Kevin Anderson joins Michael and Adam to discuss the indie game Hades, exploring rogue-likes, game loops, and player satisfaction. They dive into weapon choices, strategic gameplay, and the unexpected narrative depth of Hades. The conversation also touches on completing a game, game design craftsmanship, and managing Nintendo Switch storage space.
Hades intertwines engaging storytelling with intricate gameplay mechanics, providing a unique and immersive experience.
The artistic design of Hades enhances the overall gaming experience, offering visually appealing environments and character designs.
Hades sets itself apart from Souls games by providing a smoother difficulty curve and accessible gameplay, influencing player engagement and perception.
Deep dives
Hades: A Unique Roguelike Experience
Hades offers a visually striking roguelike experience set in Greek mythology. Players control Prince Zagreus fighting their way out of Hades with rotating cast of gods and goddesses aiding in this quest. The game's intricate strategy revolves around unique weapons, gods' boons, and character building, creating distinct runs each time. Despite the repetitive loop, the game's inclusion of an elaborate storyline adds depth and engagement to the gameplay.
Narrative Integration and Gameplay Loop
Hades demonstrates how blending a compelling narrative with game mechanics elevates the player's experience. The game's engaging storylines, character interactions, and thematic twists immerse players in the Greek mythology-inspired world. Through its gameplay loop and incremental story reveals, Hades keeps players invested and allows for progression in both story and gameplay mechanics.
Artistic Design and Engagement
The artistic design of Hades, coupled with its smooth gameplay mechanics, provides a visually appealing and engaging experience. The game's elegant map screen and character designs could easily be considered art pieces. Hades strikes a balance between challenging gameplay and rewarding progression, ensuring both a visually pleasing and entertaining gaming experience.
Gameplay Experience Comparison Between Souls Games and Hades
While comparing Souls games to Hades, the podcast highlights the difference in gameplay experience. Souls games are known for their challenging nature that requires laser focus throughout, making progression a demanding task. On the contrary, Hades presents a smoother curve, making previously insurmountable challenges feel manageable and encouraging replay value with its accessible gameplay. The speaker emphasizes how the ease of play in Hades, with its smoothly rounded difficulty curve, contrasts with the intense focus demanded by Souls games, influencing the perception of game importance.
Reflections on the Genre and Artistry in Hades
Reflecting on the impact of Hades on the roguelike genre, the podcast delves into the game's significance. Hades is praised for elevating the genre through its modern approach and artistic craftsmanship, standing out among mobile games by avoiding the typical cash-grab traps. The speakers commend Hades for its immersive and enjoyable gameplay, showcasing a departure from the nostalgia-driven trend seen in many indie games. The conversation hints at the game's potential to reshape perceptions of roguelikes, setting a high standard for future entries in the genre.
Michael and Adam are joined by Kevin Anderson, apparently the 3rd host. He hosts the podcast “Bleak in Review” on the Unpopular Opinion podcast network and now apparently this show! Today, the gang examines the indie game Hades from developer Supergiant. They discuss rogue-likes and game loops in general. Michael doesn’t want anyone from Supergiant to listen to this podcast.
