Summary
Mini-games in gaming have been growing increasingly popular as of late, especially with games likeFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirtharguably setting a new standard for both the number and the quality of the mini-games made available. Mini-games likeFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s Queen’s Blood andThe Witcher 3: Wild Hunt’s Gwentare great examples of satisfying mini-games, and as more and more games continue to include these often restful side activities, they are taking note of the success of others that came before them.Hades 2, Supergiant Games' sequel to the 2020 Roguelike hit of the same name, is the latest to include a mini-game of sorts that utilizes one of protagonist Melinoe’s Gathering Tools.
Using Melinoe’s Tablet of Peace,Hades 2players can compel Lone Shades to receive some resources from them. When compelling a Lone Shade, a very simple and forgiving mini-game begins where players are required to input a certain sequence of triggers or keys to complete it. Upon successful completion of the mini-game, players are rewarded with valuable resources that can be used in a variety of ways. However, despite the Lone Shade mini-game’s appeal and usefulness, it is really the only true mini-game inHades 2. As such, withHades 2currently in early access, more mini-games like the Tablet of Peace mini-game should be added in the future before the game’s full release.
Hades 2’s Lone Shade Mini-Game Should Only Be the Beginning
Hades 2’s Lone Shade Mini-Game Is Very Simple But Rewarding
Despite technically being a mini-game,Hades 2’s Lone Shade mini-gameisn’t difficult at all. Before heading out on an Underworld run, players simply need to ensure Melinoe’s Table of Peace is equipped. While progressing through the Underworld, there’s a chance players could run into a Lone Shade, typically found near the border of the area. Upon approaching the Lone Shade, players can then press the action button/key to Compel it, triggering the mini-game. From there, it’s as simple as following the on-screen prompts and pressing the correct sequence of keys/triggers until the mini-game is complete.
Upon completing the Lone Shade mini-game, players receive a handful of Psyche — a valuable resource useful for various things inHades 2. Psyche is used for performing several Incantations,unlocking Arcana Cards, increasing Grasp, and crafting the Tablet of Peace itself. As such, the Lone Shade mini-game is worth bringing Tablet of Peace into the Underworld. Unfortunately, there currently aren’t any other mini-games like it, and there arguably should be.
Hades 2 Needs More Mini-Games Like the Lone Shade Mini-Game
With mini-games becoming an increasingly popular side activity in modern gaming,Hades 2should consider adding more mini-games during its early access period. One obvious way more mini-games could be implemented is through Melinoe’s Gathering Tools, which are used for acquiring reagents like various seeds, Silver, Limestone, andG Rock. For example, a mini-game could be attached to every gathering spot, where the player’s success or failure would determine whether they receive more or less of the resource, and perhaps provide players with a chance of obtaining even rarer resources.
Another wayHades 2could add more mini-games without changing what’s already there is by giving Melinoe some sort of competitive game to play with her companions back at the Crossroads. Something likeFinal Fantasy 7 Rebirth’s Queen’s Bloodmight do well here, as it would allow players to enjoy something more relaxing than the game’s more challenging core activities. It might also double as a way to increase Melinoe’s affinity with her companions.
It’s currently unclear whether Supergiant intends to add more mini-games toHades 2during its early access periodor if it plans on the Lone Shade mini-game being the only one. However, as the developer already has more content lined up forHades 2, like a brand-new region and a new main weapon for Melinoe, a new mini-game might also be in order.
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.
