Image via Supergiant Games
Considering Hades ended up being a triumph and Hades 2 is even better, I’m not even sure what sorts of superlatives to use to convey how incredible this new game is. Perhaps I should say it is the sort of pinnacle we only reach once every five years? That would cover the 2020 original and acknowledge Supergiant Games’ Transistor, which released in 2014, too. Maybe I say it is genre-defining, since it does set new standards for roguelikes. But perhaps the best way to put it is come right out and say that Hades 2 is a perfect game. It’s definitely a Switch 2 highlight.
Years ago, the titan Chronos broke free of his imprisonment and started his assault on his children, the Olympian gods, by capturing Hades, freezing Zagreus, Persephone, and other inhabitants of the underworld, and taking the throne in Tartarus. The Titaness Hecate managed to save three things and escape as he did. She grabbed Melinoe, the infant daughter of Hades and Persephone, the now constantly slumbering god of sleep Hypnos, and a picture of Tartarus’ royal family. Hecate spent years purposely training Melinoe to fight back, while also maintaining the Crossroads as something of a hidden base for a rebellion that consists of Nyx’s children like Nemesis, legendary dead heroes like Odysseus, and other icons of Greek mythology as she faces Chronos’ forces both above and below as she heads toward Tartarus and Olympus.
The set-up alone should help indicate one of the reasons why Hades 2 is not only Hades’ equal, but surpasses its predecessor. We’re taking on challenges on two fronts. Supergiants sends us first down towards Tartarus, going through the distinct regions of Erebus, Oceanus, and the Fields of Mourning before a return to Tartarus and the House of Hades. Once we get established and take on a few runs, natural dialogue and events are woven in that provide an opportunity to craft an Incantation that allows us to head up to support Olympus in their fight by going through the City of Ephyra, Rift of Thessaly, and Mount Olympus. Each biome feels unique. Not only that, but there are mechanics that makes exploring them feel unusual as well. Erebus is a more traditional area like one we’d see in Hades. The Fields of Mourning is a more open-ended space, with penalties when taking rewards and golden leaves and trees to follow. The City of Ephyra sends us to different locations in it to unlock a path forward. It feels more diverse and mechanically interesting than the original game, rewarding us for exploring.
Preparing Melinoe for each run also made me feel like I had a greater degree of control over each run in Hades 2, while still offering the suspense and sense of chance found in the first game. There are so many things we can do now before heading out on a run, unlocking each them of course. There are six weapons to acquire, with the Witch’s Staff available outright. Each has their own primary Attacks and Specials along with standard Cast to hold foes, as well as Omega Moves that tap into Melinoe’s magic to empower and offer additional assault options. These can eventually be enhanced after a Cauldron upgrade. We get Keepsakes by giving Nectar to gods and primary allies, which offer certain buffs or boosts going into each night and, after a Cauldron upgrade, can be swapped at spaces between regions. We choose Arcana Cards for each run, to add additional effects, and can equip more as we invest, unlock, and increase Melinoe’s Grasp with Psyche. We even can unlock a Familiar at the Cauldron, choosing between different animals like Frinos the toad or Raki the raven, with each one offering an ingredient gathering and combat-related bonus.
Once you go out on a run either to Tartarus or Olympus, Hades 2 follows the same sort of progression as Hades, though I find the pacing, challenge, and diversity feels a bit more engaging. In each room, Melinoe can get some sort of bonus like a Boon from the gods that affects her abilities, materials, a boost in power for her weapons, Nectar, an opportunity to shop at Charon, or an interaction from an NPC that could aid you on your journey. Enemies that spawn gradually get more challenging, and a miniboss can even appear before the main guardian for each area. Doors are very clearly telegraphed this time, which I love, so you can see if there will be a gathering spot or miniboss in addition to the reward from choosing that path. I love the diversity in opponents, and there are even a few of the minibosses that feel as well-executed and personality-filled as the major foes. (Especially Uh-Oh.) And given some fights can change based on team-ups, it adds even more diversity. It also runs flawlessly on the Switch 2 with no lag, even in handheld mode.
I love how Boons themselves feel more diverse and versatile in Hades 2. You can trigger certain ones more frequently with Keepsakes, which is great. But even better is how the Elements can affect performance or the way some work and the potential Duos. It encourages experimentation in a way I didn’t expect. Like I always had certain weapon and Boon combinations I enjoyed in Hades, which would lead to attempting to work toward certain builds. In Hades 2, I feel far more willing to experiment due to the potential for Infusions and Duos. There are so many combinations I didn’t consider and opportunities to do something now. It’s exhilarating. Even if I fail on a run, I feel so happy to have gained not only materials to help with the next one, but the experience getting to try new things.
While a lot of why I believe Hades 2 is even stronger and better than the original game has to do with gameplay and design decisions, I think Supergiant also did a better job with the characterization and narrative this time around too. Melinoe and her situation’s contrast to Zagreus’ is very well executed, since it’s still a story about family and reunification. We clearly see how her experiences shaped her, and some narrative choices that offer insights into the past help enhance our experiences in the present. Chronos is a fantastic villain. The new allies and enemies draw upon Grecian myths in wonderful ways, and we get to see the conflicts that stem from not everyone being fans of the Olympians and their choices. Likewise, because this is a sequel, we get more out of encounters with both new and returning gods due to Zagreus’ experiences with them. Not to mention the art direction is still amazing.
I’m going to keep it simple here and say Hades 2 is a game you need to play. It is that good. It is worth it. You will regret it if you don’t give it a chance and support a developer like Supergiant that consistently gives us meaningful, well-designed, memorable, and most importantly fun games.
Hades 2 is available on the Switch, Switch 2, and PC.
Hades 2
I’m going to keep it simple here and say you need to play Hades 2. It is that good. It is worth it. You will regret it if you don’t.