Hades, the roguelike dungeon-crawler from developer Supergiant Games, took the gaming world by storm when its full version released in 2020. Combining fluid combat and traversal, complex social interaction, and a gorgeous Greek Mythology setting, the title instantly shot to the top of many “best of” lists. One characteristic that stood above the rest was howHades' supporting mythological characterswere introduced into its narrative and setting. As Zagreus, players had many opportunities to interact with and influence the lives of other gods, goddesses, nymphs, and legendary figures.Hades 2was announced at The Game Awards 2022, to the excitement of many, and while it is likely to deliver excellent combat and traversal, the title lacks a crucial piece of the puzzle to repeat the original’s success.
Hades 2is set to launch in Early Access sometime in 2023. The game will explore Melinoe, the princess of the Underworld, and her backstory, while the narrative’s major events focus on Chronos' war against Olympus. Supergiant Games has disclosed that witchcraft will play a big part in the title, with Hecate, goddess of witchcraft and the crossroads, taking on a significant role.Hades 2will also likely feature returning mythological figures from the originalHades, but how and when they will be implemented in the title has yet to be determined.
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Hades Allowed Unique Character Development and Implementation to Take Center Stage
Hadesprovided a unique spin on Greek Mythology, allowing players to take part in complex social interactions throughout the title’s runtime. The way in which its supporting cast was able to develop and impact the Underworld, through player interaction, stands about as one of its strongest features. A perfect example of these factors could be found in Orpheus and Eurydice. Early in the title, players met Orpheus, the court musician in the House of Hades, who had lost his muse, causing him to never sing again. What at first glance it seemed like a simple nod to Greek Mythology was upended when, deep in the flaming depths of Asphodel, the title’s soundtrack is suddenly struck by a woman’s singing.
This woman’s name was Eurydice, and her singing denoted the start of one ofHades' most complicated side quests. As in Greek Mythology, Eurydice was stuck in the Underworld after her lover, Orpheus, failed to deliver her back to the land of the living. In myth, Orpheus petitioned Hades to allow him to return Eurydice’s soul to her body. Hades complied, as long as Orpheus promised to never look back for confirmation that Eurydice was behind him.
Orpheus failed, trapping Eurydice in the Underworld. Upon the players' return to the House of Hades, Zagreus tells Orpheus of Eurydice, which caused him to begin singing once more. Players then undertook a side quest, which saw Orpheus freed from his contract and reunited with Eurydice, after which the pair’s singing became part of the soundtrack in Asphodel.
Hades 2 May Struggle to Repeat the Original’s Success
The biggest hurdle toHades 2’s success may be its characters. While the first was able to surprise players with a deep and complex social aspect, largely centered around introductory meetings and side quests, its sequel can’t hope to repeat the process. Players are already familiar with many of the names and faces found throughout the Underworld.Hades 2will need to provide a similar level of depth and motivation to its interactions while missing a crucial piece to the puzzle, building social foundations.
Hades 2’s best chance at building social depthmay be through its portrayal of Hecate. The character is a brand-new, and central, figure inHades 2,providing ample opportunity for growth in a variety of directions. WhenHades 2launches in Early Access later this year, there are sure to be other new additions.Hadesfans likely don’t have long to wait, as more details could arrive at this Summer’s major gaming showcases.
Hades 2is in development.
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