It’s surprising to see that Hades 2 is still in early access, with Supergiant Games planning to keep it there throughout 2024 before officially launching version 1.0. This is shocking because the game already delivers nearly everything I hoped for in a sequel to one of the best roguelite action games ever made. Hades 2 retains the brilliance of the original while innovating enough to carve out its own identity, feeling more like a fresh installment than just an expansion. The result is a game that challenges, surprises, and delights with each victory and defeat. While it’s missing a complete narrative conclusion for now, I find it hard to believe Hades 2 won’t live up to its predecessor’s legacy when it’s finished.
I won’t spend too long detailing why the original Hades was so well-received—IGN awarded it Game of the Year in 2020 for good reason. If you haven’t yet experienced the smooth, stylish isometric action intertwined with a deepening story, I highly recommend playing the original before diving into this sequel. I’ll wait.
Now that you’re up to speed, you’ll appreciate that Hades 2 excels in swapping out the previous game’s weapons, boons, and upgrades with new, exciting options that offer similar functionalities but in innovative ways. This time, you play as Melinoe, Zagreus’s sister and the daughter of Hades. She shares her brother’s smooth voice and demeanor but comes across as more refined and serious, fitting her role as the Princess of the Underworld. Mel is just as likable and well-developed as Zag.
Her gameplay mechanics largely mirror those of Zagreus but include notable changes that create different playstyles. For instance, Melinoe has an endless sprint that allows her to evade danger or charge into it if properly enhanced. However, she dashes less frequently than Zag, which changes the rhythm of combat. While I missed Zag’s multiple dashes at first, Supergiant has effectively designed enemies and bosses around this shift, making the sprinting mechanic enjoyable and useful.
As a witch, Melinoe introduces a revamped magic system that adds depth to combat, requiring strategic resource management. Holding down the attack button for her three offensive techniques—attack, special, and cast—lets her unleash powerful Omega versions of those abilities that consume mana. For example, her starting staff can perform a three-hit combo, but charging it allows for a long-range magic blast. This addition enhances combat dynamics and offers new avenues for character builds.
Where Hades 2 truly shines is in the sheer variety of build options available during each run. There are many ways to tailor your character that significantly affect gameplay. Even when some builds may seem weaker, I never felt that I was doomed to fail; rather, my deaths were usually due to new enemy encounters or mistakes on my part, rather than a lack of power.
One memorable run featured a powerful sigil that ensnared enemies and unleashed explosions after a few seconds. I would strategically place it and enhance my attacks, watching enemies fall to my tactical maneuvers. Another run with the Giant Axe focused on sprinting to create distance before unleashing devastating attacks in a straight line. Each run felt distinct, educational, and engaging in its own right.
While many mechanics from the original game have been improved, Hades 2 excels in its region design. Each area feels unique, with the third Underworld region presenting open fields that require clearing multiple encounters for rewards before progressing.
Additionally, there’s a separate set of levels, enemies, and bosses awaiting you above ground. I won’t spoil too much, but these surface levels allow Supergiant to explore new design concepts effectively.
The Crossroads
Between runs, you return to the Crossroads, a sanctuary between the surface and the Underworld. Similar to the House of Hades, you can gift nectar to NPCs to strengthen your bonds and collect keepsakes. You can also complete long-term goals for various rewards and engage in endless dialogues with legendary Greek figures like Odysseus and Nemesis.
Melinoe’s progression system diverges from Zag’s. This time, you unlock bonuses through a grid of Arcana cards, each requiring resources. Once unlocked, you can equip these bonuses, revealing adjacent cards’ benefits as well. This system balances powerful upgrades with resource management, making each decision about which bonuses to pursue more critical.
In summary, Hades 2 offers a fresh and exciting experience while honoring the original’s legacy. With its compelling character, innovative mechanics, and rich world, it’s poised to be a standout title when it fully launches.