Hades II Reviews
Hades 2 is an undoubtedly excellent game, but it can't quite escape the shadow cast by the original – I just know I won't be playing this one as much as the first. That's okay, of course, but it has me once again looking forward to Supergiant's next new idea, not what they're doing now.
A solid roguelike with a fun and well-balanced challenge, but it does little to move the formula forward and in certain respects is actually inferior to its predecessor.
More fun, bigger, sexier, and even more addictive than its predecessor, Hades II is pure witchcraft. As a game, it excels in every department, and as a sequel, it strikes a great balance between familiarity and significant new features... But I wish I could stop time so I could keep playing forever.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
Every looped night, every sleek new combination and build I put together, every narrow victory over a tough boss, even every tree slammed into a wailer for a terrain kill, feels fantastic. And sure, you could wait it out just to get the whole package. But what’s here now in the Early Access of Hades 2 is one of the best games I’ve played so far this year, and so far, it seems like it will only get better as the months go on. Killing Time has rarely been quite so enjoyable as it is in Hades 2.
As a sequel, Hades 2 is ambitious, and delivers one of the most satisfying roguelite experiences in years. Yet, it can’t escape the shadow of its predecessor, and in trying to add every idea possible to amplify its scale, the story ends up losing the trademark weight of the studio.
Supergiant's successor is exemplary sequel-craft – more doesn't always mean better, but here variety is the spice of afterlife
Hades 2 is a stunning follow-up to an already incredible game. It does everything its predecessor did right, and then expands on it in meaningful ways that add depth to the gameplay, narrative, and visual experience (which was already deep in the original Hades). It's a shining example of how a sequel can take everything right about what came before, turn it all up to 11, and even go a bit further.
Hades 2 is an unbelievable triumph for more reasons than a pair of human hands can count. Supergiant Games' sequel is a bold evolution of the original that flawlessly executes new ideas to deliver the best roguelike of this generation.
Hades II improves on nearly every aspect of its phenomenal predecessor with deeper combat and customization, a substantially larger world, and creative witchcraft abilities.
Melinoë, however, can make it to the top of Olympus. But when she does, unease gnaws at her triumph. The gods commend her bravery and skill. They deny having ever doubted her. Then, with their young relative’s purpose fulfilled, if only temporarily, they nudge her back to her home between planes, where she diligently returns to her labors. Would that Melinoë, at some point in her long quest to fell Chronos, stopped to wonder: What comes after time and death?
Hades 2 is flawless, perfecting the roguelike genre in a way its predecessor almost managed to do. Its incoming additions aren’t required to complete it – this version of the game is refined, advanced, and wonderful. They will, however, enhance an already breathtaking experience beyond comprehension.
Hades 2 has managed to improve upon every single aspect of the original. If you're a fan of difficult but rewarding rogue-lite exploration, where every run gets you closer to your objective, it's perfect. We can't wait to see the content Supergiant Games have up their sleeves for later in early access and the eventual full release.
Hades II is hard to put down, and is the most fun I’ve had with a roguelike in years. Supergiant Games’ trademark dedication to beautiful art direction, compelling writing and memorable music has come to the forefront in their latest game, combined with engaging gameplay that expands on its predecessor in exactly the ways that a good sequel should. Whether you’ve played the original Hades or not, Hades II is a truly amazing experience and sets the new standard for roguelike narrative storytelling and gameplay.
Improving and expanding on everything that made the first game so memorable, Hades 2 is an even more epic rogue-lite journey and Supergiant's best work yet.
For those unfamiliar with the story of Hades II, players take on the role of Melinoë, sister to Zagreus, the protagonist of the first game.
If Hades is action, Hades II is precision.
Hades II reminded me that roguelites, when well-designed, aren't an exercise in frustration, but a perfect storytelling machine. Every defeat brought me back to the crossroads not with anger, but with curiosity. It's rare to find a game that balances immediacy and depth, frenzy and reflection so well. After dozens of hours, I don't feel "tired" of the game, but rather even more engaged: I want to see all the ramifications of the story, experiment with all the weapons, search for the combination of gifts that will make me feel unbeatable. This is why Hades II is not only the best roguelite ever created, but also one of the most significant works of recent years.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Hades II still has the same style of roguelike, improved in literally every aspect. The story has become larger. Now you don't just run away from home in search of your mother, while simultaneously improving Hades' relationship with his brothers and helping him understand himself. No, this time you need to save your family from imprisonment by the Titan of Time, regain the throne of the Underworld and stop the siege of Olympus. It feels like there is three times more content than in the first part. It's a must-have for RPG/roguelike gamers everywhere!
Hades 2 left me feeling increasingly tired as I continued to play. Especially if you're playing for the sake of progressing, building and fighting, rather than exploring the story and observing NPC dialogue under different conditions, a sense of Sisyphean futility will soon set in. Fortunately, the developers haven't abandoned the strengths that made Hades great. In fact, it's precisely because the two games share a similar overall experience that the new designs in Hades 2 seem less well thought out than the original.
Review in Chinese | Read full review