"Hades," developed by Supergiant Games, marked a transformative moment in the roguelike genre by combining an engaging story with rich gameplay mechanics. Traditional roguelikes are known for their procedural generation, and high difficulty, often with minimal narrative depth. However, "Hades" broke this mold by making the story central to the experience. Set in Greek mythology, it follows Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the Underworld. Each failed run is woven into the narrative, with characters reacting to Zagreus’s progress, failures, and growth. This unique integration of story and gameplay set "Hades" apart, making it a game where dying actually enriches the experience.

The game's dynamic storytelling also redefined player progression. In many roguelikes, yet "Hades" retained a sense of continuity. Players build relationships with gods, each other, and even foes through dialogue that changes after each run, adding depth to their motivations and the world. These interactions created a sense of attachment that kept players invested in Zagreus's journey, even as they failed multiple times. Supergiant’s dedication to voice acting and writing gave each character a distinctive personality and voice, turning the game into an emotional experience beyond typical roguelike conventions.

"Hades" also reimagined the reward system of roguelikes, balancing challenge and accessibility. Through its "boon" system, players receive randomized powers from the gods on each run, ensuring variety while allowing strategic customization. Boons can synergize in unique ways depending on the gods, providing countless ways to build Zagreus's abilities. While the game is challenging, players can make consistent upgrades to Zagreus’s skills, tools, and items, which helps mitigate the frustration of failure. This more forgiving progression system made "Hades" approachable to a broader audience, drawing in both roguelike enthusiasts and newcomers to the genre.

Visually and technically, "Hades" also set a new standard. Its art style is vibrant and detailed, enhancing the Greek myth aesthetic while standing out from other indie games.