Description: Hades is a rogue-like video game developed and published by Supergiant Games, released in 2020. Set in the underworld of Greek mythology, players take on the role of Zagreus, the son of Hades, who attempts to escape his father’s realm. Throughout his journey, players face a variety of enemies and bosses while collecting powerful abilities and weapons that allow them to customize their playstyle. One of Hades’ standout features is its dynamic narrative, which unfolds as players repeat their escape attempts, revealing more about the characters and story with each try. The game combines fast-paced action with a progression system that enables players to enhance their skills and unlock new options. The visual aesthetic is vibrant and stylized, with artwork that pays homage to classical mythology. Additionally, the music and sound play a crucial role in immersing players, creating an engaging experience that has been praised by critics and gamers alike. Hades has not only been a commercial success but has also received numerous awards, establishing itself as one of the best video games of its generation and a benchmark in the rogue-like genre.
History: Hades was developed by Supergiant Games, a studio known for its focus on narrative and artistic design. The game was released in early access in 2018 and officially launched in September 2020. Since its release, it has been praised for its gameplay, story, and visual design, winning several awards, including Game of the Year at the 2020 Game Awards.
Uses: Hades is primarily used as an entertainment video game, providing players with an immersive experience in a mythological setting. Additionally, it has been utilized in studies of video game design and interactive storytelling, serving as an example of how to integrate narrative into gameplay.
Examples: An example of Hades’ use in popular culture is its inclusion in lists of the best video games of 2020, as well as its analysis in game design and narrative conferences. It has also inspired other developers to explore the combination of rogue-like mechanics with deep narratives.
