Hades 2 review: The ‘House’ always wins

To that point, Supergiant Games was an indie studio known for always having a new story to tell. It had never put out a sequel to any of its previous games. Imagine the pressure on this developer when it decided to buck that trend to craft a sequel to one of the best games of the modern era—one that helped define what it means to be a roguelite.

With all of that said, Supergiant Games has not only crafted one of modern gaming’s best roguelites but has now created one of modern gaming’s best sequels. It’d be cliché to say *Hades 2* is everything *Hades* was and more—but it’d also be accurate. This sequel isn’t just good; it’s godlike.

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### Time Marches On

*Hades 2* takes place years after the events of the original game, but a lot has happened in the meantime. Original protagonist Zagreus is nowhere to be found. Neither, for that matter, is original antagonist Hades.

Instead, players are taken to a new setting called The Crossroads, where they meet a new lead character—Melinoe, the daughter of Hades, who has spent her life under the tutelage of the all-powerful witch Hecate.

The House of Hades has been taken over by Chronos, the Titan of Time, who seems to be waging a grander war against all of the gods. It’s up to Melinoe to topple this fiend, retake the Underworld, and find her family.

That’s the gist of the story, but much of it remains shrouded in mystery.

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### Mysteries and Masterful Storytelling

While there are questions surrounding the whereabouts of Hades and Zagreus, similar questions linger about the supporting characters from the original game. A prime example is Hypnos, the God of Sleep, who has fallen into an eternal slumber for reasons unknown.

Other instances unfold over the course of the game, showcasing some of Supergiant’s most masterful storytelling to date. Roguelite runs aren’t just about gameplay success; there isn’t a single run where players don’t learn more about the story, meet new characters, push arcs forward, and come incrementally closer to solving the overarching mysteries the narrative presents.

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### Familiar Yet Expansive

At first glance, much of *Hades 2* sounds similar to the original *Hades*. And that’s not a bad thing. If you’re going to borrow ideas, why not borrow from the best—especially if that “best” is your own creation?

However, as the game unfolds, its scope expands significantly, eventually surpassing that of the original. As Chronos’ true machinations take shape, it’s clear the Underworld run is only the beginning. There’s much more to explore, more characters to meet, and new ways to interact with them.

Additional mechanics help push the story and gameplay forward, such as:

– The **Cauldron** in the Crossroads, where Melinoe crafts run-altering spells.
– An **Arcana** system using Tarot cards that grant useful buffs.
– An upgrade system for the **Nocturnal Arms**, Melinoe’s weapons of choice.

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### A New Cast of Characters to Love

While some minor characters from the first game don’t return, *Hades 2* introduces a compelling new supporting cast whose stories unfold with care and precision.

– **Dora**: Melinoe’s roommate, smarter than other Shades but content to live her afterlife without ever leaving her room, as she cannot remember her past.
– **Hecate**: A calculating leader who straddles the line between being Melinoe’s mother figure and her strict teacher, providing the tools needed for survival.
– **Moros**: The incarnation of Doom, who longs to help but is constrained by the decrees of the Fates.
– **Eris**: A devil-may-care free spirit who may or may not be a double agent, causing mischief simply for amusement.

Their stories are carefully crafted and paced, offering just enough to keep players intrigued and motivated to return for another run.

Other characters met during runs, like **Narcissus** and **Echo**, start as quirky side figures but reveal greater depth as the story progresses.

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### Melinoe: The Heart of the Story

Melinoe inevitably invites comparisons to Zagreus, and in a direct one-on-one comparison, she doesn’t exactly win. Zagreus carried a defiant charm—driven by a longing to find the mother he never knew and relishing the chaos this caused with his father.

Melinoe lacks Zagreus’ charm but possesses a wholesome determination, fueled by never having known her family except through a single portrait from her infancy. She is almost single-mindedly devoted to defeating Chronos, which somewhat stunts her character development in the early hours.

There’s even an encounter with **Chaos**, a returning entity from the first game, who laments how much more amusing Zagreus was.

However, as Melinoe meets more characters and forms relationships with the gods, her personality blossoms. Having spent most of her life learning to fight, she begins to fight for others. Her mission evolves from personal to communal as she discovers herself through aiding others—one of *Hades 2*’s most compelling ongoing storylines.

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### A Sequel for Newcomers and Fans Alike

One positive aspect of *Hades 2*’s largely new cast is that newcomers can jump in blind and enjoy Supergiant’s storytelling without confusion.

Meanwhile, fans of the original game will appreciate the deep connections and callbacks:

– There’s a tinge of heartbreak at Hypnos’ condition.
– Pride swells at seeing Skelly graduate to Commander Schelemeus, even if he still serves as the tutorial tackle dummy.
– A sense of intriguing mystery looms over the fates of key original characters.

This blend of nostalgia and novel mystery seeds curiosity that blossoms over many play hours, culminating in a satisfying experience.

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### The Gameplay Loop: Time Loop

At its core, *Hades 2* retains the structure of the original game. Players dive into the realm of Erebus wielding a chosen Nocturnal Arm, battling Shades and monsters, and facing bosses before an eventual epic showdown with Chronos.

The main difference? Instead of fighting upwards as in the first game, here players fight downwards with the goal of reaching the Underworld.

Individual chamber layouts are randomized with varied enemies, hazards, and rewards. Though runs may feel familiar, they’re rarely the same—bolstered by gods and other characters offering Boons that enhance Melinoe in different ways.

Combat remains crisp and responsive:

– Each weapon has a main attack, an alt-fire, and a dash move.
– Melinoe’s upbringing as a witch adds new mechanics, such as a **casting circle** that traps enemies and is enhanced by godly Boons.
– A **magic meter** allows powerful charged attacks.
– A **Hex meter**, unlocked by the moon goddess Selene, fuels special abilities such as healing, extra damage, or resurrecting minor foes.

The combat is easy to grasp but boasts a high skill ceiling that feels both challenging and attainable.

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### Imaginative and Clever Bosses

The bosses in *Hades 2* are wonderfully inventive.

– The first boss, **Hecate**, is a warm-up that tests Melinoe’s skills.
– The second boss, **Scylla and the Sirens**, reimagines mythical sirens as a girl punk band performing a deadly rock concert. Their boss fight cleverly incorporates the game’s soundtrack into the gameplay.

Other bosses bring unique narrative and mechanical twists (which we won’t spoil here). However, there is one later boss worth highlighting, which we’ll discuss shortly.

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### Expanding the World: The Surface Run

After 10 to 15 hours, new gameplay elements emerge. Upon encountering **Hermes** for the first time, players learn of a war happening atop Mount Olympus.

This revelation unlocks an entirely new run on the **surface**, offering a fresh objective sequence where players must:

– Figure out how to reach the surface.
– Discover the challenges of surviving above.
– Solve the mystery of what will allow Melinoe to stay there without her heritage pulling her back to the Underworld.

The surface run feels like a whole new dimension layered onto what initially seemed like a familiar experience.

Drawing a parallel to classic gaming, it’s akin to the “Second Quest” in *The Legend of Zelda*—a significant, radical expansion rather than a simple rehash.

The surface introduces:

– Different objectives.
– Wildly changed level layouts.
– New enemy progression systems.

These culminate in what can only be described as *Hades*’ boss formula at its most epic and demanding.

Even after upgrading Melinoe for the Underworld, the surface’s final boss fight left me feeling unprepared—fueling the sense that there’s still more to accomplish and a greater climax yet to come.

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### See You at the Crossroads

While the individual runs and combat shine, *Hades 2* is equally engaging in everything that happens between runs.

The original game introduced players to the idea of a hub where Zagreus could interact with characters via fresh dialogue and gift-giving. *Hades 2* expands on this mechanic extensively.

The **Crossroads** begins as a humble hub but grows with the player’s progress.

At its heart is the **Cauldron**:

– When Melinoe has the right ingredients, she can cast spells that alter runs.
– These spells can add special rooms, unlock resting stations, or push the story forward.
– Many spells also unlock parts of the Crossroads itself.

Players can engage in gardening, planting seeds found across runs, which:

– Provide ingredients for the Cauldron.
– Unlock new Arcana cards.
– Upgrade the Nocturnal Arms.

Materials needed for spells and upgrades sometimes rely on luck, meaning players may need multiple runs to find specific ingredients.

The Cauldron’s more intriguing spells open new areas, such as:

– Hot springs.
– A fishing hole.
– A tavern.

These locations deepen the relationship system, allowing players to get to know characters better. There are even romance options—scenes that play out with lighthearted sincerity.

While the main goal may be defeating Chronos and conquering the surface, exploring these relationships adds a heartfelt dimension. Personally, I was keen to help loosen up Dora, Melinoe’s roommate.

If there’s one downside, it’s that there could be more friendship and romance interactions—because there can never be enough love.

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### Always on Time

The original *Hades* remains one of my favorite games of the modern era. It introduced me to roguelites, a genre I hadn’t given much thought before.

Since then, roguelites have exploded in popularity, with titles like *Returnal*, *Curse of the Dead Gods*, *The Rogue Prince of Persia*, *Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Splintered Fate*, and even DLC expansions like *Splatoon 3’s* Side Order exploring the space.

Some have been inspired homages, others genuine innovations. Yet, few have reached the critical and fan acclaim that *Hades* enjoys.

Supergiant Games didn’t just join the genre; they helped build this monster into what it is today—and *Hades 2* only reinforces that mastery.

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### Why *Hades 2* Works

This sequel didn’t have to improve on everything from its predecessor. Instead, it builds and expands:

– The **story** and **characters** are richer and more engaging.
– The **stakes** feel higher.
– The **combat** remains fluid with more layers of depth.
– There’s ample content **between runs** to keep players thinking long after the game is off.

*Hades 2* exemplifies what a gaming sequel should be. It’s a game that keeps drawing me back, whether I’m playing on PC or Switch 2 (cross-save works flawlessly, by the way).

Even after conquering Chronos and scaling the surface, there’s still so much more to do.

Every time I thought I had this game or its story figured out, something new happened that flipped everything on its head.

As the late “Rowdy” Roddy Piper used to say: When I thought I had the answers, *Hades 2* changed the question.

Heck, I might still discover something mind-blowing even after this review is posted.

There’s always something new to find in the House of Hades—a house eternal, yet never growing old.
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