Summary
Hades 2, the sequel to Supergiant Games' hit Roguelike action RPGHades, has officially entered early access and is already garnering a positive reception.Hades 2takes the formula that led its predecessor to success and evolves it with changes to gameplay mechanics, as well as a new story with a combination of new and returning characters. Whereas players controlled Zagreus, son of Hades, in the first game, Melinoe, the daughter of Hades and sister of Zagreus, isthe primary protagonist inHades 2. Players familiar withHadesshould feel somewhat at home inHades 2, but they may quickly learn things are quite a bit different this time around as Melinoe is similar to her brother in some ways but can be starkly unique in others.
Zagreus and his evolving character stole the show inHades, and now Melinoe takes the stage with a similar approach inHades 2. However, in an effort to keep things fresh, Supergiant Games has ensured that Melinoe is not the same character her brother was, although the similarities she shares with Zagreus do have a tendency to shine through. Despite the similarities she shares with her older brother, Melinoe is her own person and portrays some contrasting characteristics that make her both a pleasure to watch and to play.
How Hades 2’s Melinoe Compares to Hades' Zagreus
Melinoe Shares Zagreus' Confident Yet Self-Critical Nature
As children of Hades and siblings,Melinoe and Zagreusshare some of their most basic traits. Particularly, both Melinoe and Zagreus are confident in their ability and yet are very hard on themselves when they fall short in any way. In fact, it may very well be their extreme confidence that contributes to their self-deprecating nature. Melinoe is somewhat of a perfectionist, so she is very critical of herself when she fails. However, Zagreus could be considered even more self-critical, as his sarcastic and cynical tone often reveals his ever-depreciating self-esteem.
Neither Melinoe nor Zagreus could be rightfully considered proud, by any means, as each of them is more than willing to lend a hand where there is a need for one. They are both gentle and kindhearted, coupled with a willingness to exude confidence when necessary. This confidence is put on full display even more so duringHades' boss fights, as the over-confidence the bosses show often pulls the same out in both Melinoe and Zagreus.
Melinoe Is Much More Sincere and Serious Than Zagreus
Perhaps where Melinoe and Zagreus differ the most is in their view of the world around them.Hades' Zagreuswas known for his sarcastic and devil-may-care attitude, despite still managing to be serious when the moment called for it. His dialogue often revealed that he sometimes didn’t take matters too seriously simply because he didn’t feel as though others cared all that much — namely, his father. Melinoe, on the other hand, is very sincere and serious in her approach, both to her companions and her enemies.
Melinoe has a very proper way about her and seems to carry herself in a way that Zagreus didn’t. It’s not necessarily true that one protagonist is better or stronger than the other, but Melinoe does seem to be a bit more level-headed than her brother. She takes her assignments very seriously, and although she’s not necessarily a people pleaser, it is difficult for her when she somehow ends up on another’s bad side. This is a large part of what drives her to be as deliberate as possible in her endeavors.
Aside fromMelinoe playing differently than Zagreus, her character is a healthy contrast from her brother. This ultimately lends toHades 2’s freshness, even though it retains the formula that made its predecessor so successful. With her confident, sincere, and serious approach to the matter at hand, Melinoe effectively steps out of her brother’s shadow, which will likely contribute toHades 2’s success in the long run.
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.
