Dive into Hades 2 with our review, where witches, warlocks, and a captivating return to the Underworld combine in this epic, action-packed roguelike sequel from Supergiant Games.
The highly anticipated sequel to Hades, the critically acclaimed action roguelike by Supergiant Games, Hades 2 returns to the dark, twisted depths of the Underworld.
With its fast-paced combat, rich mythology, and captivating narrative, the first game set a high bar for the genre, blending exhilarating gameplay with storytelling that was as deep as the Stygian abyss.
Hades 2 builds on that foundation, introducing a new protagonist, expanded lore, and a host of witches, warlocks, and mythical creatures that make for an even more immersive journey through the Greek Underworld.
A New Hero, A Familiar Setting
In Hades 2, players take on the role of Melinoë, the sister of Zagreus, who was the hero of the first game. Melinoë is a powerful witch and a demigoddess with her own unique motivations and abilities.
Like Zagreus, her journey is one of defiance—this time, against the emerging forces of Chronos, the God of Time. Chronos has escaped his prison in the Underworld and seeks to overturn the order of gods and mortals alike.
While the setting remains deeply entrenched in Greek mythology, Hades 2 offers new twists on familiar terrain. The Underworld is more expansive and complex than before, with new biomes to explore and a wider variety of enemies to battle.
Supergiant Games has beautifully recreated the eerie, otherworldly atmosphere of the Underworld, blending dark, foreboding environments with vibrant, otherworldly aesthetics.
Fast-Paced Combat with New Layers
At the heart of Hades 2 is its combat system, which has been refined and expanded from the original.
Melinoë’s combat style differs from that of Zagreus, emphasizing magic and spellcasting, allowing players to harness powerful elemental attacks and summon creatures from the Underworld to aid in battle.
Her connection to witchcraft introduces new mechanics that blend traditional melee combat with spell-based abilities, creating a dynamic and strategic combat experience.
Warlocks and witches from Greek myth play a central role, offering boons and powers that dramatically alter gameplay. Players can combine these magical enhancements to create unique builds, much like in the first Hades, but with even more depth and variation.
Each run through the Underworld becomes a new challenge, as you adapt your playstyle to the boons you acquire and the enemies you face.
In addition to the core combat, Hades 2 introduces more verticality and environmental interaction. Players can use the terrain to their advantage, creating opportunities for ambushes, dodging attacks more fluidly, and employing new mechanics like traps and magical barriers.
Expanding the Mythology
Where Hades was steeped in the story of Zagreus’ quest to escape the Underworld and reconnect with his family, Hades 2 delves deeper into the mythology of gods and goddesses, specifically focusing on the tensions between time, fate, and the balance of power among the Olympians and the chthonic deities.
Melinoë’s quest against Chronos opens up new avenues for storytelling, drawing on lesser-known aspects of Greek mythology and expanding the lore that fans of the original will find irresistible.
The dialogue remains as sharp and engaging as ever, with each character exuding personality. The Olympian gods return, offering their aid in the form of powerful boons, but this time, we also see more interaction with darker forces—witches, warlocks, and chthonic entities who play an even greater role in the shaping of Melinoë’s fate.
Character development, a hallmark of the original game, has been expanded. Melinoë’s relationships with the gods and denizens of the Underworld evolve throughout the game, creating deeper emotional connections and stakes.
Players will once again engage in branching dialogue trees, choosing how they want to interact with key characters, and those choices can influence the outcome of each run.
Aesthetic Brilliance and Sound Design
Hades 2 maintains the distinctive, hand-painted art style that made the first game so visually stunning. The environments are richly detailed, with new areas of the Underworld offering both beauty and danger.
From the shifting sands of the Tartarus depths to the fiery, tempestuous realms of Phlegethon, every part of the Underworld is brought to life with breathtaking visuals.
The character designs are equally impressive. Melinoë’s visual style reflects her dual heritage—half-mortal, half-goddess—with striking details in her clothing, armor, and magical aura that set her apart from Zagreus, while the warlocks and witches who assist (or hinder) her bring a darker, more mystical energy to the game.
The soundtrack, composed once again by Darren Korb, is a standout. Korb’s signature blend of atmospheric rock and traditional Greek-inspired melodies sets the tone for each battle and moment of reflection.
The music swells in intensity during combat, driving players forward with adrenaline-pumping beats, while more haunting, melodic tracks accompany Melinoë’s quieter moments as she explores the mysteries of the Underworld.
Roguelike Elements Refined
Hades 2 by LIGames retains the roguelike structure that made the original so addictive, with players navigating through procedurally generated rooms and enemies on each run. However, Supergiant Games has introduced several improvements to the roguelike formula.
The ability to carry over more progress between runs, particularly in terms of character development and storyline progression, makes each playthrough feel more meaningful and less punishing.
New permanent upgrades and abilities allow players to customize Melinoë in ways that persist between runs, making it easier to tackle the increasingly difficult challenges that the game throws at you.
The pacing of the game has also been fine-tuned, ensuring that players feel a steady sense of progression even after failed attempts.
Conclusion
Hades 2 builds upon the strengths of its predecessor, offering a thrilling mix of fast-paced combat, rich mythology, and an emotionally resonant story.
With the introduction of witches, warlocks, and a more complex Underworld, Supergiant Games has expanded the universe of Hades in ways that feel fresh yet familiar.
The dynamic combat, stunning visuals, and engaging character interactions make Hades 2 a must-play for fans of the original and newcomers alike. Melinoë’s journey through the Underworld is one that will challenge, captivate, and leave players eager for just one more run.