writing, witty dialogue, and engaging character interactions, which often blend lightheartedness with deeper emotional themes. Players appreciate the game's ability to make them laugh through humorous quips from characters, especially during moments of failure, and the unique take on Greek mythology adds an entertaining twist. Overall, the humor enhances the gameplay experience, making it both enjoyable and memorable.

    • “The de-motivationals that usually play at the start of each run are hilarious (basically Hades' musings on how you will fail, or why everything sucks).”
    • “The characters really feel like people and there's so much interaction with so many likable and funny characters.”
    • “The humor, dialogue, gameplay styles, and customization among so many other aspects are all perfect.”
    • “Making fun of damaged people because you can is not funny.”
  • character development996 mentions

    Character development in "Hades" is widely praised for its depth and integration into gameplay, with players noting that each run reveals new storylines and character interactions, making every death feel meaningful. The character designs are described as stunning and unique, contributing to the game's vibrant aesthetic and emotional engagement. Overall, the combination of rich storytelling, well-crafted character arcs, and dynamic dialogue enhances the player's investment in the narrative and characters, setting a new standard for character development in the roguelike genre.

    • “The character designs are a true testament to the developer's commitment to their craft, each figure bearing a unique personality and depth that rivals the most compelling characters in literature.”
    • “The character development and relationships are expertly crafted and make for an emotionally engaging experience.”
    • “The character development is thoughtful.”
    • “The character development is rushed, and Zagreus's motives for doing certain things within the story aren't warranted.”
    • “Despite having a simple format, the gameplay, character design, voice acting and game dynamics make this truly a great experience that really doesn't get old.”
    • “The character development and relationships are palpable, but some character designs were fugly, yet they all suited what had been built.”
  • atmosphere611 mentions

    The atmosphere in "Hades" is widely praised for its stunning art design, immersive soundtracks, and engaging storytelling, which together create a rich and captivating experience. Players appreciate the dynamic blend of humor and seriousness, alongside well-developed characters and voice acting that enhance the overall mood. The game's ability to intertwine gameplay with a vibrant, atmospheric world rooted in Greek mythology is frequently highlighted as a standout feature, making it a compelling title for both roguelike enthusiasts and newcomers alike.

    • “The atmosphere is amazing, the art is top notch, and the characters draw you in.”
    • “The music, atmosphere, voice acting, gameplay, it is all fantastic.”
    • “The atmosphere, the story, the music, the gameplay - somehow everything is perfect.”
    • “Interesting concept (you basically have to die a lot until you get stronger enough to be able to escape), but the cliché rebellious spoiled 'teen' kind of vibe/atmosphere ruin it for me.”
    • “While the music fits the atmosphere well, it's not really my type, so I'd say it works well for the game.”
    • “The overall atmosphere of the game is dark and moody, and I found myself completely immersed in the world of the Greek gods.”
  • emotional568 mentions

    The emotional aspect of "Hades" is widely praised for its heartfelt storytelling, rich character development, and the ability to evoke a range of feelings, from laughter to tears. Players express deep emotional connections with the characters, particularly the protagonist Zagreus, as they navigate themes of family, love, and personal growth amidst the backdrop of Greek mythology. The game's clever writing, superb voice acting, and beautiful music further enhance its emotional impact, making it a standout experience in the roguelike genre.

    • “I have enjoyed every moment of this game. I have loved it as a story, a game, an escape, a space to be and feel accepted in a way I haven't felt in a game ever. Hades has helped me through so much mental and emotional pain/distress, and continues to. I love it in a way I can't fully articulate, but it holds a place that nothing else has managed to come close to.”
    • “The story is simple yet heartwarming. It manages both humor and heartfelt moments to such a high degree of quality.”
    • “The characters are richly developed, forging emotional connections with players. The writing is sharp, witty, and emotionally resonant, making every interaction a joy to experience.”
    • “A boring story with repetitive combat makes for an experience that I wish I hadn't wasted my time and money on.”
    • “Boring story, but fun gameplay and infinite replayability.”
  • optimization312 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game has received overwhelmingly positive feedback, with many players noting that it runs smoothly even on lower-end systems. Most users report no significant performance issues, such as stuttering or crashes, and commend the game's ability to maintain high frame rates during intense action sequences. However, a few players have experienced minor stuttering or performance drops in specific scenarios, but these instances are generally considered exceptions rather than the norm.

    • “The gameplay is so satisfying and the best thing is that you don't even need a high-end PC/laptop to run this game because it is so well optimized.”
    • “What a great game, very well optimized with a ton of options for builds and interesting progression.”
    • “The game runs really well; I haven't encountered any performance issues or bugs.”
    • “Poorly optimized junk, tired of losing runs to the game dropping inputs during slowdown.”
    • “My biggest complaint is the voice acting, with the game being anchored by a rather listless performance and one of several dodgy British accents.”
    • “My only real critique is the fact that the game isn't optimized well in several specific fights and slows down the game from a smooth 120+ fps to a grinding laggy mess.”
  • stability107 mentions

    Overall, the stability of the game is generally praised, with many users reporting a smooth and bug-free experience across various platforms, including Mac and Steam Deck. However, some players have encountered occasional glitches, freezes, or minor bugs, particularly on MacOS, indicating that while the game is mostly stable, there are still some performance issues that need addressing. Despite these concerns, the majority of reviews highlight the game's polished performance and engaging gameplay.

    • “Everything about this game is amazing, be it the art, the music, the voice acting, even the gameplay itself is smooth and runs great.”
    • “Additionally, while I can only speak for my own experience here, the game has been incredibly stable; I have had virtually no glitches or bugs during my time with the game.”
    • “The game runs smooth on 120+ fps without hiccups, very stable and almost bug free.”
    • “The game itself is a big terrarium for bugs/glitches.”
    • “But, holy shit if my controller disconnects ever, during a game, it freezes for a whole minute, sometimes even crashing the whole game when trying to reconnect it.”
    • “One complaint that I have and it's happening more recently is the game freezes and there's no fix.”
  • monetization54 mentions

    The monetization aspect of the game is highly praised, with users appreciating the absence of microtransactions, DLC, and ads, which they feel detracts from the gaming experience. Many reviewers highlight the game's completeness and focus on pure gameplay, contrasting it with the prevalent cash grab mentality in the industry. Overall, the game is celebrated as a refreshing departure from the norm, emphasizing enjoyment and integrity over profit-driven practices.

    • “No microtransactions, just perfect gameplay, perfect storytelling, and perfect music.”
    • “In an era filled with lazy half-assed games, microtransactions, and excessive DLC, Hades is an absolute breath of fresh air.”
    • “No microtransactions, no bullshit, just a great solid game!”
    • “I will continue to support fantastic complete games from small studios, then give my money to big studios that constantly squeeze every dime from consumers with shameless monetization and corporate greed.”
    • “So many modern game companies seem to have this mindset of trying to milk an audience for everything they can with endless DLCs and microtransactions and up-selling, to the point where it seems like games aren't designed to be possible to complete.”
    • “It feels like this was set up with a free-to-play economy in mind of purchasable gems, but without actually going the full mile with microtransactions; so we just have a long tedious grind.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

94% average critic score

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Play time

37hMedian play time
55hAverage play time
23hMain story
95hCompletionist
13-90hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 886 analyzed playthroughs

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