Hades game upgrade#

After clearing the main story (about ten completed runs), I assumed the unique dialogue would dissipate soon after, but there was still so much the game had to give. Such a numerous amount of voice-overs and unique writing was an impressive inclusion that elevated the entire experience. This makes Hades aware of itself, like a unified composition where everything feels like part of the whole with nothing included for the sake of padding. In addition, each event encountered or surpassed may trigger a special dialogue with certain characters. Offering any character nectar, whether it be Chthonic deities, Olympian kin, or shades of the underworld, results in an increased bond which leads to more conversation from any given character.

What extends Hades’ longevity even further is the sheer amount of unique dialogue for each character.

The combination of different weapons, boons, Daedalus upgrades, and aspects make each run feel fresh.

Hades game upgrade#

An upgrade from the king of Olympus has Zag’s cast become a ball of electricity, chaining lightning between enemies, while a blessing from Dionysus sees that cast create an area effect that stuns enemies intermittently. In addition to the selected weapon, Zagreus also has access to his “cast”, an ability that shoots at enemies and can be leveled up (via Nyx’s Mirror of Night) and equipped with boons to have extremely different effects. Combo that with a certain character’s freezing boon and I would instantly put my enemy in stasis, allowing for more time to strategize when clearing a room.

If the aspect of Chiron is equipped, every enemy struck by a standard attack gains a target for the special attack, turning that V formation into a volley of homing arrows that follow said enemy. For instance, the Heart-Seeking Bow's standard attack shoots a single charged up arrow and its special attack is a volley of arrows that shoots in a V formation before Zagreus. Not only are there six unique weapons, but each one has various aspects to be unlocked which creates even more layers to the gameplay. Though running through the same gorgeous levels repeatedly is the hook of the game, every attempt feels different due to the variability of boons (power-ups from different Olympian benefactors) and the players' choice of weapon. The developer was aware of the repetitive nature of the genre and instilled within Hades the gift of variety.