Hades 2 Is Absolute Perfection (Review)

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When Supergiant Games released *Hades* in 2020, it was a critical and popular success, and deservedly so – the game set a new standard for immersive storytelling and exciting roguelike gameplay. So, fans were understandably excited when they announced *Hades 2*. Creating a sequel to a game as beloved as *Hades* is a tough task, especially since it’s Supergiant’s first time doing so. *Hades 2* is now fully released, and faces high expectations as a result.

While this game continues the story started in *Hades*, it’s also completely enjoyable on its own. Players who loved the first game will recognize familiar elements, but you won’t need to have played it to understand what’s happening. The main character has changed – you’ll now play as Melinoe, a witch, instead of Zagreus – and she expertly carries the series forward in a new setting at the Crossroads.

I was really impressed with *Hades 2* even during its early access phase in 2024, but the full release is even better. Supergiant Games has created a game that’s almost perfect, and I had a hard time finding anything negative to say about it.

Rating: 5/5

Pros Cons
Stunning visuals and top-tier voice acting & sound mixing The difficulty curve can feel a little punishing for final bosses compared to prior battles
Compelling story with impressive attention to detail
Satisfying and enjoyable gameplay loop
Boons, weapons, and Arcana let you create a massive variety of builds
Plenty of great side missions and activities built in between runs

Hades 2 Is A Roguelike That Ensures You Won’t Get Bored with Repetition 

Look, I’m usually a bit wary of roguelikes. It’s tough to make repeating the same stuff over and over actually *fun*, and it can get boring fast if the developers don’t nail it. But *Hades 2*? Seriously, it’s a perfect example of how to do it right. Even though you’re basically trying to achieve the same goal every single run, I never got tired of playing. Supergiant Games has created an amazing roguelike experience with this one.

Throughout much of *Hades 2*, you’ll revisit the same areas repeatedly. However, the game keeps things fresh by offering a lot of variety, so each attempt feels unique. A key part of this is Melinoe’s choice of weapons, which change each time you play. As you advance, you’ll unlock new weapons *and* upgrade existing ones, making each run feel more satisfying with more options. Each weapon, called a Nocturnal Arm, has its own playstyle, and the Boon system adds even more strategic depth.

Similar to the game *Hades*, the gods and goddesses offer help by giving you a random selection of power-ups. While you’ll eventually get the ones you prefer, it’s up to chance whether you receive them each time you play. This encourages players to try out different strategies and builds based on the available power-ups and when they appear. You can also improve your character by studying Arcana, unlocking new skills and abilities that add to your combat options. This system lets you customize your playstyle, and as you collect more cards, you can choose which ones to use and upgrade. You might settle on a favorite Arcana setup, or switch between a few different options depending on your weapon. Keepsakes, which are gifts from characters earned by giving them Nectar, offer even more customization. You can change these power-ups a few times during each playthrough, giving you lots of flexibility in how you build your character.

Beyond the exciting core combat, Hades offers plenty of extra things to do. The Crossroads acts as a central area where you can build relationships with characters, gather resources, and take on side quests. You’ll also receive Prophecies – challenges from the Fates – that give you goals beyond just becoming more powerful. These are like in-game achievements, asking you to defeat specific enemies in certain ways or unlock new abilities. They provide extra motivation and keep you engaged, even beyond the main objective of defeating Time. And to top it all off, the game’s compelling story keeps things fresh and interesting.

Hades 2 Packs in An Impressive Amount of Story & Greek Mythology 

The story of *Hades 2* comes to life through conversations with the characters you meet. Whether it’s your mentor, the Greek Gods, or other figures at the Crossroads and during your runs, these interactions gradually reveal the game’s world and lore. It’s not a simple, direct story; instead, it’s a complex and satisfying narrative that unfolds as you play.

As someone who loves Greek mythology, I was really impressed with all the little references in *Hades 2*. I definitely noticed them! From the things Odysseus says about new enemies to nods to Homer himself, the game is packed with lore that just makes the story so much better. Seriously, I found myself wanting to talk to *everyone* with that exclamation mark over their head, night after night, just to learn more about the world and the story. The story unfolds through these conversations, and even the lines that aren’t huge plot points felt worth discovering.

What really stood out to me in *Hades 2* is how much unique dialogue there is. Because it’s a roguelike game, you’ll fight bosses, especially at the beginning, again and again as you try to progress. But even after many hours of playing, no boss has ever repeated a line of dialogue. They always have something new to say, commenting on my weapon, my companion, or the latest story developments. And the fact that all of this dialogue is fully voiced makes it even more remarkable.

The game is really fun to play, and the compelling story and characters make it even better. I never felt the urge to skip conversations or story scenes – they felt like a well-deserved treat after tough battles. Each night, I enjoyed exploring and unlocking new dialogue at the Crossroads, which helped me learn more about the world and kept me hooked.

If you like romance, *Hades 2* has a deep relationship system. By giving characters gifts like Nectar, you can build connections, unlock unique events, and even pursue romantic relationships. But even if you’re not interested in romance, the system adds depth to the characters, revealing new dialogue and backstory as you build friendships.

The Final Boss Battles in Hades 2 Will Crush You (In a Good Way)

I love *Hades 2*, but it’s definitely a challenging game. Having played during Early Access helped me a lot when I started a full playthrough. I remembered some basic strategies for the early bosses, which let me progress faster this time. Even so, the bosses at the end of each area are intentionally difficult. You’ll often need to level up and learn their patterns before you can beat them, and that can be frustrating. However, that’s also what makes the game so rewarding. As you unlock new abilities and strategies, you gradually improve, and finally defeating a boss you struggled with feels amazing.

Okay, so I’m absolutely loving *Hades 2*, but if I had one small gripe, it’s that the game gets really hard, really fast when you face the final bosses in each area. I felt pretty good going up against the earlier bosses, but those last Guardians for the Underworld and Surface? Wow, a totally different ballgame! You really need to nail your strategy, and honestly, I often felt a little underpowered when I got there. It’s not a huge deal, because the game *should* be challenging, and it gives you something to work towards. But sometimes I wished there was one more boss fight in between to help bridge the gap before that final showdown.

This game is definitely for players who enjoy a good challenge. Every boss fight feels like a puzzle – you need to learn each guardian’s weaknesses, recognize their attack patterns, and find ways to overcome them. Luckily, the game also lets you grow stronger by unlocking better weapons and abilities, creating a sense of fairness and balance as you fight to defeat Time.

Overall, *Hades 2* is a remarkable achievement in gaming. It excels in almost every aspect – gameplay, voice acting, graphics, and more. I was already enjoying it during Early Access, but Supergiant Games’ final refinements for the full release take it to a whole new level. The 1.0 version adds features like the Journal, improved character art, and the Arcana, making an already fantastic game feel incredibly polished – it’s one of the best games I’ve played in a long time.

A Nintendo Switch copy of Hades 2 was provided by the publisher for the purpose of this review.

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2025-09-24 18:13