If You Liked Hades II, Then You Might Like These Games!
 

Greetings fellow Aliens! I thought that I would try out a new content series with you all, so let me know what you think of this one and if I should make more for different genres! 

One of my favorite genres of all time is definitely “roguelites/roguelikes! PAUSE, now some of you may be asking, what’s the difference? Let’s get a quick definition check: in a roguelite you retain some abilities and/or upgrades for future runs through the game, while in roguelikes, you start over fresh each time like it’s the first run. While very similar, that difference is key in understanding how the core gameplay loop actually plays!   

Now, we can put away our dictionaries and talk games again. One of my personal all-time favorite roguelites has got to be Hades and its incredible successor Hades II. Apart from the fact that I'm a mythos nerd and am fascinated by Greek, Norse, Japanese and other cultural mythologies, Hades has an incredible way of building the gameplay loop into the narrative itself. Looking at Hades for example, the constant struggle to get out of Hell and face your father, Hades, was an incredible way to bridge the gameplay to the narrative and they did just that again in Hades II. Though, this time, you’re trying to get back into Hell to protect your family from the grips of the time lord himself, Chronos, the Titan of Time! I don’t want to give too many spoilers away for those who would like to play it, so go check it out!
 

Without further ado! If you have played Hades and/or Hades II and had a fantastic time, here are some other games you should check out that are of the same sort of roguelite/roguelike genre and just as fantastic!  

Risk of Rain 2 
 

Risk of Rain 2 is a thrilling 3D roguelike that takes players on a dynamic journey through procedurally generated worlds filled with relentless enemies and powerful bosses. The core gameplay loop revolves around surviving waves of increasingly difficult foes while scavenging for items and upgrades scattered throughout the various maps. Each item collected synergizes with others, creating unique and sometimes chaotic builds that significantly impact your playstyle, along with great puzzles and achievements to solve and go after! 

The game offers an engaging mix of fast-paced combat, exploration, and strategic decision-making. Players choose from a variety of distinct characters, each with their own skills and abilities. Along with that, multiplayer in Risk of Rain 2 is a key feature, with up to four-player co-op enhancing the chaos and camaraderie adding to the overall replayability, challenging progression, and an addictive loot system. This title consistently keeps players coming back for "just one more run." - it’s a must-play for roguelike and action gamers alike! 

Cult of the Lamb 
 

Cult of the Lamb combines the charm of a roguelike dungeon crawler with the strategic depth of a management simulator. Players step into the hooves of a possessed lamb saved from annihilation by an ominous deity, tasked with building a loyal cult to repay the debt. The core gameplay loop alternates between action-packed dungeon exploration and nurturing your growing cult back at base. 

In dungeons, players battle through procedurally generated areas, slaying enemies and gathering resources to strengthen their cult. While back at the settlement, the focus shifts to recruiting followers, constructing buildings, performing rituals, and managing the faith and well-being of your loyal cultists. Choices play a significant role, with moral dilemmas influencing the direction of your cult and gameplay experience. 

With its unique blend of adorable visuals and dark, occult themes, Cult of the Lamb offers a fresh, addictive take on genre mashups, ensuring no two runs feel the same. Definitely check this one out, one of my personal favorites!

Windblown
 

In Windblown, players embody animal adventurers launched into a colossal tornado, known as the Vortex, to navigate procedurally generated zones teeming with enemies and challenges. The core gameplay loop involves fast-paced combat, where players absorb the powers of fallen warriors and rebuild their weapons to enhance their abilities. A unique feature, "Alterattack," allows the use of special moves from secondary weapons, adding depth to combat strategies.  

Beyond survival, the game’s narrative draws players in with its emphasis on exploration and connection. As you journey through the skies, you'll uncover the remnants of a lost civilization, meet unique characters, and make choices that shape your story. The blend of discovery and decision-making ensures every playthrough feels personal and impactful.

The game supports both solo and cooperative play, of up to three players. Multiplayer mode encourages team coordination through in-game emojis or chat features, which makes battles a ton of fun. With its blend of rapid combat, procedural level design, and cooperative gameplay, Windblown offers a fresh and engaging experience for fans of the roguelite genre. 

Witchfire
 

Witchfire is a dark fantasy first-person shooter that blends rogue-lite mechanics with immersive, gothic storytelling. Set in a grim, cursed world where science and witchcraft collide, players assume the role of a witch hunter tasked with defeating deadly foes to retrieve powerful artifacts. The game combines intense gunplay with magical abilities, creating a dynamic combat system that rewards skill, strategy, and experimentation. 

At the heart of Witchfire is its procedurally generated world, which ensures every run is unique. Players can explore eerie landscapes, from haunted forests to crumbling ruins, filled with challenging enemies and hidden secrets. A robust progression system allows hunters to upgrade their weapons, spells, and abilities to demolish the big baddies! 

The game has received significant praise for its stunning visuals, atmospheric world-building, and satisfying gameplay loop. The blend of fast-paced shooting with strategic magic use sets Witchfire apart, appealing to fans of titles like Dark Souls and Destiny. So if you enjoyed those titles, as well, you should definitely check this one out! 

Ravenswatch
 

Ravenswatch is a dark and dynamic action rogue-lite where players step into the shoes of legendary heroes inspired by folklore and fables. With its own unique blend of cooperative gameplay and procedural generation, Ravenswatch challenges players to strategize and survive through relentless battles against the Nightmare—a corrupting force threatening their fantastical world.

The core gameplay revolves around assembling a team of up to four heroes, each with distinct abilities and playstyles. Whether you wield Beowulf’s powerful sword or strike from the shadows as the Pied Piper, teamwork and skill mastery are essential to overcome increasingly difficult waves of enemies. Players will gather resources, enhance their heroes’ abilities, and uncover powerful artifacts as they venture through the world. The emphasis on progression and discovery provides a very fun and rewarding gameplay loop that encourages experimentation and enhances replayability. Ultimately, another standout in the genre you should definitely check out! 

 

There you have it! Five other games that are similar to Hades II that you should absolutely check out if you are fans of the genre!

Have you played these titles? Are there other titles of the genre that you love that you would have added to this list? Let's chat in the comments below!