What do you get when you mix Greek mythology with a rogue-like game? You get one of the best games of 2020. Hades is downright fantastic. Not only is this game one of the best indie games I have played in a long time, but Hades is one of the best games I have played this whole year. When I first saw this game announced for the Nintendo Switch, I knew that it would consume my life, and it did. Me, being the sucker for rogue-likes that I am, was very much looking forward to this game. So. much so that I downloaded Ori and the Will of the Wisp but I have not even touched it because of how much I have been playing Hades. Let me tell you why I am hooked on Hades.
Hades does something that not a lot of rogue-likes do, and that’s how it Hades portrays its story. You play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, in a journey that’s about discovery. Throughout your journey, you will come across some of the most recognized Greek characters and they all have their personalities. I couldn’t believe how much I cared about the characters in a game where you will be talking to them over and over again. Each character has its own back story and they all feel fleshed out in a way I was not expecting. The first time I beat one of the Furies I thought I would just go back to hearing the same dialogue I have been hearing for the past ten times but I was surprised at her reaction to defeat. The interactions amongst characters make your trip through the underworld quite an enjoyable ride. But the relationships and conversations that you come across on this game are a very small part of what makes Hades exceptional.
In this dungeon rogue-like crawler you will be challenged, but amid the challenge and chaos, you will be treated to some smooth as butter gameplay. As I mentioned earlier, I am playing Hades on my Nintendo Switch and everything ran smoothly. Each weapon that you unlock handles differently. From bows, swords, and guns, Hades has a bit of everything for everyone. I loved experimenting with each weapon until I found one that fit my play style. Even after I found the weapon I liked I would go back to another weapon to challenge myself. Killing underworld fiends has never been more fun. In your journey through the underworld, you will also receive the help of the Greek gods and this comes as temporary power-ups. I loved experimenting with these. From Zeus’s lighting to Poseidon’s water shot, these powers make each run feel unique.
Hades came as a big surprise. In a year where my Nintendo Switch has been collecting a lot of dust, Hades came and gave me a reason to pick it up daily. From its animesque art style to its fluid gameplay, Hades grabs you and does not let go. I have become obsessed with this game. If I’m not playing Hades, I am talking about Hades with my brother and coworkers. Just like Celeste was in the conversation for Game of the Year back in 2018, Hades deserves to be in that same conversation in 2020.