Every Supergiant Game, Ranked

From its establishment in 2009, Supergiant Games – distinct from Supermassive Games – has solidified its reputation as a top-tier independent game developer and publisher.

The studio takes great care in crafting every game they produce, which is why they’ve only released five titles since their inception. They refuse to compromise on quality.

Each title developed by the studio has earned at least one award nomination, not counting the numerous accolades that each game has actually taken home.

What sets Supergiant Games apart is a unique blend of captivating storylines with memorable characters, innovative yet enjoyable gameplay, top-notch voice acting, and an overall polished experience that keeps players hooked. We may not know the exact formula, but this is our observation based on our interaction with their games.

As a die-hard fan, I can confidently say that every Supergiant game is a must-play masterpiece. Each one of their five games has earned its spot as an absolute banger, and they’re all worth experiencing at least once.

Just like other studios, Supergiant has its share of strengths and weaknesses, and not all their games are equally stunning. Some may stand out as more visually or mechanically impressive than others.

5. Transistor

The Love Between A Singer And A Sword

2014’s Transistor represented the second video game developed by Supergiant, expanding on the groundwork laid by Bastion and venturing into fresh territories.

The game unfolds in the ever-changing metropolis of Cloudbank, manipulated by its inhabitants’ desires. After an assault by an enigmatic entity called the Process, a vocalist named Red embarks on a journey through the city, relying on a colossal, board-like weapon imbued with electricity – the Transistor – to aid her in combat.

The game offers an isometric perspective for action-packed hacking and slashing, and the Transistor empowers you with diverse slicing, firing, and locomotion skills.

The unique feature is called “Turn()”, it enables you to momentarily halt the gameplay, plan out a series of moves and actions swiftly, effectively reducing uncertainty during combat situations.

As a captivated admirer, I’d express it like this: The visual aesthetic of Transistor is simply remarkable, blending elements of art deco and cyberpunk in a way that feels truly unique. And let’s not forget the hauntingly intriguing voice emanating from the sword’s enigmatic figure – it adds an extra layer to the already compelling narrative.

The main issues lie in the complexity of grasping the Turn() system, which may require some effort, and its relatively brief duration when compared to other games developed by Supergiant Games.

4. Bastion

Supergiant’s Very First Game

Back in the year of its establishment, Supergiant Games initially introduced Bastion as their debut project. This very game played a significant role in shaping many of the studio’s signature aspects related to presentation and world creation.

In the game, you assume the character of “The Kid,” a young boy who wakes up one day to discover his city has been devastated by some sort of disaster. The only beacon of hope is Bastion, a floating sanctuary that can rebuild the city and its inhabitants once it’s fully repaired.

In simpler terms, Bastion is a different game that’s categorized as an isometric action RPG, where combat takes center stage. As you journey through the game, The Kid discovers diverse close-range and long-range weapons. You can change these weapons according to your preferred gaming approach and even enhance them to better suit your style of play.

During transitions, you pause at the Bastion to access fresh amenities and enhancements, exchange ideas with other survivors, and gather information on the events that transpired within the city.

In a more casual way of saying it, the gameplay in Bastion is reliable, but it doesn’t stand out much compared to other games. However, what truly elevates the entire experience is its exceptional presentation. From the top-notch music to the seamless narration by Logan Cunningham, every aspect contributes significantly to the overall enjoyment of the game.

Every move I make, even seemingly minor actions like crushing a barrel or slipping from an edge, is always met with that delightful commentary.

3. Pyre

Putting The Fantasy In Fantasy Football

2017’s “Pyre” marks the third title developed by Supergiant Games, significantly differing from their past productions in terms of gameplay mechanics and scale.

In this game, you take on the role of an unnamed character, who finds himself in the gloomy realm of Downside due to his ability to read. You’ll form alliances with a group of welcoming outcasts and be pulled into a sequence of events called the Rites, which are contests between different exile groups. The victor of these Rites will have an opportunity to return to civilized society.

In simple terms, “Pyre” could be described as “figurative team sports competition.” During the games, teams of three players toss a ball into each other’s symbolic fire pits, similar to a sporting event.

In every team, each individual possesses distinct statistics and exceptional talents, while the locations where the Rites take place come with their own unique twists to keep matters intriguing.

Each time you reach the final game, there’s a recurring phase, almost like seasons. During these intervals known as Rites, you’ll journey and forge connections with other Exiles, gaining valuable insights about our surroundings from their experiences.

Pyre is an unusually captivating game, with an appealing oddity to it. At first glance, its concept might be off-putting to some, but if you give it a chance, you’ll discover not just engaging sports gameplay, but also a deeply moving narrative that has laid the groundwork for the studio’s future projects.

2. Hades II

Will Probably Be Number One When It’s Done

Supergiant Games is set to release their latest title, Hades II, in an early access form in 2024. Despite being incomplete at the moment, trust us when we say it won’t matter much once you start playing!

In the sequel, Hades II, several years have passed since the events of the initial game, with Chronos, the Titan of Time, having taken control over the entire underworld. With the ruling family of House of Hades nowhere to be found, it falls upon Hades’ long-lost daughter, Melinoe, to journey through the depths and vanquish the titan.

Similar to its predecessor, Hades II is a roguelike game where you battle waves of adversaries within confined arenas. Each encounter ends with rewards such as boons and enhancements for your character. A significant change in this version is the addition of the Magik meter, which empowers Melinoe to use her weapons’ special abilities and cast beneficial spells.

Furthermore, once you’ve advanced your narrative and acquired some enhancements, you’ll be granted access to another level of advancement, ascending towards Olympus instead of descending into the underworld.

Hades II isn’t leading Supergiant’s games at the moment because it hasn’t been completed yet. However, despite being in early access, it offers a wealth of features and boasts gameplay and visuals that are on par with or surpass those of the original game. Once it’s fully released, Hades II is expected to be another masterpiece from Supergiant.

1. Hades

The Roguelite That Changed Everything

2020’s Hades (originally released in early access in 2018) marks Supergiant’s fourth game and their most acclaimed and popular title to date. It was not only TopMob’s Game of the Year for 2020, but also received a long list of other prestigious awards.

In this contest, you assume the role of Zagreus, the offspring of Hades, ruler of the Greek netherworld. Growing weary of residing amidst the deceased, Zagreus flees his dwelling and embarks on a battle-filled journey towards the surface.

The route is perilous, and it seems inevitable that he’ll reach his demise; however, should he pass away, he’d simply reappear at the House of Hades. In essence, there isn’t any other place for him to be found.

At first sight, Hades appears as a straightforward game with an isometric viewpoint, reminiscent of a roguelike experience. The character Zagreus can amass a progressively expanding arsenal of weapons to battle his way upward, while gaining divine advantages from the Olympians that unlock new and enhanced abilities.

During your adventure, you might stumble upon unique bosses and characters along the way, discover opportunities to upgrade and expand at the House of Hades, and by setting self-imposed challenges, you’ll uncover additional prizes.

Due to the unpredictable structure that defines roguelite games, each playthrough of Hades provides a distinctly different experience. The characters and bosses offer fresh dialogues tailored to numerous diverse circumstances and scenarios, giving the impression of an infinite variety of possibilities.

The game is so engrossing that you find yourself unable to stop playing, even though you often feel like you’re never quite done with it – and that’s a testament to its challenging nature.

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2025-01-21 20:09