Five years ago, Supergiant Games’ Hades emerged as a sanctuary, captivating players seeking refuge from real-world anxieties. The game offered an escape, as Zagreus, son of the underworld, relentlessly attempted to break free from his purgatorial confines. Its appeal was undeniable, amplified by Jen Zee’s character designs and Greg Kasavin’s engaging narrative.
Now, Hades II arrives, ready to surpass its predecessor. With a thunderously dramatic score by Darren Korb and evolved character illustrations by Jen Zee, the sequel elevates every aspect of the original. Greg Kasavin’s script is wittier and flirtier, creating a gaming experience that is both immersive and unforgettable. This article dives deep into why Hades II is not just a worthy successor but an improvement in every witch way.
A New Protagonist and a Familiar World
In Hades II, Zagreus has stepped aside, making way for his sister Melinoë. Unlike her brother, Melinoë isn’t seeking escape but rather confronting the Titan of Time, Chronos, who threatens her home. This sets the stage for a battle spanning the depths of the underworld and the heights of Mount Olympus. Supergiant invites players to quite literally kill Time. The game offers a wry subversion of what players were doing five years ago.
Melinoë finds herself at a crossroads, not looking to get away like Zag, she ventures out each night to fight because the Titan of Time, Chronos, is up to no good. The woodland clearing she calls home, alongside a clutch of spectral Shades and mentor Hecate might be gloomy and damp, but unlike Zag, she’s not looking to get away: she ventures out to fight each night because the Titan of Time, Chronos, is up to no good. It’s a battle on two fronts, and at two extremes: deep beneath the surface, and at the peak of Mount Olympus.
Honing Your Witchcraft: Lessons in Failure
Each night represents a chance to improve and hone your (witch)craft. The appeal of run-based games such as Hades II lies in the fact that there are lessons to be learned in failure, but on each run you’ll make some measure of progress. Leaning fully into its occult theme, you’ll forage ingredients to drop into the cauldron between runs, and your spells and incantations improve your chances of survival.
Drawing inspiration, too, from . Animals crossing your path can sniff out resources and help in battle. Pale raven Raki pecks at rocks and foes alike, while faithful hound Hecuba can leave opponents stunned while digging up restorative snacks. I personally found it hard to look beyond wildcat Toula, who lunges, claws bared, at nearby opponents – when she can be bothered, at least. She also allows you to defy death once per run; with nine lives, she can afford to spare one.
Sorcery in Combat: Melinoë’s Enchanted Arsenal
Encounters are every bit as intense as you’d hope for, and it takes a minute to adjust to Melinoë’s enchanted arsenal. Fittingly, even as you wield her witch’s staff like a spear, combat feels closer to sorcery. A black coat that allows you to punch opponents into the ether doubles as a magic jetpack. The umbral flames have become my go-to, usually powered up by blacksmith . As difficult as Hades II gets, you have more ways than ever to weight the dice in your favor.
Conversely, you can make Olympus’s slopes even steeper: nightmarish boss-fight variants, for instance, demand mastery of the game’s most deliciously evil risk-reward mechanic.
Internecine Discord: Resolving Conflict in the Underworld
One of the joys of Hades II is getting caught up in the internecine discord among . But it’s ultimately about resolving conflict. Sure, not everyone has read the memo: Scylla, front woman of a pop-punk trio of Sirens, cheerfully sings about in the dank depths of .
But even the likes of power-suited Chaos and grumpy Nemesis (so affronted by you effectively doing her job that she’ll sporadically show up to challenge you to a contest, before barricading a potential exit) can be won over with a gift of nectar – or ambrosia. The game’s ending, too, makes it abundantly clear that any fight against forces of oppression requires us all to play a part, no matter how small; that whether you go low or high, resistance requires strength that can only come from solidarity.
The Help of Unfamiliar Familiars
You’ll need the help of these unfamiliar familiars, and every bit of godly assistance besides, to conquer Chronos.
It draws inspiration, too, from . Animals crossing your path can sniff out resources and help in battle. Pale raven Raki pecks at rocks and foes alike, while faithful hound Hecuba can leave opponents stunned while digging up restorative snacks. I personally found it hard to look beyond wildcat Toula, who lunges, claws bared, at nearby opponents – when she can be bothered, at least. She also allows you to defy death once per run; with nine lives, she can afford to spare one.
Final Thoughts: A Must-Play Sequel
Hades II is more than just a sequel; it’s an evolution. With its engaging story, enhanced gameplay mechanics, and captivating character interactions, it surpasses the original in numerous ways. Whether you’re a long-time fan or a newcomer, Hades II offers an immersive and rewarding experience that is not to be missed.
Supergiant Games has crafted a worthy successor that offers both familiarity and innovation. It makes it abundantly clear that any fight against forces of oppression requires us all to play a part, no matter how small; that whether you go low or high, resistance requires strength that can only come from solidarity. Dive into the underworld once more and discover the magic of Hades II.
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