Though 2020 was packed with exceptional games from a litany of accomplished developers, there was one that stood out as an unlikely Game of the Year candidate. Hades is the fourth game from Supergiant, a small studio known for fantastic storytelling and visual style. Zagreus' desperate, yet rarely fruitful quests to leave the underworld never feel like doomed attempts at an impossible feat, instead the progression is lenient enough to keep players' spirits alive. Along the way there's so much Greek myth that is weaves into its narrative and world-building, but there's plenty that it leaves out, including some characters and stories that are known to almost everyone.
Supergiant has yet to release a sequel to one of its games, but the universal critical acclaim and strong commercial performance would indicate that Hades is ripe for a follow-up. The gameplay loop is satisfying and doesn't get old during extended gaming sessions, and the lore that is weaved into all corners of the underworld is simply too good to abandon with the company's next release. Digging back into Greek Mythology with a different character's exploits could give existing fans something different, while enticing new eyes to see what all the fuss is about. Heracles is a familiar face in fiction, and has had his own share of hardships that could fit the Hades formula.
Heracles in Greek Mythology
Also known as Hercules in Roman myth, Heracles is the son of Zeus and widely regarded as the greatest Greek hero. One of the most recognizable figures in fiction, popularized by Disney and appearing in properties like God of War and Marvel Comics, Heracles' name is synonymous with bravery and might. Though a smattering of Olympus gods like Zeus, Poseidon, and Athena may be more immediately linked to Greek mythology, Heracles has such a defined reputation that is infrequently blemished by godly politics and bickering, much of which can be seen in Hades.
The twelve labors were tasks granted to Heracles as punishment by Eurystheus for unknowingly killing his children and Megara. Most seem far too difficult for one man to achieve, which makes them so perfect for the Hades format. Hades is so similar to Heracles' labors in that plenty of attempts result in failure, meaning players have to overcome adversity every time they return to the House of Hades. Lifting the philosophy of Hades, borrowing gameplay elements and mimicking the progression system, could transfer to Heracles' struggles, and leaving Zagreus behind could provide an all-new tone and character dynamic, further allowing Supergiant to flex its narrative prowess.
Hades is Perfect for the Twelve Labors
Heracles is the half-brother of Dionysus, and being the son of Zeus makes him intrinsically linked to the characters of Hades. Heracles' absence from the 2020 title is puzzling as a result, especially when more obscure characters like Sisyphus and Eurydice make appearances on a regular basis. The twelve labors that Heracles undertakes also have a strong connection to Hades. Capturing Cerberus, the dog that guards the underworld and pet-able friend of Zagreus is the final task, and slaying the Lernaean Hydra is the second. The Bone Hydra that Zagreus repeatedly battles looks the way it does because of its fight with Heracles. The hero's mark is certainly felt, albeit in a somewhat insignificant way, in Hades.
Crafting a title that is centered around the twelve labors of Heracles would be a perfect opportunity. The number of tasks makes progression feel practical and systematic, the feats themselves could offer many interesting gameplay opportunities, and Heracles' strong connection to almost all the characters in Hades means the character models, environments, visual style, and voice acting can be replicated to ensure a feeling of continuity. Hades successfully balances mythological accuracy with artistic license, so affording Heracles the same luxury as the reluctant, yet persistent Zagreus would be promising. The twelve labors are a perfect way to make this happen, as it's a collection of difficult tasks that gamers could make their way through, not unlike the layers in Hades.
Hades is available for PC, PS4, PS5, Switch, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X|S.