Ever since launching into early access this May,Hades 2has captured the hearts of countless PC players, especially those who are fans of its predecessor. Indeed,althoughHades 2has yet to be officially released, it’s already looking like another slam dunk for Supergiant Games, building upon the first game in impressive ways.
To be frank, early accessHades 2has more content, and is more polished, than a lot of other full games out there, especially those developed by independent studios with limited resources.Hades 2takes the elements that made the first game so great—high-octane combat, satisfying roguelike progression, stunning art design, and smart writing—and molds them into something else, familiar yet surprisingly original. Protagonist Melinoe feels, acts, and most importantly, plays like a completely different character, and the gameplay and narrative framing are distinct enough to makeHades 2an exciting, gratifying follow-up. With so much going for it, even at this early stage, many might be wondering just how much room the game has to grow.
Hades 2 1.0 Is a Big Mystery
The Current State of Hades 2
Hades 2isn’t complete, even if it feels like it is sometimes. There are small boxes that need to be ticked, like replacing placeholder art with final designs and various minor gameplay tweaks, alongside some much bigger ones, such as:
It goes without saying that these are vital elements that could have a transformative effect when they arrive. However, a lot of these forthcoming updates, including the new region and sixth weapon, are coming to the game ahead of its full release, meaning that they will still fall under the umbrella of early access content. With these items, alongside other much-anticipated features like Crossroads customization, coming to the game before 1.0.,Hades 2will have to really deliver with its late-game, as this is what will define its full release.
Hades 2’s Full Release Needs to Land with a Bang
Since the 1.0 release ofHades 2will probably be carried by late-game content and the conclusion of the game’s narrative, these elements will need to be in top form, lest the final version of the game feel underwhelming for those who played the early access or learned about its specifics in the leadup to launch. This is technically true for any game that lives in early access for a long period, but it feels particularly pertinent in this case, asHades 2sets up quite a bit of story content already, which means that the “final course” of the main game may be relatively small.
Hades 2is something of a milestone release for Supergiant. It’s the first-ever sequel in the company’s portfolio, which cementsHadesas an IP worth continuing beyond its single, already substantial, first entry. As such, it would be fitting for its complete release to be an event befitting of the franchise’s budding legacy, surprising and impressing players just like the first game did. Thankfully,Hades 2’s high quality thus farsuggests that this is precisely what will happen.
Hades 2proves that Supergiant is committed to not only honoring the first game, but improving upon it in just about every way. At the same time, the sequel has already distinguished itself from what came before it by way of unique mechanics, progression systems, and a bold, exciting story that promises to deliver on its dramatic promises. There’s stillquite a bit thatHades 2has to reveal, and with the way that the game is expanding, the alpha release could be one of the most consistently strong indies of the past few years.
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 can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
