What If Zagreus Never Reached the Surface?

Of all these roguelike games out there, Hades kinda stands out, doesn’t it? It’s not just the gameplay—though that’s top-notch—but, you see, it’s the whole storytelling magic that gets folks hooked. Zagreus trying to break out to the Surface, that’s the heart of it all. Characters and little details are intricately woven into the game’s fabric. Makes you wonder, though—what if Zagreus never even made it topside? A question worth chewing on, right?

So, Zagreus is all about ditching his Underworld life to track down happiness and have a motherly reunion. But, man, reaching the Surface is no small feat. It’s like climbing Everest in your pajamas. Trials and more trials. Sure, he wants it—I mean, who wouldn’t?—but technically, he doesn’t have to. Imagine if he just chucked it all and stayed put. The possibilities are juicy enough to sink your teeth into.

Anyway, I digress—or not. Whatever.

Now, what if Zagreus had never reached the Surface? Here are some wild scenarios that popped into my head:

First up, maybe he’d buddy up with dear ol’ dad, Hades. Like, do the family biz thing, learn how to rule the Underworld, and, I dunno, become best buds or something.

Or—hear me out—the gods helping him could just be, like, “Nah, never mind,” and drop him. This could turn him into an angrier version of himself. Angst galore.

Then there’s the idea of failure eating away at him until he’s nothing but a haunted shell, doomed to endlessly chase an impossible dream. Depressing, right?

Speaking of Hades 2, imagine if IS: Zagreus had flopped on his mission. Could’ve made him a sibling Melinoe wouldn’t exactly send a holiday card to. Sisters feuding, epic showdowns—it’s drama written all over it. Sides could be taken, bonds tested, yada yada. Still, the current story that Supergiant Games has crafted? Probably the best route, but playing the “what if” game doesn’t hurt.

Really, Hades is just a stellar roguelike with a killer story, right? Even if the narrative twisted itself inside out, I’m betting it’d still sport that crown. I mean, the universe it brings to life is downright fascinating, and who knows? All these alternate paths could’ve added different flavors.

Ah well, now where was I? Oh yes, rambling!