Plague Doctor
Member
So replaying and thinking about the ending, here's what I figured.. (spoilers galore)
This was all Hayden's plan that went wrong in many ways but also ended up with his key objective. Hayden isn't evil or with ill intentions to begin with. After mastering Argent Energy, he sets his sights on how to conquer the Hell dimension, subdued, and control the beings there. I believes he is doing it for what he perceives as the benefit of human kind. I think it's meant to be an allegorical character to King Solomon.
Initially, he feels Olivia is the key to all this. Perhaps cybernetic enhancements and study will discover a way to condition them. Olivia falls to corruption and this is a dead end. This is why Hayden is interested in the Doom Slayer, thinking this is a key as well towards his end. Also, he knows about the Crucible artifact and knows about it's real purpose (which we see in the final moments of the game).
I am not sure if he knew and intended on Olivia to set off the Argent Waves and tear open the hole, or if she just took him by surprise forcing him to play his gambit card of the Doom Slayer. I am inclined to think that wasn't part of the plan and he underestimated Olivia's resolve or even Hell's persuasive influence. I believe this wasn't part of the plan because Hayden genuinely wants the rift closed and is willing to accept the loss of his entire industry towards it.
The entire operation can (pardon the pun) go to hell provided that the hole is closed. Also, he can get his hands on the Crucible.
The player character and the crucible are still the key components towards his ultimate goal. And, we now have set the stage for the next plan to begin.
With all this said, I don't think Hayden is the villain or corrupted by the dimension. I think he suffers from hubris and is willing to place the material world in jeopardy towards the end of conquering and mastering the Hell dimension.
Initially, he feels Olivia is the key to all this. Perhaps cybernetic enhancements and study will discover a way to condition them. Olivia falls to corruption and this is a dead end. This is why Hayden is interested in the Doom Slayer, thinking this is a key as well towards his end. Also, he knows about the Crucible artifact and knows about it's real purpose (which we see in the final moments of the game).
I am not sure if he knew and intended on Olivia to set off the Argent Waves and tear open the hole, or if she just took him by surprise forcing him to play his gambit card of the Doom Slayer. I am inclined to think that wasn't part of the plan and he underestimated Olivia's resolve or even Hell's persuasive influence. I believe this wasn't part of the plan because Hayden genuinely wants the rift closed and is willing to accept the loss of his entire industry towards it.
The entire operation can (pardon the pun) go to hell provided that the hole is closed. Also, he can get his hands on the Crucible.
The player character and the crucible are still the key components towards his ultimate goal. And, we now have set the stage for the next plan to begin.
With all this said, I don't think Hayden is the villain or corrupted by the dimension. I think he suffers from hubris and is willing to place the material world in jeopardy towards the end of conquering and mastering the Hell dimension.