I’ve emerged from that pool a lot, yet I am constantly amazed by how oddly fresh it feels each time, like each death is an opportunity rather than a brick wall. Whenever I emerge from that pool, I do so with excitement rather than resignation as I never know what kind of snarky conversations and revelations await me.
This is because Supergiant have made each death a chance to dive into their wonderful lore, an opportunity to become best mates with a skeleton as you batter him to temporary death, the time for you to really dig into the stories they’ve weaved in their particular vision of Hell. I keep dying over and over in Hades and I am never that mad about it, 100 hours and almost as many deaths later. The obstacles of the Underworld become more complex when the player understands them as not just a challenge for Zagreus but as the desperate attempts of a broken and saddened man to keep his son safe from perceived dangers.Minor spoilers follow for subplots within Hades, though these do not spoil the outcomes of said subplots. Tartarus, Asphodel, and Elysium mirror Hades' values and feelings: punishment for disobedience in Tartarus, anger and bitterness in Asphodel, and rewarding loyalty in Elysium. Hordes of enemies aim to stop Zagreus because, for his own protection, Hades doesn't want his son to escape. His desires to protect his son and his realm are reflected in the game's environments. This dichotomy of Hades is compelling because it not only builds up his character but also develops the world of the game. Hades' attitude is one driven by fear, bitterness, love, and loss. This is intentional - Supergiant built this larger-than-life God of Death, only to dive into his complexities as players explore the game. In fact, he isn't as ruthless as he's built up to be in Zagreus' mind.
It is not until Zagreus receives exposition from others, and of course when he faces his father, that the player's perspective can switch. As the main antagonist of the game, he's introduced as tyrannical, power-driven, and hateful. Hades is compelling in a much different way than Dusa. On the other side of the spectrum is Zagreus' father, Hades, the Lord of the Underworld himself.
Of course, as the player gets to know her, the dialogue unveils the strength of her character. Initially presented as shy, insecure, nervous, and excitable, the game allows the player to develop their relationship with her. Dusa is a prime example of how well Hades develops its characters. One such character is Dusa, the floating head of a gorgon and acting maid of the House of Hades. Of course, this plays out in conversations. Importantly, each character has their own feelings, philosophies, insecurities, and pasts with Zagreus. Of course, as players learn more about the game's characters, it becomes clear that not a single one acts as only a vessel for the player to become more powerful. Every new run presents a new opportunity for the reckless prince to explore dialogue with the members of the House of Hades, the Olympians, and other characters, including himself. The game itself progresses through Zagreus' failings and successes.
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