‘Hades II’ packs double the punch, for better or worse

The first Hades was Mashable’s pick for the best game of 2020. It combined captivating roguelike gameplay with stunning character art, sharp writing, and a unique storytelling approach that unfolded bit by bit with each death. It was a massive hit and everyone was obsessed with it, so naturally, the idea of a sequel was super exciting.

After diving into the final release of Hades II on the Nintendo Switch 2 for a few dozen hours, I can confidently say that Supergiant Games still has that magic touch. This sequel delivers everything you could want and more, with a bigger scope, more variety, and a whole new cast of 2D illustrated Greek gods to admire.

However, as much as I enjoyed every moment of Hades II, I couldn’t shake the feeling that I wasn’t as hyped about it as I was with the original in 2020. While Hades II may technically outshine its predecessor in some aspects, the sheer novelty of a new, completely original creation from Supergiant, one of my favorite developers, is hard to replicate.

### Hades II builds on the original in smart ways

Just like its predecessor, Hades II spent a good chunk of time in Early Access on PC. This means that most of its new features were gradually unveiled over the past year and a half, slightly diminishing the element of surprise. But if you haven’t been following the pre-release build, there’s plenty of new content to explore here.

The protagonist Zagreus and other familiar faces from the first game are absent, as the titan Chronos has somehow resurrected and imprisoned them all in time. Now, you step into the shoes of Melinoë, an unknown daughter of Hades and Zag’s little sister, on a quest to save her family and bring order to both the underworld and the surface world.

### Novelty is hard to beat

Melinoë offers a fresh gameplay experience compared to Zagreus in Hades II. Trained in ancient Greek witchcraft, combat revolves around managing a magic meter that can unleash various abilities. From trapping enemies in a binding circle to modifying spells with divine boons, Melinoë’s playstyle adds an exciting twist to the familiar Hades formula.

The biggest structural change in Hades II is the introduction of two distinct routes for Melinoë to explore, each with its own levels, bosses, and secrets. Whether descending to the house of Hades or ascending to Mount Olympus, the expanded gameplay variety ensures that Hades II remains engaging for extended play sessions.

Several new zones in Hades II offer more dynamic experiences than the repetitive room-clearing of the first game, making each run feel uniquely challenging and rewarding. With a narrative that continues to shine through character development and witty writing, Hades II maintains the captivating charm of its predecessor while introducing fresh elements to keep players hooked.

Let’s chat a bit about what Hades II isn’t, shall we?

Previous games by Supergiant were all fresh and original, each offering something completely different. From the fast-paced action of Bastion to the introspective tactics of Transistor, and the unique sports drama of Pyre, the journey through their creations was a wild ride. Each new game brought a promise of novelty or a fusion of familiar elements in a new way.

Being the studio’s first sequel, it was inevitable that Hades II wouldn’t have the same level of novelty as its predecessors. While I still recommend it to anyone even remotely interested, I can’t quite muster the same enthusiasm as I would for something completely fresh. I applaud Supergiant for taking this step, but I’m eager to see them return to creating something truly original.

But hey, in the grand scheme of things, this is just a minor quibble. It’s still Hades, complete with an amazing soundtrack by Darren Korb, top-notch voice acting, and a cast of characters that will inspire fanfiction for years to come. No complaints here.