Pretty obsessed with this now it's finished. The way it uses the roguelike structure to actually strengthen its narrative is really well executed, I love a game that takes its mechanics and systems fully into consideration, and this one does it sublimely.

Did some writing on Hades. Not paid for or anything, so no editor, but I wanted to try and codify some thoughts i'd had on Hades.

Talking about how the narrative works with the mechanics, a separate bit about  how the overarching game works in a really smart way to keep you playing.

Spoilers for the ending if you are bothered.

Fantastic reads Temps. I had no idea about the pacts of punishment (and no do I blame you for any spoilers, i'm fine with it) and by fuck do I need to hammer this game.

Cheers DS/Uncle!

I literally just got the proper ending after writing that too, Credits Roll and all. There's a ton of post-game stuff, but i've not done another run to see how it all works yet.

Absolutely delightful game, easily one of the best of the year by far.

I had to save and quit earlier but I think I'm on a winning run here. Heading into Elysium without having used death defied, and a beefed up gun. Going to kick a certain duo's arses.

I’ve been playing handheld only and been doing fine. I do have the screen quite close to my face though.

Wow. In the same year as last of us 2!

I think I’m a little cooler on the game than most. I find that mostly the game is about patience for me and I don’t get a great feeling killing the baddies (mostly I prefer to stay far away and chip away as I don’t think I’m skilled enough to get in and out). I also sort of wish the game didn’t have the meta stuff and focussed on inside the game useful stuff - like this concept you can fight through a level simply to get stuff that mostly changes the colour of something feels like flabby padding to me (I go for those because there’s one thing that’s 300 gem that looks useful).

Having said that I’m probably playing the game badly. I just mostly like to focus on choosing one of the things and then ramping up the power of that to atrocious levels.

That interesting, I think for me, with how well written the dialogue is and the voicing work, part of what's drawing me in for doing repeat runs is all the developing conversations and stories that are happening between the characters. 

Crayon, in reference to the gem stuff and the colour changing cosmetic stuff for Hades, more stuff opens up in the contractors store over time as you purchase the things that affect the dungeons and stuff. Also the gems can be used as currency elsewhere in Hades, but just in case of spoilers, nothing more to say on that right now from me.

I think for me this game is going to have longevity covered because of it's take on "Ascension" difficulty:

mistercrayon wrote:

Wow. In the same year as last of us 2!

I think I’m a little cooler on the game than most. I find that mostly the game is about patience for me and I don’t get a great feeling killing the baddies (mostly I prefer to stay far away and chip away as I don’t think I’m skilled enough to get in and out). I also sort of wish the game didn’t have the meta stuff and focussed on inside the game useful stuff - like this concept you can fight through a level simply to get stuff that mostly changes the colour of something feels like flabby padding to me (I go for those because there’s one thing that’s 300 gem that looks useful).

Having said that I’m probably playing the game badly. I just mostly like to focus on choosing one of the things and then ramping up the power of that to atrocious levels.

I generally think you’re better off like in most rogues, having a knowledge of what every boon can do and picking rooms accordingly. The problem with focussing on just one thing is that you’re missing out on basic bonuses like the chance for Duo books to turn up, or more advanced bonuses from the Mirror like Privileged Status, which increases damage to enemies if you have two status effects on them, or the skill in the same slot that deals more damage per the number of Gods you own Boons for.

My runs tend to focus on maybe two gods that interact well in some fashion, like Zeus & Poseidon which is a very simple and obvious build, especially when you unlock the Duo boon that procs lightning on all foes that get knock back because suddenly your synergy and damage are improved drastically, especially if you’ve picked up Ruptured and Jolted, because then Privileged Status is giving you a damage bonus.

Also worth knowing when to dip out. If my build is feeling ok between split two gods and i’m missing a primary boon still, I might jump for an Athena or Artemis, to fish for deflect on dash which is a very useful skill, or all damage can crit/every action makes you fire an arrow which can turn some builds into smart guns of death.

Also Hermes is nearly a 100% pick as he has two of the best boons in the game for my money: extra dodge charges are super powerful, especially when coupled with damage on dodge effects like Ares and Dionysus, and finally Side Hustle maximises the usefulness of shops and makes Styx a real interesting proposition as you get 10 gold per mini chamber.

Essentially like every good roguelike it rests on you learning the potential outcomes of each choice you make, and maximising your build with each choice. Knowing when to add a new god, or to miss an existing one for life up or a pom of power etc is all part of the dance.

Long time no see!

Glad you're enjoying it.

Argh, just had a great bow build going on, made it to the Elysium boss with three death defy intact but lost it all with them down to a sliver of health. Look up from the screen and my lunchbreak has vanished behind me. Still quite addicted to this.

JMW wrote:

Bought on the epic deal for about a fiver. Sounds like it’s worth that.

Yeah it was down to £5.99 at the start of the summer last year - oh, to get a 100th of that gaming value on all the other shite I buy

Just got my first win (barely played it in early access). Lightning everywhere, dashes, special and reg attack, deflect on attack and dash and it was just glorious chaos.

Tempy wrote:

Long time no see!

Glad you're enjoying it.

/waves