Hades 2 Hero Orange Green
Source: geekingout.ca

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In a world, where video games can become so long, with so many sidequests, you feel like you need to clear out a whole weekend, in order to properly enjoy a game, it's a relief when you come across something more inviting to pick up and play, even if you only have a little bit of time.

Hades II is one of those games. Mostly because, you're going to hit the Game Over screen early and often.

And that's actually a good thing.

This roguelike title is available for both the Switch and The Switch 2 (among other consoles) and packs the perfect balance of challenge and success, allowing you to enjoy each run, with the promise of "I'll do better next time," with each subsequent attempt.

Headmistress Battle Hades
Source: geekingout.ca
New bosses, a new hero, and a new story come together in Hades II.

Hades History

The original Hades game was released in 2020 by Supergiant and became a huge hit. You play as Zagreus, Prince of the Underworld on a mission to rescue your mother. It's a roguelike, which, if you're unfamiliar with the genre, means you're going to die a lot. But each time, you'll learn a new skill, pick up a new item, master a new weapon which will allow you to progress further.

Melinoe Thumb
Source: geekingout.ca
The Hades sequel highlights a new character with a special proclivity for witchcraft.

Hades II Story and More

In the newly-released sequel, you'll play as Melinoë, the Princess of the Underworld, and sister of Zagreus. The family feuding continues, as Melinoë, now has to rescue her whole family (including that brother from the original) using her skills in witchcraft.

Witchcraft Hades 2 Screenshot
Source: geekingout.ca
You'll learn new skills which will help improve each subsequent.

As you progress you'll gather plants and metals which you can use to perform incantations, unlock new features, upgrade weapons and more.

It's basically all the good stuff of the first game, just more, and possibly better.

Hades II A Sequel That Surpasses The Original

Seldom is a sequel on par with the original, nevermind passing it. But in the case of Hades II that arguably has happened.

  • Improved Player Mechanics: Aside from the previously mentioned cauldron and witchcraft, playing as Melinoë doesn't just unlock new moves because she's a new character, the game play has been enhanced with some practical mechanics like the ability to spring or charge up your new skills (just keep an eye on that magic bar).
  • Style: Obviously art style is subjective (everyone has their own tastes), but this is such a beautiful looking game. The overall aesthetic, while gloomy maintains bright and musical touches throughout each level that make this a delight to play on the built-in Switch 2 screen or docked on your big screen.
  • Difficulty Level: They've really hit a sweet spot where the game is just hard enough to keep you motivated to pull yourself together for another run, without being mindlessly punishing for no good reason (Returnal). It's a balanced roguelike and once you master the controls, it's very very satisfying, particularly when encountering the game's new bosses

Is Hades II worth it?

The game was released for the Switch 2 on September 25th for $69.99 in Canada. It's a game that you'll be able to sink many hours in. However, because of the restarting nature of a rogue-like, it's a game where you can pick up and play if you only have 10-15 minutes and quickly do one run, gain some materials, and then be in a better position down the road.

Hades 2 Box Art

Hades Switch II

Whether or not you played the original, this title is an instant hit. It's just the right balance between fun and difficulty to keep you coming back to your Switch/Switch 2. Sequels don't always measure up, but this one might just surpass the original for quality and story. Pro tip, it's way cheaper to buy the digital version through the Nintendo store than the physical version from Amazon (at least at the time of writing).

If you're a completionist, you'll log days of game-time. If you're a casual gamer looking for a challenging level of fun, you might wrap the main campaign up in 20-ish hours.

Hades 2 Screenshot Switch
Source: geekingout.ca

It's also nice this is a title that can be enjoyed on the Switch or Switch 2 (so if you haven't upgraded, you're not left out). If you have upgraded, and you're looking to round out your Switch library with a satisfying new title, Hades II is an easy one to recommend.

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