Summary
Hades 2will mark Supergiant Games first pass at a sequel to one of its titles, which has fueled speculation on how the indie darling studio will iterate and pay tribute to the game’s predecessor. The reveal trailer at the 2022 Game Awards showcased a glorious return to the vivid art style and satisfying gameplay ofHadesback and better than ever forHades 2, as well as an all-new protagonist that players will fight through the world of Greek mythology as. Melinoe, princess of the Underworld, is a character that fans are eager to learn more about, but many wonder what role the beloved Zagreus will play throughout the course ofHades 2.
Not even players familiar with Supergiant Games' previous titles could have anticipated the monumental success ofHades. Released in early access in 2018, its full release a couple of years later introduced millions to its gorgeously-realized world, sharp writing, likable characters, and an addictive gameplay loop that propelled it to the forefront of game of the year conversations for 2020.Hadesstands among the timeless pantheon of games that helped to redefine and grant mainstream relevance to the rogue-like genre. Some had theorized that in light of its success, Supergiant Games would go back to the well ofHadesfor its next title, and the2022 Game Awards trailer forHades 2joyously proved those theories correct.
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Zagreus' Role in Hades 2 is Unclear
Most information fans have gleaned about the game comes fromHades 2’s initial trailer. The plot appears to hinge on Melinoe defeating her grandfather, the Titan of Time. How this unfolds from the true ending ofHadeshas yet to be explained, but it stands to reason that Melinoe will have the full support of the gods of Mount Olympus on the quest. BeatingHadesten times and then following the requisite steps for the epilogue treats players with a wholesome reunion between the Olympian gods and those that dwell in the Underworld, with Zagreus having successfully rescued his mother, Persephone. While there may be a time gap betweenHadesandHades 2, this canonical ending will undoubtedly factor into the plot of the sequel.
As a direct continuation,Hades 2is near-assured to feature Zagreus at some point. Its narrative arc between the first game should show the development of its former central protagonist as the reins are passed to his sister. There are a number of interesting paths that Supergiant Games could take this passing of the torch, but perhaps the most intriguing would be to cast Zagreus in the role of Boon-giver, a central mechanic in assisting players on their journey to slay Chronos.
Hades 2 Can Honor the Original Without Living in Its Shadow
A central mechanic inHades,the various gods encountered by Zagreus would offer thematic perks and modifiers for combat that add to combat effectiveness and shape play styles, essential for the ultimate goal of dispatching the eponymous Hades.Promoting Zagreus from slayer to boon-giverwould be a clever nod to his ascension at the close of the first game, while tying him to a core mechanic of the games. It would also add variety, giving the developers an opportunity to design an all-new theme for a set of boons that players could build around for each run.
With the dialogue system ofHades, making Zagreus a boon-giver would not pigeon-hole the character, instead imbuing him with a vast breadth of sagely words of wisdom, amusing callbacks from the first game, and a sense of mentorship as Melinoe comes into her own as a character. This mentor role for Zagreus could be expanded on, perhaps overshadowing the role of a boon-giver, but the trailer hinted at themysterious Hecate guiding Melinoe. Whatever the case may be,Hades 2easily charts as one of the most anticipated indie games in development right now.
Hades 2is in development.
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