Summary
Supergiant Games is taking a major step withHades 2: the beloved independent developer, despite releasing several hit games over the years, has never released a sequel. Considering this, it’s worth wondering just how Supergiant plans to evolveHades 2as it enters early access, and how it may differ from its predecessor.
In some ways, it’s hard to imagine how Supergiant Games could top the firstHades. The 2020 game is packed full of content, offering dozens of hours of engaging, ever-changing combat and well-written narrative beats that make it more than worth the price of admission. The clever combination of epic mythological storytelling and a fast-paced gameplay loop helps the game deliver on its premise while standing out against the bevy of roguelike titles on the market. Of course, no game can do it all, and whileHades 2probably won’t achieve absolute perfection, it could add a few features that were missing from its predecessor.
Must-Haves for Hades' Roguelike Sequel
Character Cosmetics Would Be a Boon for Hades 2
The firstHadeslacks character customization, which is an unfortunate omission.Hadesplayers have a multitude of options at their disposal when it comes to personalizing the Halls of Hades, as the game allows for several expansions and cosmetic alterations, which expand over time and in accordance with the narrative. This degree of personalization is rather striking when compared to the player-character himself, as the game doesn’t offer any way to change his appearance.
Hades’hand-drawn animation made it impractical to add different outfits or skins. However, the sequel could work around this by implementing minor CGI, or even just featuring different cosmetics in static drawings of the characters during dialog.
This is something that the second game ought to introduce. Assuming it follows the general structure of its predecessor,Hades 2will be a lengthy adventure, one which players can expect to sink quite a bit of time into. Cosmetic options for Melinoe would not only allow for greater player expression and variety across long playthroughs but also encourage progression and engagement with side content, as cosmetic unlocks could incentivize collecting certain resources or completing specific challenges.
Hades 2 Should Offer a More Robust Social System
One of the biggest strengths ofHadesis its charming cast of NPCs. Zagreus can build relationships with these characters through regular dialog, prompting players to gather Nectar and Ambrosia, which can yield further narrative content.Hades 2could build upon these social mechanicsby including things like companion-specific activities and key choices. For instance, players could perhaps have to side with one NPC over another, locking out the unfavored character’s storyline in that playthrough. Relationships could also have more weight to them, leading to meaningful and impactful rewards, such as gameplay modifiers or weapons.
Hades 2 Needs to Deliver On Its Time-Bending Premise
Although little is known aboutHades 2’s story, it’s been confirmed that the main antagonist of the game will be Chronos, a “Father of Time” in Greek mythology. The decision to makeChronos a major part ofHades 2has to pay off interestingly, whether this is through temporal gameplay challenges, abilities, or narrative elements. Committing to this premise would be both thematically appropriate and helpHades 2differentiate itself from its predecessor.
It’s that last point, differentiation, that will be key toHades 2’s reception. As the first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games, it will have to justify its existence. Building off the first game’s strengths, while ensuring that it doesn’t just feel like an obligatory follow-up, will helpHades 2reach its full potential.
Hades 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft. BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLDAs the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you’ll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERYInfuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERSMeet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURENew locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITYThanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas to offer. But if you happen to be one, you’re able to brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
