REVIEW – September has turned out to be an exceptionally strong month for gamers. After the release of the highly anticipated Hollow Knight: Silksong, another major title has joined the lineup: the roguelite sequel Hades 2. Currently available only on the two generations of Nintendo Switch and PC, it can confidently be called a must-buy for fans of the genre.

It’s worth noting that Supergiant Games took a slightly different approach this time around, as the game spent a lengthy 16 months in early access before its full release.

Surpassing the Original in Every Way

Hades 2 manages to outshine its predecessor on almost every front — from its expanded content and deeper narrative to a significantly more intricate progression system. Our protagonist this time is Melinoë, raised by the witch Hecate (and no, the names remain true to the original Greek mythology) with one goal in mind: to defeat Chronos, who has kidnapped the House of Hades — including Zagreus and Melinoë’s parents. Determined to save them, she sets out for the peak of Olympus. While Melinoë might not be as formidable as Zagreus, the slightly shallower narrative immersion never becomes distracting enough to diminish the experience. And of course, she’s not alone on this journey — a number of allies join her to provide respite from the ongoing battle against the Titan. One such ally is Odysseus, both cunning and visually striking.

The new cast might feel a bit divisive — not everyone will agree they match the charm of the original’s characters — but the interactions remain engaging, and the voice acting is superb. The level of detail extends to the character designs and portraits, though returning players may find some of the changes jarring. Characters grant Boons that alter Melinoë’s (already deeper) abilities in various ways. Omega Attacks are particularly powerful, and the introduction of new weapons (Nocturnal Arms, each with its own Hidden Aspect that alters both form and function) greatly expands combat depth. Some weapons might not click at first, but given time, they may grow on you. Take Xinth, for example — at first glance, it’s great for counterattacks, charging a powerful blow while shielding you from frontal damage. But with the Omega Attack activated, it can also launch missiles.

The sheer number of Boon combinations allows for extensive experimentation, and with a bit of trial and error, you’re guaranteed to find a build that fits your preferred playstyle while also delivering impressive damage output. Another key addition is the ability to sprint — a feature that takes some getting used to. Initially, switching between sprint and dash can feel awkward, so it’s worth mastering early on to avoid frustration later.

Death Is Just a Speed Bump on the Road to Mastery

Yes, you’re going to die — a lot. But that’s the nature of the genre. Learning when to dodge, when to chain Omega combos, and how to tap into Hades 2’s impressive combat depth is essential. While the combat system isn’t flawless, it’s consistently excellent. Thanks to the wide range of Boons and upgrades, there’s plenty of variety here — and enemy types are just as diverse. The bosses? Simply phenomenal. On this front, Hades 2 is epic, with brilliantly crafted arenas and level design that elevate every encounter. Supergiant clearly hasn’t lost its touch here.

Each location feels distinct and memorable. Early stages are spacious and reward exploration, while later ones demand precision leaps to reach and eliminate enemies. The difficulty curve is no joke — and that’s exactly how it should be. Is Supergiant’s latest masterpiece frustrating? Not exactly. It’s not without its moments, but overall, the answer leans heavily toward “no.”

And let’s not forget the soundtrack — a masterpiece in its own right. Even outside the context of the game, it’s a phenomenal listen, perfectly complementing the action. It’s no surprise, then, that the final score you’ll see below is as round and polished as the game itself.

A New Benchmark – A Strong GOTY Contender

Following in the footsteps of Hollow Knight: Silksong, Hades 2 easily earns a well-deserved 9/10. It’s bigger, bolder, and better in nearly every respect — even if not absolutely perfect. If you loved the original, don’t hesitate: head straight to the Nintendo eShop or Steam and grab it now. This is a game worth owning, and Supergiant has once again proven why they’re among the best in the business. And while you might spend around 18 hours on your first run, expect to sink 30-40 hours or more into this world without a second thought.

-V-

Developer: Supergiant Games
Publisher: Supergiant Games
Genre: Roguelite
Release Date: September 25, 2025