Hades II
That's not to say I think it's the best of the three. I have some quibbles for sure. The things that I usually really care about were not all great here. I don't think this game looks particularly good, with a messy art style and cluttered screen. I never thought the music was great. I also couldn't care less about the story in a game like this, but for the record people didn't love it. I guess my bigger complaint with the story is that I find the presentation so, so dull. It's entirely told through people talking in boring ways. I'm always surprised people enjoy a story that's told this way.
But who cares about any of that! I was utterly taken by this game. I guess I should explain the game a bit. It's a rougelike, meaning that you are trying to beat just 4 stages which only takes thirty minutes or so, but it's very difficult and so it takes you many tries because you start over when you die. However, this game has perfected that art of giving you some permanent upgrades that you can get back to between runs, and so the feedback loop always has you wanting to get back to there with your shiny new tools and improved skills. The convergence of skill and permanent upgrades makes you feel amazing as you get closer and closer to winning.
It's the exact same formula as the first game, also reviewed years ago, also regarded as a masterpiece by me. It simply feels amazing to play. You get unique upgrades every run, meaning every time out is completely different, and the game is all about discovering that magic combination that make you feel like a god (appropriate because this is based on Greek mythology). I was constantly thinking one more stage, one more boss, one more run, and find myself bleary eyed at 3am. It's addicting for sure, which I am always unsure of being a positive, but I can't deny that I was either always playing this game or thinking about what I'd do once i was playing again. It's strategic, it has depth, and it is absolutely electric at all times.
It maybe feels too similar to Hades 1, and not a sequel that added a ton, but that's totally fine by me because I don't want dramatic changes. I want a new Hades every few years forever, though these erase a month of my life from the calendar when they come out. It's hard to put my finger on exactly what works so well for me, but it unlocks a side of me that would not be healthy if these games were bigger.
So that's kinda the review. Awesome game in a wave of awesome recent games. As good a shot to win GOTY as any. Good for you, Supergiant.
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