Hades 2 First Impressions: A huge step up from an already masterful game

As someone who has sunk more than 200 hours into the original title, imagine the honor I felt to be one of the first people to be given early access to Hades II. Here are my very early impressions of the game during its technical access, from the combat and upgrades to the characters and story.

Challenging, non-repetitive combat

The best selling point about Hades is its roguelike combat, and Hades 2 has somehow managed to perfect what was already perfected to a science. Hades 2 features roguelike, hack-and-slash combat that's not unlike its predecessors. You have your godly boons to make each run more unique, and a randomized room of enemies to keep you on your toes.

Though what I will say is that this game feels infinitely more challenging compared to Hades. It’s the way Erebus, the first floor, feels like I’m traversing through an amalgamation of Asphodel and Elysium, Hades’ later floors. The enemies are shielded after the second room and they spawn as infinitely as the warriors of the Elysian Fields.

Fortunately, Melinoe enters the underworld stronger than she was in her last run. Much like the Mirror of Night, Melinoe can unlock Arcanas, which permanently buffs the efficacy of her kit (attack, cast, dash) as well as her HP and Magick bars. I’ll talk about Magick more later.

As a witch apprenticed to Hecate, Melinoe’s casts aren’t simple gems thrown like Zagreus’ either. In its unupgraded form, she can summon a magic circle that can ensnare enemies. They’re perfect for stopping a crowd of them from approaching, giving you ample time to move to their vulnerable behinds and stab them with your chosen weapon. For now, we only have access to two weapons already seen in the Game Awards 2022 reveal trailer: her staff and daggers.

Related: All Voice Actors in Hades 2 (So far)

Introduction to Magick

One of my favorite parts about Hades 2 is the Magick. All three parts of Melinoe’s kit can be boosted into omega (Ω) moves by holding their respective key or button. These charged attacks cost Magick (represented by a blue bar). It replenishes just as much as your HP, which is to say it doesn’t unless you have a boon that can gradually replenish the gauge or a statue that instantly fills it up.

In short, Magick, while powerful, needs to be conserved. I found this bit refreshing just as much as how spells in DnD are limited by spell slots. There truly is no cheating into Melinoe’s journey in the Underworld, which is just how I like it.

Old gods, new gods, and other legends

Supergiant Games knew fans detested and embraced certain boons, and the influence can really be seen here. Demeter as one of the earliest gods you can encounter? Yes PLEASE!

Aside from returning gods, you also have new ones. The most notable is Apollo, which I’m only going to mention since he’s seen in the trailers. His fleet-footed kit actually makes me think we’re not getting any boons from Hermes, but who knows…

Aside from gods, there are also Greek heroes. The earliest one you can meet in Hades 2 is Odysseus, The hero of Odyssey by Homer. You might know him as the cunning mind behind the Trojan Horse.

There are many other surprise visits waiting for you in Hades II, and I certainly won’t spoil that for people waiting for the game to be released.

A familiar, familial tale

Hades is a story about family (cue Orpheus and Eurydice’s “It’s in the Blood”), and Hades 2 is much the same. In fact, the stakes are much higher, and the narrative’s impact is much bigger if you’ve played Zagreus’ tale. Early spoilers ahoy below this point!

Related: Who is Thanatos in Hades? Lore, Encounters, and More

Melinoe is the daughter of Hades and Persephone, the younger sister of Zagreus. This young witch’s goal is to retake the Underworld from the clutches of the mighty Titan, Chronos, father of Zeus, Hades, and Poseidon. Her family is trapped in the Underworld.

… the game won’t outright tell you all this, but if you poke at enough things in the Crossroads and speak to the Olympus gods enough, you’ll get hints. Which, by the way, is a format I’m a big fan of.

Masterful storytelling is when the narrative allows you to piece things together yourself. So yes, I’ve barely beaten Erebus, and I’ve nearly broken down into tears a couple of times.  So what?

Verdict: Hades 2 is a huge upgrade from its predecessor but no less familiar

From the limited areas we were given access to, it’s safe to say that Hades 2 will not disappoint. It keeps the Hades spirit of repetition needing not be boring and repetitive, with its further introduction to new characters, mechanics, and areas. Even returning gods and familiar sights are given a refresh with new outfits and continuing narratives.

I'm going to play the hell out of it now, but it'll be interesting to see how much of this game will change in Early Access and full release. Perhaps place fewer of those wailing enemies on the first floor?

Interested in Hades 2? Check out Hades 2 - Release Date, Early Access, Platforms, and more at Pro Game Guides!