Hades

The overwhelming majority of critics praise Hades’ story as a masterful blend of narrative depth, character development, and gameplay integration. Reviewers consistently highlight its ability to evolve through player interactions, with Game Revolution noting that the tale “pushes the player towards multiple completions,” while GameMAG emphasizes how the protagonist’s cycle of death and rebirth creates a “compelling story arc.” The game’s rich mythological foundation is another standout, with Vandal (PC) and ZTGD (PS5) praising its authentic Greek mythology elements and the exploration of Zagreus’ lineage. Critics like GameSkinny and Eurogamer Italy commend the emotional resonance of Zagreus’ quest, particularly his bond with characters and the “personal quest” for freedom from an abusive father. The narrative’s interactivity is also lauded, as seen in PC Gamer’s observation that every run reveals new layers, while Shacknews calls it “one of the most story-rich roguelikes.” Themes of family, rebellion, and perseverance—echoed by The Games Machine (PS5) and RPG Site—are woven seamlessly into gameplay, creating a cohesive and immersive experience. While most reviews celebrate Hades’ storytelling, a few critics note minor shortcomings. GameCrate describes the narrative as “passable,” criticizing its reliance on randomness in character interactions and plot progression, while XGN’s review (Xbox Series X) offers a more neutral take, focusing on how the story “adds depth to gameplay” without delving into its nuances. These critiques are sparse compared to the widespread acclaim, suggesting that any flaws are overshadowed by the game’s strengths. Additionally, some reviewers, like GameCrate and XGN, imply that the story’s complexity might not fully resonate with all players, but such concerns are rarely framed as deal-breakers. The consensus remains that Hades’ narrative is a triumph, with its flaws being negligible in the context of its broader achievements. The overall consensus among critics is unequivocal: Hades’ story is a masterpiece that redefines storytelling in roguelike games. Critics like GameSpot and We Got This Covered emphasize how the narrative “unfolds through interactions” with gods and characters, creating a dynamic and engaging experience. The game’s ability to balance mythological depth with emotional stakes—such as Zagreus’ quest for familial reconciliation (as noted by NintendoWorldReport and Merlin’in Kazanı) —cements its status as a standout title. Even reviewers who acknowledge minor issues, like GameCrate, concede that the story’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses. With its intricate character arcs, evolving dialogue, and seamless integration of gameplay and plot, Hades has set a new benchmark for narrative-driven gaming, earning universal acclaim as a modern classic.

The gameplay of Hades is universally praised as a masterful blend of roguelike mechanics and dynamic action, with critics highlighting its engaging loop of challenge, progression, and variety. Reviewers consistently laud its procedural generation, which ensures each run feels fresh, while the combination of diverse weapons, divine boons, and strategic upgrades allows for endless experimentation. GamingTrend describes it as a “mesh of isometric and rogue-like action,” emphasizing its challenging yet rewarding nature, while Nintendojo praises the uniqueness of weapons and the impact of fated choices. TheSixthAxis and Press Start Australia note the fluidity of combat and the ability to craft distinct builds, with the latter highlighting how “each run provides resources and experience.” Vandal calls it “addictive and enjoyable,” and Hobby Consolas applauds its “robust action gameplay loop” that keeps players motivated. The game’s emphasis on risk and reward, as noted by BaziCenter and GamingBolt, further cements its appeal, with critics like God is a Geek (PS5) praising the “millimeter-perfect” combat and responsive controls. While the majority of reviews are overwhelmingly positive, there are no significant criticisms mentioned in the provided opinions. The critiques focus solely on the game’s strengths, with none pointing to flaws or drawbacks. However, some reviewers might infer that the high difficulty and reliance on repetition could be daunting for newcomers, though this is not explicitly stated here. For instance, XboxAddict notes the need to “adapt strategies for different enemies,” which could imply a learning curve, but even this is framed as a positive aspect of the game’s depth. The absence of negative feedback in these reviews underscores the near-unanimous acclaim for Hades’ gameplay design. The overall consensus among critics is that Hades represents a masterpiece of roguelike action gaming, with its seamless integration of procedural generation, combat variety, and progression systems earning widespread admiration. Every reviewer emphasizes how the game’s mechanics encourage replayability and strategic thinking, with IGN Japan calling it “addictive and well-integrated with the story,” and GameMAG comparing its roguelike structure to Bloodborne in terms of depth and customization. The game’s ability to balance randomness with player agency—highlighted by PlayStation LifeStyle as a “healthy balance between randomness and choice”—further solidifies its status as a standout title. Critics like CGMagazine, who call the gameplay loop “the best I’ve ever experienced,” and Digital Chumps (PS5), who note the “strong emphasis on player skill,” collectively affirm that Hades sets a new benchmark for action roguelites, offering an experience that is both challenging and deeply rewarding.

The majority of critics laud Hades’ graphics and visual design as a masterful achievement, celebrating its distinctive art style and meticulous attention to detail. Many reviewers highlight the game’s hand-drawn aesthetic, which blends vibrant colors, dynamic character designs, and richly crafted environments. For instance, Critical Hit emphasizes the “hand-crafted” nature of the character art, while RPGamer praises its “stylish graphics with distinct character designs and colorful effects.” The comic-book-inspired visuals are frequently cited as a standout feature, with Riot Pixels noting the “vibrant comic book art style” that contrasts beautifully with the game’s dark themes. Xbox Tavern and Multiplayer.it commend the “unique art style reminiscent of a graphic novel” and “richly detailed environments,” respectively, while Digital Chumps and GameStar highlight the “daydream visual palette” and “smooth animations” that enhance immersion. The game’s ability to modernize Greek mythology through its visuals is also praised, with PC Invasion describing its art design as “gorgeous” and TheGamer calling it a “feast for the eyes.” While the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, some critics note minor drawbacks. Cubed3 observes that the graphics “resemble older PS2 or PC Games,” though they acknowledge this as a “minor issue.” Similarly, Multiplayer.it mentions slight graphical compromises in docked mode on the Nintendo Switch, and Attack of the Fanboy points to performance hiccups on the platform. Finger Guns critiques enemy designs as “less interesting” compared to characters, while Cubed3 and RPGamer note that character portraits, though stylish, could be more abundant. These criticisms are largely overshadowed by the praise for the game’s artistic direction, with most reviewers agreeing that technical limitations or design choices do not detract from the overall visual excellence. The overwhelming majority of critics regard Hades’ visuals as a masterpiece, with its art style and design earning universal acclaim. M3 and ZTGD highlight the PS5’s 4K resolution and enhanced lighting as elevating the experience, while Atomix and Vooks praise the “intricately hand-drawn art” and “unique visual elements.” Even on older platforms like the Switch, Nintendojo and Hey Poor Player celebrate the “beautifully drawn artwork” and “stunning visuals,” with Worth Playing calling the design “irresistible.” While a few critics mention minor technical or aesthetic flaws, these are consistently framed as trivial in the context of the game’s broader artistic success. The combination of hand-drawn artistry, vibrant color palettes, and immersive environments has solidified Hades as a benchmark for visual storytelling in games, with RPG Site and Jeuxvideo.com noting its ability to “bring Greek mythology to life” in a fresh, engaging way. Ultimately, the reviews reflect a near-unanimous consensus that Hades’ visuals are not just impressive but transformative.

The overwhelming majority of critics praise the sound design and music of Hades as a standout achievement, highlighting its dynamic and immersive qualities. Many reviewers emphasize the soundtrack’s ability to adapt to gameplay, with Darren Korb’s compositions blending rock, metal, and Greek motifs to create an energetic and atmospheric experience. For instance, Jeuxvideo.com (PC) notes the “heavy guitars and synthesizers” that enhance the game’s atmosphere, while Vandal (PS5) calls the music “excellent,” noting its role in elevating the overall experience. IGN Italia (Switch) acknowledges how the sound design complements gameplay without being overtly detailed, and GameMAG (PS5) praises the “dynamic and emotional” score that matches the game’s pacing. Critics like Push Square (PS5) and SpazioGames (Switch) highlight the music’s ability to transition between intense combat tracks and melodic character interactions, creating a cohesive and engaging auditory landscape. The vocal performances, particularly in dialogue and songs, are also lauded for adding depth, as noted by PCMag (PC), which describes “haunting vocal tracks” that enhance emotional storytelling. While most reviews celebrate the soundtrack, a smaller subset of critics point to minor shortcomings. Screen Rant (Switch) notes that the music is “thrilling during boss encounters but lacks quality in other parts,” while Eurogamer Italy (PC) criticizes the sound design as “lacking” with no standout tracks. RPG Fan (PC) finds the music “passable but not exceptional,” and GamingTrend (Switch) mentions that dialogue sound design can be distracting due to volume fluctuations. Additionally, RPGamer (PC) observes that the soundtrack doesn’t quite reach the heights of Supergiant’s previous works, and Noisy Pixel (PC) admits the music was overlooked amid intense gameplay. These critiques, though present, are overshadowed by the general consensus that the audio elements are a major strength. The overall consensus among critics is that Hades’ sound design and music are masterpieces, with only minor reservations. The majority of reviews—spanning platforms like PC, Switch, and PS5—highlight the soundtrack’s ability to enhance gameplay, atmosphere, and emotional engagement. M3 (PS5) and Vandal (PS5) specifically commend the PS5 version’s improved audio, while GameOver.gr (PS5) praises Eurydice’s poignant song as a standout moment. Even critics with reservations, such as Screen Rant and Eurogamer Italy, acknowledge the soundtrack’s strengths in specific contexts. Ultimately, the overwhelming praise for Darren Korb’s work, the seamless integration of music with gameplay, and the immersive auditory experience solidify Hades’ sound design as a critical triumph, reflecting its status as a genre-defining achievement.

The voice acting in Hades is universally praised as a standout element, with critics highlighting its exceptional quality and narrative impact. Multiple reviewers emphasize the "excellent," "top-notch," and "masterful" performances that bring characters to life, enriching the game’s storytelling. For instance, IGN Japan notes that even without localization, the voice acting adds depth to interactions with the gods, while GameSkinny and Meristation commend Darren Korb’s portrayal of Zagreus, which “adds to the game’s immersive experience.” The diversity of voices and distinct personalities for each character are frequently lauded; BaziCenter points out the “wealth of unique dialogues” ensuring freshness even after extended playtime. Critics like GameGrin and Metro GameCentral highlight how the voice acting enhances character development, making interactions feel dynamic and engaging. The emotional range and humor delivered by the cast, as noted by RPG Site and XboxAddict, further elevate the game’s narrative depth, creating a compelling and immersive experience. While the majority of reviews celebrate the voice acting, a few critics note minor reservations. NintendoWorldReport specifically mentions that Hypnos’ voice work is less likable compared to other characters, though this is an isolated critique. Additionally, Vandal (in one review) acknowledges the presence of English dubbing and subtitles but does not elaborate on the quality of performances, suggesting a lack of detailed analysis rather than a negative assessment. These critiques are sparse and do not detract from the overall acclaim, as most reviewers focus on the voice acting’s strengths rather than its flaws. The consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Hades’ voice acting frequently described as a “masterpiece” that significantly enhances the game’s storytelling and character dynamics. Titles like IGN, GameSpot, and Siliconera emphasize how the performances add “depth,” “immersion,” and “distinct personalities” to every interaction, while Xbox Tavern and Impulsegamer highlight the engaging, well-written dialogues that make characters relatable. Even the minor critiques, such as Hypnos’ performance, are overshadowed by the general praise for the cast’s professionalism and creativity. As Worth Playing notes, the voice acting “gives each character a distinct style and personality,” solidifying its role as a cornerstone of Hades’ success. The overwhelming majority of critics agree that the voice acting is not just competent but exceptional, contributing to the game’s lasting impact.

The technical performance of Hades is widely praised across all platforms, with reviewers highlighting its stability and optimization. On the Nintendo Switch, multiple critics noted smooth gameplay despite minor issues. Cubed3 acknowledged occasional crashes and a steep difficulty curve but deemed them non-malicious, while Hobby Consolas and SpazioGames emphasized stable performance with only fleeting slowdowns during intense combat. The PC version also received acclaim, with GameSpace praising its "amazingly stable" performance and PLAY! Zine noting significant improvements during Early Access. For next-gen consoles, the PS5 and Xbox Series X/S versions were lauded for their seamless execution: Vandal highlighted consistent 60fps across all platforms, while SomosXbox and Generación Xbox praised smooth 60FPS performance without notable hiccups. Even the PS4 version, though less frequently mentioned, saw GamingTrend note stable frame rates, reinforcing the game’s cross-platform reliability. Despite these positives, some platform-specific technical issues were reported. On the Switch, several critics pointed to minor framerate drops during hectic combat scenes. Hobby Consolas and Vooks noted occasional slowdowns, while God is a Geek specifically mentioned stutters when docked, which could impact handheld play. The PC version had isolated bugs, such as GameSpace’s rare AI issue and Gameblog.fr’s “screen overload” during intense action, though these were deemed minor. On the PS4, GamingTrend noted “some frame rate dips,” while Jeuxvideo.com highlighted Switch-specific frame drops during high-action moments. The Xbox Series X version faced cross-save limitations per Hardcore Gamer, though no performance issues were reported. These concerns, however, were consistently framed as minor flaws rather than major setbacks. Overall, the consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive, with Hades praised for its technical polish across platforms. While the Switch version had occasional framerate hiccups—acknowledged by Hobby Consolas and Vooks—these did not detract from the game’s core experience. The PC and next-gen consoles (PS5/Xbox Series X) were consistently highlighted for their stability, with critics like IGN and Siliconera noting no significant issues. Even the PS4, a less powerful platform, received praise for its “solid frame rate” (GamingTrend). The majority of reviews, including those from GameSpot and We Got This Covered, emphasized that technical flaws were rare and non-disruptive. This widespread approval underscores Hades as a technically robust title, with its performance issues being minor quibbles in an otherwise polished experience.

The overwhelming majority of critics praise Hades for its exceptional replay value, highlighting its roguelike mechanics, procedural generation, and depth of customization. Reviewers like GameSpew and Jeuxvideo.com emphasize the game’s variety of upgrades, randomized boons, and evolving storylines that keep each run fresh. Critical Hit notes that every playthrough feels meaningful due to tangible improvements and dynamic character interactions, while TheGamer calls it a “forever game” thanks to its endless combinations of builds and narratives. The roguelite structure, where players unlock new weapons, abilities, and story beats with each attempt, is frequently cited as a key driver of engagement. PCMag and IGN Italia applaud the game’s ability to offer unique experiences through procedural generation, ensuring that no two runs feel identical. Even critics like GameCrate and BaziCenter highlight how the game’s customization options and experimental strategies encourage players to return repeatedly. However, a smaller subset of reviewers point out minor drawbacks that could limit long-term appeal. Xbox Tavern and Gamersky express concerns about repetitive enemy types and the grind of unlocking story content through battles, which might lead to fatigue. ZTGD acknowledges that some encounters can feel monotonous after many runs, while GamingTrend notes that luck-based mechanics in randomized systems may frustrate players. Additionally, RPGamer mentions that Hades doesn’t offer “infinite” replayability, as its narrative-driven focus might not satisfy those seeking endless content. These critiques are often framed as minor trade-offs rather than major flaws, with many critics agreeing that the game’s strengths far outweigh these issues. Despite these nuanced criticisms, the consensus among reviewers is overwhelmingly positive, with Hades being celebrated as a masterpiece of replayability. Critics like GameSpot and Gaming Nexus argue that the game’s persistent upgrades, engaging combat loops, and post-game content create an addictive cycle that keeps players invested for hundreds of hours. Even those who note repetition, such as Xbox Tavern, acknowledge the game’s broader appeal, while RPGamer emphasizes that its narrative depth provides sufficient incentive to continue exploring. The majority view Hades not just as a highly replayable title but as a benchmark for how roguelike mechanics can be seamlessly integrated with storytelling and character development. As TheGamer puts it, the game’s ability to turn failures into rewards ensures that players are always motivated to try again, solidifying its status as a modern classic.