Tag: Hades

  • Best Roguelite Deal – 98% Positive Game Returns to Lowest Price on Steam

    Best Roguelite Deal – 98% Positive Game Returns to Lowest Price on Steam

    Key Takeaway

    1. Hades is a highly acclaimed roguelite featuring dynamic map layouts, diverse rewards, and a wide range of weapons and upgrades, with persistent resources and progression despite frequent deaths.
    2. The game is praised for its polished combat system, engaging boss fights, atmospheric world, and compelling story, though it has minor criticisms regarding narrative pacing.
    3. Developed by Supergiant Games and released in September 2020, Hades is available at a significant discount, making it accessible for new players.

    In Hades, players take control of Zagreus, the son of the god Hades, who is an immortal trying to escape the underworld. As he journey’s through the depths, he encounters hordes of monsters, guards, and divine beings, and it’s common to meet his end more than once.

    Gameplay and Features

    This game is primarily a roguelite, meaning each attempt offers a different experience with unique map layouts, varying rewards, and new combinations of power-ups, boons, and weapons. The arsenal includes classic choices like the sword and bow, but also unique options like the Twin Fists and the Adamant Rail. Notably, even with death, players keep their resources and progress, making each run meaningful.

    Player Reception and Critical Acclaim

    Hades has been very well liked, both from a player and critic side. On Metacritic, the PC version earns a Metascore of 93 and an User Score of 8.6. Steam user reviews are even more enthusiastic, with over 301,000 reviews and a 98% positive score.

    Review Highlights and Critique

    According to German gaming magazine GameStar, Hades scores a robust 90/100. The praise mainly focused on its smooth combat system, the variety of possible builds, and intense boss fights. The immersive world and well-written story were also praised. Some criticisms pointed out the somewhat static storytelling style and a few sections that seem slower at the start of a run. TheSixthAxis called it “one of the best roguelites of all-time.”

    Development and Pricing

    Developed by American company Supergiant Games, Hades was launched on September 17, 2020. The standard price on Steam is normally $24.99 but is currently reduced by 75%, making it just $6.24 until April 28. SteamDB indicates this price has fallen to its lowest point again during the Spring Sale, last seen in September 2025. The game also supports Steam Deck without issues, being verified for the device.

    Note

    Disclaimer: Retailers may change prices, and the discounts mentioned here were valid at the time of writing. Availability and pricing can vary and may be limited in terms of units or duration.


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  • Free Teddy Knight Roguelike Launches with 92% Positive Ratings

    Free Teddy Knight Roguelike Launches with 92% Positive Ratings

    Key Takeaways

    1. Teddy Knight features a unique protagonist: a teddy bear knight battling the witch Baba Yaga and her toy minions.
    2. The game is set in a dark toy box with dynamically changing levels and physics-based combat mechanics.
    3. Players gather upgrades throughout playthroughs, altering gameplay styles typical of the roguelike genre.
    4. Teddy Knight has received positive reception, with 92% of 13 reviews on Steam being favorable.
    5. The game has low system requirements (2 GB file size), though it may lack some technical polish and has uncertain compatibility with the Steam Deck.


    Roguelike games like Hades and Enter the Gungeon have captured the interest of gamers for many years. The concept is straightforward – strive to progress as far as you can, then restart after every loss. This genre is perfect for players who prefer quick, enjoyable gaming sessions without dedicating too much time. In one of the newest releases, the protagonist is not a legendary hero or a demigod – it’s a teddy bear.

    A Unique Adventure

    In Teddy Knight, you assume the role of a teddy bear knight summoned to battle the wicked witch Baba Yaga and her army of toy minions. Instead of the usual fantasy landscape, the action unfolds in a dark toy box. Amidst building blocks and broken toys, this lovable hero fights through dynamically changing levels that are recreated with each attempt. The combat is viewed from a top-down perspective and relies greatly on physics-based mechanics. Enemies can be vanquished not just with a sword; they can also be hurled or knocked off edges. As is typical in the roguelike genre, you gather upgrades throughout each playthrough that can drastically alter your gameplay style.

    Positive Reception

    So far, Teddy Knight has been well-received by gamers. Out of the 13 reviews on Steam available at the moment, 92% are favorable. Players appreciate the enjoyable gameplay, reliable controller support, and delightful design that offers a new twist to the genre. The game also has the advantage of low system requirements, featuring a compact file size of merely 2 GB. However, it still lacks some polish technically. Its compatibility with the Steam Deck, currently priced at $480 on Amazon, remains uncertain.

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  • Hades Co-Op Launch on Steam: Enjoy 33% Discount on New Roguelike

    Hades Co-Op Launch on Steam: Enjoy 33% Discount on New Roguelike

    Key Takeaways

    1. Cooperative Gameplay Focus: Sworn emphasizes multiplayer mechanics, allowing 1-4 players to collaborate, with abilities that stack and enemy difficulty adjusting based on team size.

    2. Arthurian Legend Reimagined: The game offers a dark twist on Arthurian myths, portraying a corrupted King Arthur and Knights of the Round Table, with players aiming to reclaim Camelot.

    3. Procedurally Generated Rooms: Similar to other action roguelikes, Sworn features procedurally generated levels, quick runs, and permanent upgrades in a hub area between attempts.

    4. Mixed Reviews: While the game has an overall “Very Positive” rating on Steam, recent feedback highlights concerns about difficulty spikes and comparisons to Hades, leading to a “Mostly Positive” rating for the launch.

    5. Launch Discount: Sworn is currently available on Steam at a 33% discount, making it an appealing choice for fans of cooperative roguelikes.


    Action roguelikes have become a staple genre in recent years, with titles such as Hades setting a high bar for engaging stories and replayable dungeon experiences. Now, Sworn is entering the scene with a unique spin on the genre—cooperative gameplay. After several months available in early access, the game has officially launched on Steam, offering a 33% discount.

    A Dark Take on Arthurian Legend

    Sworn is crafted by Windwalk Games and brought to life by Team17. The game immerses players in a grim reimagining of Arthurian myths. In this narrative, King Arthur and the Knights of the Round Table have succumbed to corruption, and players, stepping into the role of sworn knights, must battle through hordes of foes to reclaim Camelot. Fans of Hades will find the format familiar: procedurally generated rooms, quick runs ending in challenging boss encounters, and a hub area for permanent upgrades between attempts.

    Multiplayer Mechanics Shine

    The most significant distinction is its focus on multiplayer gameplay. Sworn accommodates 1-4 players, with combat and loot designed to promote teamwork. Characters’ abilities can stack in innovative ways, and enemy difficulty adjusts based on the size of the party, urging players to collaborate on their builds and strategies. Although solo play is an option, the game clearly shines as a cooperative experience.

    The journey to the full release commenced with its early access debut in February 2025. Throughout these months, the developers made adjustments to balance, improved netcode, and expanded character options based on player feedback. Players have observed enhancements, though certain issues remain, especially regarding difficulty spikes in larger teams and occasional online connectivity problems.

    Mixed Reviews from Players

    Previous reviews on Steam are “Very Positive” overall, but recent feedback (for the 1.0 launch) hasn’t been as strong. While the aggregate rating remains “Mostly Positive,” a decent number of players commend the melee combat and the enjoyment of co-op gameplay. Yet, comparisons to Hades are hard to ignore. Many gamers view Sworn as “Hades with friends,” while critics argue that it leans too heavily on its predecessor for inspiration.

    With a launch discount of 33% reducing its price to $16.74 and a commitment to ongoing updates, Sworn presents a compelling option, especially for those who enjoy games like Hades and have friends to join in.

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  • Xbox Game Pass Adds Seven New Games This Week, Including AAA Titles

    Xbox Game Pass Adds Seven New Games This Week, Including AAA Titles

    Key Takeaways

    1. Microsoft is adding seven new titles to Xbox Game Pass between September 17 and 21, including major releases and indie games.
    2. Key AAA games include Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III, featuring a cinematic single-player campaign and classic multiplayer modes.
    3. Indie titles like Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor and Hades offer unique gameplay experiences, with Hades focusing on roguelike mechanics.
    4. Overthrown, a co-op city-building game in Game Preview, allows players to build and manage a kingdom while engaging in chaotic gameplay.
    5. Frostpunk 2 challenges players with tough moral decisions in a frozen, post-apocalyptic city-building scenario.


    Between September 17 and 21, Microsoft is bringing seven fresh titles to Xbox Game Pass. This diverse selection includes indie hits such as the survival shooter Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor and the well-received action roguelite Hades, along with major AAA games like Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III and Frostpunk 2. Subscribers will also have the chance to try out a preview of Overthrown, a new co-op city-building game. Here’s a brief overview of what’s being added to Game Pass:

    Major Releases

    Call of Duty: Modern Warfare III was released in November 2023, continuing directly from Modern Warfare II. This campaign follows Captain Price and Task Force 141 as they take on the ultra-nationalist terrorist Vladimir Makarov. In addition to a cinematic single-player narrative, the game features the series’ classic multiplayer, showcasing beloved maps, new game modes, and the popular Zombies cooperative mode.

    Indie Gems

    For the King II is a turn-based roguelite RPG inspired by tabletop mechanics, allowing solo or co-op play for up to four players. Once again set in the kingdom of Fahrul, now under the rule of a cruel queen, players explore a procedurally generated world, engage in tactical combat, collect gear, and complete quests. Each session introduces new challenges and surprises.

    Overthrown is a hectic co-op city-builder where up to six players join forces to construct and manage a kingdom. A distinctive feature of the game is that nearly everything can be picked up and thrown, while players can also farm, gather resources, and partake in anime-style brawls—all while a mysterious soul-stealing crown looms in the background. Currently a Game Preview, the game is still in development.

    Unique Gameplay Experiences

    Deep Rock Galactic: Survivor is an auto-shooter with a survival twist, set in the Deep Rock Galactic universe. Unlike its predecessor’s first-person co-op gameplay, this spin-off presents a lone dwarf’s adventure from a top-down view, battling endless waves of alien foes. Each session allows for resource mining, weapon unlocking, and class selection, including Gunner, Scout, or Engineer. The objective is clear: survive as long as you can against the threats of planet Hoxxes IV.

    Frostpunk 2 is a city-building title that takes place in a frozen, post-apocalyptic environment. As the leader of New London, your task is to steer your people through a harsh fight for survival. Beyond constructing infrastructure and gathering resources, the heart of the game revolves around tough decisions—managing faction conflicts, grappling with moral quandaries, and determining how far you are willing to go to keep society alive.

    Wobbly Life is a colorful open-world physics sandbox designed for 1 to 4 players, playable online or locally. You can undertake quirky jobs, engage in mini-games, and embark on zany story missions. Throughout your adventure, you’ll earn money to purchase clothes, vehicles, and homes, uncover hidden secrets, or simply enjoy the chaotic and interactive world at your leisure.

    Fast-Paced Action

    Hades is a high-energy action roguelike featuring Zagreus, the defiant son of Hades, who seeks to escape the underworld and reach Mount Olympus. Every run presents fresh challenges with randomly generated rooms, adversaries, and rewards. During your journey, you’ll gain powerful boons from the gods that influence your abilities and combat style. While death is unavoidable, progress is retained—unlocking new weapons, storylines, and permanent upgrades.

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  • 66% Off on Steam: Top Action RPG with 98% Positive Reviews

    66% Off on Steam: Top Action RPG with 98% Positive Reviews

    Key Takeaways

    1. Unique Gameplay Mechanics: Hades features a roguelike structure where players restart after dying, but death isn’t final for the immortal character Zagreus, making each attempt feel organic.

    2. High Rating and Combat Variety: GameStar rated Hades 90 out of 100, praising its engaging story and fast-paced, diverse combat with multiple weapon choices.

    3. Procedurally Generated Levels: The game includes procedurally generated rooms that provide a fresh experience with challenging bosses after every 12 to 14 chambers.

    4. Narrative through Dialogue: Instead of cinematic cutscenes, Hades reveals its story through well-crafted text dialogues and music, creating an immersive experience.

    5. Popularity and Discounts: Released in September 2020, Hades has over 260,000 positive reviews on Steam and is currently available at a significant discount, but the offer is time-limited.


    Few games blend roguelike elements into their stories as smoothly as Hades. You take on the role of Zagreus, the defiant child of the god Hades, who is set on escaping the underworld to reach Mount Olympus. Each time you fail, it’s back to square one, but in this universe, death isn’t final. As the immortal child of a deity, Zagreus can’t truly die. This clever twist makes every restart feel organic. It’s no surprise that GameStar calls Hades an “action RPG masterpiece,” commending its fantastic mix of narrative and action that makes even dying feel fun.

    GameStar’s Impressive Rating

    In its review from Germany, GameStar gave Hades a stunning score of 90 out of 100. It emphasized not just the captivating plot but also the quick-paced and diverse combat. You start the game with a sword, but as you move forward, you can access other weapons like a spear, bow, or a throwing shield—each providing a distinct way to play. Fights happen in procedurally generated rooms, with a challenging boss awaiting you after every 12 to 14 chambers, depending on the area. Luckily, Zagreus isn’t alone in the underworld. The gods from Olympus share their power, giving you strong boons from figures like Zeus, Athena, and others. These divine gifts boost your skills, adding a new twist to each run and helping you delve deeper into the land of the dead.

    Storytelling and Pacing

    Gamers shouldn’t anticipate cinematic cutscenes in Hades; instead, the story is revealed through well-crafted text dialogues with accompanying music. Another factor to keep in mind is the game’s rhythm: initial runs may seem a little slow, as the real difficulty arises in the later chambers, which take some time to get to.

    Hades, created by Supergiant Games, was released in September 2020 and has quickly become beloved by fans. With over 260,000 reviews on Steam and an impressive 98% positive feedback, the game has resonated with players. During the Summer Sale, the price has been reduced by 66%—from $24.99 to $8.49—matching its lowest price ever. According to SteamDB, this action RPG has seen this discounted price several times, with the latest occurrence in March 2024. However, if you’re considering starting your adventure through the underworld, don’t hesitate too long. The deal expires on July 10.

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