Gaming

Hades on PlayStation 5 is a damn good time

Dying has never been this fun

Published

August 10, 2021

I never thought I would have fun dying over and over again in a video game. Especially not after my rather horrid first go at Returnal. That changed when I got my hands on another roguelike dungeon crawler — Hades by Supergiant Games.

The game was initially released in September 2020 on PC, Mac, and Nintendo Switched and immediately gained acclaim both from critics and players alike. Gaming publications IGN and Polygon even named it their 2020 Game of the Year.

Fast forward to nearly a year later and Hades is set to coming to more consoles. Specifically the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5. The official release date is on Aug 13, 2021but we got a bit of early access and are here to share what you’re in for.

What is Hades?

The game has you controlling Zagreus, the son of Hades. Your main objective is to escape the Underworld and make your way to Mount Olympus. Seems simple, right? Except, it isn’t.

The areas of the Underworld are ever-changing and death is inevitable — such is the case with most roguelike games. Hope, however, isn’t all lost. Aiding you in your getaway are the gods of Mount Olympus. After every death, you’ll gain power-ups from the gods. Each with its own unique effect. Of course, you lose these boosts each time you die.

There are permanent skill boosts acquired as you playthrough. After your first few deaths, you’ll also be introduced to a renovating mechanic that lets you unlock various things including being able to recover previously unlocked items as you progress through the game.

PlayStation 5 improvements

I did play Hades on PC but just sparingly. Being mostly a console gamer, I thoroughly enjoyed playing a bigger screen and while using a DualSense controller.

The PlayStation 5 version of the game promises 4K at 60 frames per second and after a few hours of playing, and checking the numbers on the TV, I was indeed consistently getting 4K and 60fps. That’s been the case with most PS5 games I’ve played so far this year.

The DualSense controller is utilized although still not as much as I would have liked. Granted, this is pretty much a re-release and the changes added were enough to make you feel the game more.

Hitting certain things around each area is where you’ll mostly feel the effects of the DualSense. Perhaps more subtly, the DualSense also reacts to certain power boosts you gain throughout your playthrough.

Superb presentation

The gameplay may seem daunting, and it can be, but it’s all balanced by the wonderful overall presentation of the game. The art style is unique and lends plenty of identity to the game. It’s even highlighted by the conversations you have as the detailed art of each character is showcased during dialogue exchanges.

Speaking of dialogue, the voice acting in the game is superb and breathes life into the game that, at first glance, seems to have no right to come off this good. Rounding it up is the music. The score in this game is a hit every step of the way.

Why buy the Physical version?

The new boxed versions of Hades [Xbox, PS4, and PS5] all come with a complimentary download code for the Hades Original Soundtrack — that’s two and half hours of music composed by Darren Korb.

You also get a 32-page full-color character compendium booklet with artwork from the game by Jen Zee. Its first pressing appears on the box covers of the physical versions of the game.

Price and availability

As mentioned earlier, Hades is coming to the Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 on August 13. Pricing for the PS4/PS5 are as follows:

Philippines — PhP 1,580
Singapore — SG$ 43.90
Malaysia — MYR 135
Indonesia — IDR 399,000
Thailand — THB 990

Related Topics:Hades Supergiant Games Zagreus

Gaming

Zelda sequel Tears of the Kingdom has a release date

Priced at $70

Published

February 9, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Barely more than a month into the new year, 2023 already looks like a phenomenal year for gamers. A lot of upcoming games are looking like exciting additions to everyone’s to-play list. Though we already knew the title is coming this year, Nintendo officially announced the release date of Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

After revealing a flurry of games, Nintendo capped off their recent Direct with the fresh trailer of the upcoming sequel to Breath of the Wild. As was showcased in previous teasers and trailers, Tears of the Kingdom is a much darker vision set in the same world as Breath of the Wild. Ganon (or what looks like a zombified version of the villain) is back to terrorize Hyrule. This time, however, the iconic villain has a voice!

Plus, Tears of the Kingdom adds a lot of verticality by introducing floating terrain and more aerial movement. While the world looks similar to Breath of the Wild, the sequel still has a lot to show players.

Finally, the trailer caps off with the release date. Tears of the Kingdom will launch on May 12. Preorders have already begun for the title. Additionally, dedicated fans can also get a Collector’s Edition which includes a SteelBook, a poster, an art book, and a pin set. The release also coincides with the launch of a new Amiibo to commemorate the launch.

Priced a bit higher, Tears of the Kingdom will sell for US$ 69.99.

Gaming

Nintendo adds Game Boy titles to Switch Online

And Game Boy Advance

Published

February 9, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Nintendo Switch Online is the gift that keeps on giving. More than giving players the ability to play online, the subscription service also offers subscribers a gallery of classic games from bygone eras. The feature remains one of the most convenient ways to play old titles from the NES and the N64. Now, the service is adding Game Boy and Game Boy Advance titles.

Announced during the most recent Direct, Nintendo has announced that several titles from the Game Boy and the Game Boy Advance are now playable through the subscription service. While all subscribers will have access to the Game Boy titles, Game Boy Advance titles will come only with Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack subscriptions.

The starting lineup of Game Boy titles include Tetris, the original Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX and Kirby’s Dream Land. Meanwhile, Game Boy Advance titles will include Super Mario Bros. 3, Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, and WarioWare, Inc: Mega Microgame$. Games included will come with local and online multiplayer, if applicable.

Nintendo will continue to add more titles to the roster throughout the year. Since the Game Boy generation is one of the company’s biggest, expect a ton of announcements as the roster fills up. (We’re still holding out hope for the classic Pokémon games.)

Gaming

Nintendo Switch is now third-bestselling console in history

Overtakes Game Boy and PS4

Published

February 8, 2023

Luigi Leonardo

Though there are more powerful consoles now, the Nintendo Switch is the most representative of the world’s situation since its launch. It shouldn’t come as a surprise that the console keeps breaking records. Now, it has crossed its most important milestone to date. The Switch is now the third-bestselling console in history.

Released back in 2017, the Switch is the quintessential console for hybrid gamers who play at home and on the go. In its first few years, the console already spawned classic titles such as Breath of the Wild and Super Mario Odyssey. However, its big break truly came during the 2020 lockdowns. The timing of Animal Crossing: New Horizons’ release created a worldwide moment when everyone stuck at home wanted a Switch to play the island life simulator. Since then, the console, despite launching an improved OLED version, is gradually mellowing out, especially when opposed to even more powerful consoles like the PlayStation 5.

Regardless, the Switch’s effect on the world is palpable. Today, Nintendo announced that the console has sold over 122 million units worldwide. With such a figure, the Switch moves up to the third spot in the list of bestselling consoles of all time. It squeaks past the Game Boy (118 million units) and the PlayStation 4 (117 million units).

Now, the next consoles in the Switch’s sights are the Nintendo DS (154 million units) and the PlayStation 2 (155 million units). The console is in for quite a climb, though. Unless it hits another golden age, it will take a while before another overtake.

It’s still possible, of course. The Nintendo Switch is still set to release a few much-awaited titles like Tears of the Kingdom, the sequel to Breath of the Wild.