As the first half of the 2020s draws to a close, the decade's first half has graced video game fans with breakthrough titles aplenty, especially in the indie space. One of the biggest breakout games from this sector came very early in the 2020s in the form of Hades. The fourth title from independent studio Supergiant Games, Hades built on the styles of the developer’s previous game, Pyre, to become one of the crown jewels of its side of the gaming industry.
This breakout is comparable to another indie darling that cornered its own genre just a few years prior, 2017’s Hollow Knight. The debut project from developer Team Cherry quickly became a critical and commercial darling following its initial release, and it quickly became something of a gold standard for the Metroidvania genre. Hades has created something similar in its own style and genre, and it will continue to prove its standing as a benchmark for similar games in the genre to follow.
Hades and Hollow Knight Have Become Massive Indie Darlings
Hollow Knight Help Usher The Metroidvania Renaissance
Hollow Knight saw its life begin in 2013, with developer Team Cherry looking to create a title akin to old-school exploration-focused platformers. With inspiration from games like Metroid, Zelda 2: The Adventure of Link, and Mega Man X, this project looked to be a loving throwback to a classic gameplay style, while also carving out its own lane in the gaming world. It finally saw a release in 2017 and proved to elevate the Metroidvania genre in a big way.
Even amidst talk of its incredible difficulty, Hollow Knight enticed players with its fantastic gameplay, simple yet well-crafted art style, and great attention to detail in its world-building. It has since gone on to become one of the most popular and commercially successful Metroidvania titles on the market. It’s become a game that’s transcended its genre and has become one of a number of titles that’s ushered in a renaissance for the Metroidvania game.
Hades Became A Quantum Leap Forward For Roguelikes
Despite being in a different genre, Hades has done similar wonders for the roguelike game. Developer Supergiant Games began working on Hades following the release of 2017’s Pyre, working to create a game where players were motivated to complete multiple playthroughs to experience the full branching storylines. It was released into early access in 2018 before finally seeing a proper release in late 2020.
Compared to Hollow Knight’s increased difficulty, Hades was designed to pull in tons of players regardless of the difficulty level. Hades also succeeded because of its incredible overall design, with its perfectly paced gameplay, spectacular sense of style, and fantastically crafted storytelling. It’s a game that begs for repeat runs and feels more and more rewarding each time, nailing the “one more try” vibe that all roguelikes should strive for.
Despite being in a different genre, Hades has done similar wonders for the roguelike game
Hades and Hollow Knight Have Massively Anticipated Sequels On The Way
Both of these games have become so popular that their developers have gone forward with sequels, with Hollow Knight: Silksong and Hades 2 being among the most anticipated games on the indie front. Of course, it’s worth pointing out that these two games have taken radically different release approaches, as Hades 2 is playable in early access while Hollow Knight: Silksong has disappeared several times since its 2019 announcement. Still, the excitement surrounding these sequels demonstrates the game-changing nature of the original titles.
Hollow Knight and Hades have both become pillars of their genres. Their elevations of their respective styles have made them the pinnacle of their respective corners and made them some of the most beloved games in recent memory. Those innovations will be felt for years to come as these two franchises continue to establish themselves as household names in the indie scene.
Hades
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OpenCritic Reviews
- Top Critic Avg: 94 /100 Critics Rec: 99%
- Released
- September 17, 2020
- ESRB
- T for Teen: Alcohol Reference, Blood, Mild Language, Suggestive Themes, Violence
- Developer(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Publisher(s)
- Supergiant Games
- Engine
- Proprietary Engine
- Franchise
- Hades
- Steam Deck Compatibility
- Verified
WHERE TO PLAY
Defy the god of the dead as you hack and slash out of the Underworld in this rogue-like dungeon crawler from the creators of Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre.
BATTLE OUT OF HELL
As the immortal Prince of the Underworld, you'll wield the powers and mythic weapons of Olympus to break free from the clutches of the god of the dead himself, while growing stronger and unraveling more of the story with each unique escape attempt.
UNLEASH THE FURY OF OLYMPUS
The Olympians have your back! Meet Zeus, Athena, Poseidon, and many more, and choose from their dozens of powerful Boons that enhance your abilities. There are thousands of viable character builds to discover as you go.
BEFRIEND GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERS
A fully-voiced cast of colorful, larger-than-life characters is waiting to meet you! Grow your relationships with them, and experience thousands of unique story events as you learn about what's really at stake for this big, dysfunctional family.
BUILT FOR REPLAYABILITY
New surprises await each time you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld, whose guardian bosses will remember you. Use the powerful Mirror of Night to grow permanently stronger, and give yourself a leg up the next time you run away from home.
NOTHING IS IMPOSSIBLE
Permanent upgrades mean you don't have to be a god yourself to experience the exciting combat and gripping story. Though, if you happen to be one, crank up the challenge and get ready for some white-knuckle action that will put your well-practiced skills to the test.
SIGNATURE SUPERGIANT STYLE
The rich, atmospheric presentation and unique melding of gameplay and narrative that's been core to Supergiant's games is here in full force: spectacular hand-painted environments and a blood-pumping original score bring the Underworld to life.
- Platform(s)
- PS4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, Xbox Series S, Switch, PC
- Genre(s)
- Action RPG, Roguelite
- How Long To Beat
- 23 Hours
- PS Plus Availability
- N/A
- OpenCritic Rating
- Mighty
