Hades 2 – Overall Impression
Hades 2 carries forth the exceptional high standard of quality that we have come to expect from Supergiant games. Within a few moments of starting the game you can tell this a game that was developed with incredible artistry, love and attention to detail. Every aspect of the game is firing on all cylinders. The combat is crisp with interesting build variety, the music is incredible, the meta progression systems are thoughtfully implemented, and the often not discussed presentation of the narrative is immaculate. This is one of the very best games in the roguelike genre.
If you are interested in a review of the first game click here.
Target Audience
The primary target audience for this game are action RPG fans that enjoy a challenge but also like a narrative focused experience. Because Hades 2 is so well executed, gamers that are new to the genre or new to the series may still want to check it out. It is still a challenging roguelike experience, but the meta-progression systems make it fair with ways to customize and adapt to your playstyle.
Gameplay
The core combat mechanics and systems are incredible. This is one of the best designed rougelike action RPGs. This is due to a combination of weapons, skills, boons, and meta progression systems that allow you to improve with each run and cater the experience towards each individual players preference.
Similar to other roguelikes the combat is challenging but also fair. Hades strikes the right balance in asking the player to continually learn but also incorporating systems that help the player progress. This is accomplished through unique enemy mechanics that require the right understanding and approach. Even common enemies are a threat. This approach to enemy design is also applied to bosses. Each boss has it owns specific move and attack set. Once you learn the mechanics you can overcome what once felt impossible. As you understand the mechanic or enemy move set your performance dramatically skyrockets.
What makes the game standout from others in the genre is the multiple layers of meta progression. This is essential because it gives the player options while they are still learning. Hades does this in a few ways. There are prophecies (mini quests) that give you a lot of resources for progression. There are incantations that can modify the environment allowing you small perks on your journey. You can also gain items and upgrade those items. There is also an upgradable card system where you can select your own buffs. The resource cap for this feature keeps expanding allowing you to stack more and more buffs. Lastly, you can unlock various weapons. Each weapon has its own unique kit and playstyle. Altogether, this wide range of options in progression systems makes for a very satisfying experience especially in a roguelike game. Other developers should look at what Super Giant have done because it’s exceptional and transforms the genre making it much more accessible for a wider audience.
The core combat experience is well polished with a satisfying array of build options. You have an attack, a skill, a cast and can also acquire a moon phase with a hex mechanic (similar to an ultimate skill in other games). Once again you gain these boons from coming across different Olympians during your run. The weapons and booms are powerful. This is why the game works so well. Supergiant Games are not afraid to allow the player to craft an incredibly strong build. This is an aspect of aRPGs that can be easily missed in that its incredibly satisfying to find ways to become powerful. It also doesn’t necessarily disrupt the game because all encounters are still potentially dangerous. All of these factors work together to present a polished and crisp combat experience in one of the best action RPGs on the market.
Narrative
The narrative and voice acting are exceptional. These aspects of the game aren’t always front and center but their high level execution makes for an experience that is so well polished and enjoyable. This time around you play as the immortal Princess of the Underworld, Melinoe. You don’t necessarily have to play the first game, but the context will help understand what is happening this time around. There are several reasons that make the narrative so compelling. The story is well paced and mostly experienced in bite sized pieces. This keeps the focus on the core action gameplay. Cutscenes feel more like a reward than something you have to sit through. The team also understands the power of a few words and short conversations. They are able to tell meaningful narratives with interactions that feel appropriate to the characters. It captures the everyday struggles to the ongoing overall battle against the central antagonist. This range and depth in the story telling makes for an exceptional experience.
Art Design
The art design is some of the best in gaming. This is a studio that understands the value of true artistry. Characters, environments and animations are executed at the highest level. The art and design is unique and memorable. This is incredibly challenging and an aspect that many games struggle with. How do you channel inspiration but still develop your own unique identity. The studio masterfully developed their signature style in the game with a distinct high contrast ink and paint aesthetic making it feel like a graphic novel or animated featured. The hand drawn portions were then integrated into a 2.5D engine adding depth and details to environments and characters creating a visual identity in a fantasy world that matches its new protagonist.
Music
Similar to the original game, the music in Hades 2 is a masterclass in what is possible when you have genuine arts at the helm. The music in the game is essential in crafting a soundscape that connects with the narrative and gameplay. To incapsulate the distinct setting and personality of Melinoe is a blend of electronic synthesizers, classical orchestration and traditional Mediterranean acoustics. This gives the music that eerie, aggressive occult vibe. Vocal performances are alluring, beautiful and haunting. Supergiant Games sets a standard for the power of evocative music that integrates with every other aspect of the game while also standing on its own as a form of art in itself.
Challenges
There are some things to note for those that are potentially interested in the game. They are not necessarily design issues with the game but more understanding what this is. At the core this is a roguelike. This means failure and learning for it are key components of the game loop. This means that learning enemy attacks and mechanics are key. It takes patience and an openness to keep learning from your mistakes. Those that are not accustomed to this may need more time to gain the fundamental skills to make their way through the game. For those that have already completed the original Hades you should feel right at home here. The game still presents a challenge for those with experience in the series, but the learning curve is different. Overall, be prepared to be challenged and to enjoy the process of learning just as much as the final destination.
Closing Thoughts
Hades 2 is an incredible offering from Super Giant games. It upholds the legacy of quality that the studio has become known for. With a well crafted progression system, highly polished combat and challenging enemy design this should be a title that roguelike or aRPG fans check out.
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GAME DETAILS
PLATFORMS: PC, macOS, Nintendo Switch/Switch2, PS5, Xbox Series S/X
RELEASE: 2025
DEVELOPER/PUBLISHER: Supergiant Games
GENRE/TAGS: action RPG, Roguelike, Hack and Slash, PVE
TARGET AUDIENCE: Gamers that enjoy a roguelike action RPG with a narrative focus
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