Following up on a game as universally acclaimed as Hades would never be easy. The original set an incredibly high bar for gameplay, storytelling, and style. Yet somehow, Hades 2 not only lives up to that legacy but also finds ways to push beyond it. Supergiant Games has delivered a sequel that feels familiar, yet fresh, layered with new ideas while keeping the spirit of what made the first entry so beloved.

The story begins with Melinoë, daughter of Hades and Persephone, and sister to Zagreus, who served as the protagonist in the original game. Players are thrown into the action quickly, with little preamble beyond Mel’s mission to confront her grandfather, Chronos, the Titan of Time. This brisk start may feel overwhelming at first, especially if you haven’t revisited Hades recently, but it doesn’t take long for the game to pull you in with its rich cast and sharp storytelling.

A New Cast With Depth

Supergiant Games is well known for its striking character designs, and Hades 2 continues that tradition flawlessly. Every new face feels distinct, layered with personality and nuance. Nemesis, the embodiment of vengeance, quickly stands out as a rival-turned-companion whose arc is both challenging and rewarding. Hecate, meanwhile, acts as a mentor figure to Mel, full of wisdom, complexity, and quiet longing. Even the Olympians—often portrayed as larger-than-life archetypes—are given a fresh, multi-dimensional treatment here.

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The subtle animations and artistic flourishes add depth to each interaction, making the characters feel alive in a way that static portraits rarely achieve. Coupled with superb voice acting, these exchanges become highlights of every playthrough.

Layered Gameplay That Never Stops Evolving

Hades 2 thrives on variety. Like its predecessor, each run builds upon the last with new mechanics, story beats, and challenges. Even after dozens of hours, it still manages to surprise with new upgrades, dialogue, and progression systems. The pacing of unlocks is nearly perfect—introducing enough fresh content to keep you hooked, without ever feeling bloated or overwhelming.

What makes the sequel particularly exciting is the dual-path system. Players can choose between venturing into Tartarus to confront Chronos or climbing Olympus to push back his allies. Each route features unique environments, bosses, and mechanics, creating a refreshing level of variety that keeps every run unpredictable and engaging.

Combat That Feels Snappy and Fresh

Melinoë brings her own style to combat, distinguishing herself from Zagreus in meaningful ways. While Zagreus was more of a warrior archetype, Mel leans into a witch-like identity, utilizing mana-focused abilities and precise battlefield control. Her arsenal ranges from elegant dual torches to a devastating axe that can morph into a scythe, each weapon offering multiple variations to suit different playstyles.

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Her Cast ability is another standout, allowing her to bind enemies in damaging magic circles that reward clever placement. Many of the new foes are designed to challenge your use of this ability, pushing players to think tactically and adapt quickly.

Gods, Boons, and Builds

The boons from the gods are more polished and impactful than ever. Every Olympian offers something worth considering, ensuring that no choice feels like wasted potential. The new system of elemental affinities adds a layer of strategy, encouraging players to think carefully about how to build synergy across runs. Selene, with her moon-based Hex abilities, is a particularly impressive addition, offering powerful ultimate-style attacks that can reshape the flow of battle.

This system of customization ensures that every run feels rewarding, with new opportunities for overpowered combinations and experimental builds that keep combat exciting.

A Soundtrack That Captures the Soul

Darren Korb once again proves why he is regarded as one of the best composers in gaming today. The soundtrack of Hades 2 is a blend of haunting melodies, mythical tones, and energetic tracks that perfectly capture the game’s atmosphere. Highlights like “Moonlight Guide Us,” featuring vocals by Ashley Barrett, create emotional highs that elevate key story moments. The boss fight against Scylla and the Sirens even brings in a playful rock-inspired track that shifts dynamically as you defeat individual band members—a detail that showcases the creative brilliance behind the game’s design.

Performance and Platforms

While Hades 2 plays beautifully across platforms, the portable experience can sometimes feel cramped, especially during chaotic boss fights where clarity is critical. Docked mode or PC remains the ideal way to enjoy the visuals and action, though handheld sessions are still very playable overall.