Summary
Greek mythology has been used in video games for decades now, and it’s often a great source of inspiration for intricate environmental design, unique enemy design, and bombastic boss design, with there being so much engaging source material to draw from. In recent years,Hadeshas led the charge on Greek mythology in video games, with the first entry bringing together an entirepantheon of Greek godsand interweaving them seamlessly with the game’s story and roguelike gameplay via in-game abilities known as Boons. Being one of its most praised features, it seems likely that the sequel,Hades 2, will keep this alive.
But whileHades 2looks like it’ll be borrowing some major cues from its predecessor, it also looks like it’s going to very much be its own game with its own unique quirks. Playerswon’t be controlling Zagreusthis time around, but instead his half-sister Melinoe, who is tasked with stopping the Titan Chronos from reaching Mount Olympus to enact his revenge on the gods. Along the way, Melinoe is sure to meet a bevy of mythological characters, but this time they may not be quite as grandiose as the first game’s Olympians.
Hades 2 Might Focus More on Minor Gods
Hecate and Other Minor Gods Seem to Play a Pivotal Role in Hades 2
From what fans have seen fromHades 2’s first trailer and Supergiant’s subsequent press releases, it seems as though the Goddess of Witchcraft, Hecate, will play a major role in the game’s story.Melinoe’s mentor, Hecatetakes center stage right alongside Melinoe during much ofHades 2’s trailer and promotional artwork, suggesting that the character might be around for much ofHades 2’s narrative. If that’s true, then it could end up signifying a big shift for the sequel, perhaps moving the focus from well-known Olympians like Hades, Poseidon, and Zeus, to more minor gods like Hecate.
Hecate isn’t the only lesser-known mythological character seen inHades 2’s trailer. Moros, the personification of doom, and Nemesis, the Goddess of Retribution, are also seen a few times duringHades 2’s reveal trailer, with their dialogue hinting that they might have quite a close relationship with the player-character Melinoe. Currently, Apollo is the only Olympian confirmed to be inHades 2, though of course, others are likely to appear in the sequel.
Hades 2 Can Set Itself Apart By Using Minor Gods
But while other Olympians could appear inHades 2, it might be better if they didn’t.The firstHadeshad over 15 gods in it, with a total of 10 offering up various Boons to Zagreus during his many escape attempts. Over the course of the game, players likely grew to knew these Olympians very well, and while it would be fun to see them appear again in the sequel, and see their interactions with Melinoe, it might feel a little cheap to just reuse the same old set of gods, and the same old set of abilities.
Instead,Hades 2should set itself immediately apart from its predecessor by including a pantheon of lesser-known gods. Hecate, Nemesis, and Moros are all great characters to start with, and there are plenty of others like them forHades 2to draw inspiration from, including Hygeia, the Goddess of Health, Eris, the Goddess of Strife, and Cratos, the personification of power, to name just a few.
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.
