Easily in the top 5 most overrated games of all time. The only reason Hades doesn't deserve the lowest rating is the impeccable presentation from Supergiant Games. As with the developer's other work, it's easy to get sucked into Hades because of how good it looks and sounds. This time, the studio marries its distinguished production style with a business plan based on appealing to the lowest common denominator.

Hades' familiar, repetitive action has gotten a pass from critics and fans thanks to the game's shrewd psychological manipulation. The fast leveling provides a reliable dopamine rush, and the upgrade preview icons flatter and tempt players by letting them know the progress that lies just a room away. The actual combat and upgrading are unoriginal and unchallenging. Using the logic I learned from the Diablo series and its many followers, I developed tactics (after a mere handful of failed runs) that allowed me to dominate most rooms and defeat Hades on my first attempt. The game evokes hell while being formulaic and welcoming, offering an onion that you can always peel. The perfect recipe for ego-stroked addiction.

And the story doesn't live up to the hype. It's all cliched juvenilia about flipping the bird to daddy and running to mommy for wise words and protection and having funny conversations with friends after you get a boo boo. Hades exploits the infantilized gaming market like a shameless pimp. Game of the Year? More like Trick of the Year.