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Game Information

Game Title: Hades II

Platforms:

• PC (May 6, 2024)
• Nintendo Switch (May 6, 2024)

Trailer:

• Hades II - Reveal Trailer

Developer: Supergiant Games

Review Aggregator:

OpenCritic - 93 average - 97% recommended - 39 reviews

MetaCritic - 94 average - Nintendo Switch 2 - 26 reviews

​

Critic Reviews

Atarita - Seyidcem Öztürk - Turkish - 90 / 100

Hades II expands on everything that made the original great with deeper storytelling, richer progression and thrilling combat. Also with new base system, it's standing as one of the best rogue-lites to date.

CGMagazine - Zubi Khan - 8 / 10

For those unfamiliar with the story of Hades II, players take on the role of Melinoë, sister to Zagreus, the protagonist of the first game.

Destructoid - Eric Van Allen - Unscored

Every looped night, every sleek new combination and build I put together, every narrow victory over a tough boss, even every tree slammed into a wailer for a terrain kill, feels fantastic. And sure, you could wait it out just to get the whole package. But what's here now in the Early Access of Hades 2 is one of the best games I've played so far this year, and so far, it seems like it will only get better as the months go on. Killing Time has rarely been quite so enjoyable as it is in Hades 2.

Dexerto - Joe Pring - 5 / 5

Hades 2 is an unbelievable triumph for more reasons than a pair of human hands can count. Supergiant Games' sequel is a bold evolution of the original that flawlessly executes new ideas to deliver the best roguelike of this generation.

Eurogamer - Christian Donlan - Unscored

Supergiant's first ever sequel may feel very comfortable and familiar, but Hades' best weapon remains the power of surprise.

Fextralife - Unscored

As for myself, I will probably be playing a little bit to familiarize myself with it. I'll be waiting for the full game to come out to really dive into it, get the fully polished experience because that's going to be amazing. Supergiant Games did absolutely fantastic with Hades, so I can't wait to see what they do with Hades 2. The quality of the game is there, its value, and the game plays so well it doesn't make sense it's in Early Access.

GameGrin - Artura Dawn - 10 / 10

Hades II builds on everything that the original had and manages to double the content while still keeping its Supergiant Games feel. It has unrivaled roguelite elements that prioritise player skill over randomisation, and content aplenty that you won't be left wanting for more.

GameSpace - Brau3er - 9 / 10

Hades II still has the same style of roguelike, improved in literally every aspect. The story has become larger. Now you don't just run away from home in search of your mother, while simultaneously improving Hades' relationship with his brothers and helping him understand himself. No, this time you need to save your family from imprisonment by the Titan of Time, regain the throne of the Underworld and stop the siege of Olympus. It feels like there is three times more content than in the first part. It's a must-have for RPG/roguelike gamers everywhere!

GameSpot - Alessandro Barbosa - 9 / 10

Hades II is an ambitious expansion of all the ideas that came before it, balancing them beautifully to create one of the best roguelites on the market even in its incomplete state.

Gamepressure - 8.5 / 10

Hades 2 from Supergiant Games is an excellent roguelike and a worthy successor to Hades. It provides hours of great fun. Early Access is scheduled to last until the end of 2024, and I'm already looking forward to seeing what the final version of this game, which has already managed to win praise from fans of the first installment, will look like.

Gamer Guides - Patrick Dane - 96 / 100

Hades 2 is the perfection of a formula that Supergiant had already nearly mastered. While a little safe compared to the fantastic original, the new additions make this one of the best out there that's sure to keep pulling you in for "Just one more run."

Gamersky - 心灵奇兵 - Chinese - 8 / 10

Hades 2 left me feeling increasingly tired as I continued to play. Especially if you're playing for the sake of progressing, building and fighting, rather than exploring the story and observing NPC dialogue under different conditions, a sense of Sisyphean futility will soon set in. Fortunately, the developers haven't abandoned the strengths that made Hades great. In fact, it's precisely because the two games share a similar overall experience that the new designs in Hades 2 seem less well thought out than the original.

GamesCreed - Wasbir Sadat - 5 / 5

Hades II achieves the near-flawless perfection of the roguelike genre. Whether or not you're looking forward to the next updates, this version of the game is already great. Supergiant Games is about to turn an already great game into something beyond expectations.

GamesRadar+ - Ali Jones - Unscored

There's a little bit of polish left to apply, but given the sheer increase in scope between Hades 2 and its predecessor, that's more than understandable. A hugely ambitious roguelike, with an improved progression loop and grander narrative, but the same ruthlessness in play and charm in worldbuilding as the original, makes this an astounding early access success.

GamingBolt - Ravi Sinha - 9 / 10

Hades 2 isn't just one of the best early access titles right now - it's also a top-tier rogue-lite experience that fans and newcomers should experience immediately.

God is a Geek - Mick Fraser - Unscored

It feels incredible to play and looks like it'll be a bigger, deeper, more personal adventure, and I can't wait to see how deep Melinoe's quest takes her.

IGN - Leana Hafer - 10 / 10

Hades 2's art is breathtaking, its characters are captivating, the combat is fast, fun, endlessly varied, and tactical, and the music is spectacular.

INVEN - Kyuman Kim - Korean - 8.8 / 10

The different combat tempo from its predecessor may be divisive, but 'Hades II' already boasts an impressive volume of content that makes it hard to believe it's still in early access. The storytelling, which seamlessly integrates repetitive gameplay, is also top-notch. There is much anticipation for how much more it will impress upon its full release.

Just Play it - Mohaned DAROUI - Arabic - 9 / 10

Hades II has preserved the addictive essence that defined the first game, while introducing improvements and refreshing changes that add greater depth to the experience, with a more mature story and ever-evolving gameplay. If you enjoyed the first installment or are a fan of roguelike games, the sequel delivers an experience well worth your time.

KonsoliFIN - Joonatan Itkonen - Finnish - 5 / 5

Hades II is a sequel to one of the best games ever made, and it just might be even better than its predecessor. This is a wild, imaginative, and thoroughly captivating ride that will mesmerize for years to come.

Loot Level Chill - Steve Chambers - 10 / 10

The best roguelite of recent years, Hades 2 will repeatedly beat you down but leave you gasping, desperate for more. With hours of frenetic gameplay beautifully wrapped in spectacular graphics, captivating voice acting and an incredible soundtrack, Hell has never looked nor felt so fantastic as this.

Manual dos Games - Luiz Henrique Silva - Portuguese - 10 / 10

Hades 2 expands on everything that made the first game special and adds new elements that fit perfectly into the gameplay loop, making Melinoe's journey a more fun, challenging, and addictive adventure than its older brother.

NintendoWorldReport - Jordan Rudek - 9 / 10

Without a doubt, Hades II lives up to its predecessor, and surpasses it in a number of ways. While it can at times be overwhelming in terms of collectibles and crafting materials, there are also so many ways to enjoy the experience, through options like God Mode and Aim Assist, or just grinding out in-game achievements and other unlockables. Ultimately, my first complete run through the first Hades signalled the end of my time with that game, but for the sequel, it felt more like I was just getting started.

Noisy Pixel - Bailey Seemangal - 10 / 10

Hades II on Switch 2 delivers a masterclass in roguelite design, expanding on its predecessor with a darker tone, richer character arcs, and deeper mechanical systems. Supergiant Games refines the formula with a compelling new protagonist, rewarding exploration, and an ambitious progression loop that keeps each run fresh and addictive.

NoobFeed - Ahnaf Tajwar - 90 / 100

Hades II can be kind of a bummer sometimes when you find yourself sucked in with a really good build only to realize the game isn't finished. If you are the kind of player who appreciates complete experiences, you may want to wait, but if you are the kind who enjoys seeing the journey of a game that is being actively worked on, playing Hades II seems like a no-brainer.

PC Gamer - Tyler Colp - 88 / 100

Despite some stumbles in its opening hours, Hades 2 blooms with flexible combat and unforgettable characters.

PCGamesN - Cheri Faulkner - Unscored

Hades 2 is flawless, perfecting the roguelike genre in a way its predecessor almost managed to do. Its incoming additions aren't required to complete it – this version of the game is refined, advanced, and wonderful. They will, however, enhance an already breathtaking experience beyond comprehension.

RPG Fan - Zek Lu - 90 / 100

If Hades is action, Hades II is precision.

Restart.run - Imran Khan - 5 / 5

Despite being an iterative sequel, Hades II improves upon its predecessor in every way that matters, making it one of the best action-roguelites out there.

Rock, Paper, Shotgun - Brendan Caldwell - Unscored

A fun-loving follow-up shakes up the underworld without fouling the Hades formula.

SavePoint Gaming - Jake Su - 9.5 / 10

Just like how the first game changed the way we viewed Early Access games, Hades 2 is treading that same path with a high level of polish and meaty content that is quite unbelievable at this stage. The team has given players another charming protagonist to root for, the kind of gameplay that necessitates the 'one more run' mentality, and options aplenty for how you might want to tackle the next trip. Parts of the game may be missing, but what's being offered is already well worth the entry fee, making the journey to 1.0 a much more delicious one.

Skill Up - Ralph Panebianco - Unscored

Video Review - Quote not available

Slant Magazine - Niv M. Sultan - 4.5 / 5

Melinoë, however, can make it to the top of Olympus. But when she does, unease gnaws at her triumph. The gods commend her bravery and skill. They deny having ever doubted her. Then, with their young relative's purpose fulfilled, if only temporarily, they nudge her back to her home between planes, where she diligently returns to her labors. Would that Melinoë, at some point in her long quest to fell Chronos, stopped to wonder: What comes after time and death?

Stryftek - Ryan Bullock - Masterpiece

Video Review - Quote not available

TheGamer - Jade King - 5 / 5

While you are experiencing a grand journey across an uncompromising depiction of Greek mythology, it is the small moments in Hades 2 that shine brightest. Intimate conversations between old friends or bittersweet reunions with long-lost family members as the moon of Selene hangs daintily overhead. Putting aside slaughtering demons and becoming a witch so powerful that not even titans can stop you, these are what make Hades 2 so special. If Supergiant is now destined to leave this universe behind, it goes out on the highest note possible.

Twinfinite - Syed Hamza Bakht - 4.5 / 5

Hades 2 has managed to improve upon every single aspect of the original. If you're a fan of difficult but rewarding rogue-lite exploration, where every run gets you closer to your objective, it's perfect. We can't wait to see the content Supergiant Games have up their sleeves for later in early access and the eventual full release.

VideoGamer - Antony Terence - 10 / 10

Hades 2 carefully sandwiches more nuance between the original roguelike's kinetic combat, gorgeous visuals, and heartfelt narrative. With each end comes an opportunity to clear an obstacle, deepen a bond, and inch closer to thwarting Chronos.

XboxEra - Jesse Norris - 9.5 / 10

Hades II Early Access launch is better than I could have hoped. If this was version 1.0 it would be better than 95% of games launched in the past decade. As is they've said they'll be working on the full launch through the end of 2024. If you enjoyed Hades then know that the sequel is, somehow, even better.

eXputer - Hamid Shah - 4.5 / 5

Hades 2 commands the polish of a full release in early access, and I can't fathom how good version 1.0 will be.

Videos:

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[Omnipunctual Godot]

Ooh, GotY is going to be even tougher now.

 

[Dacvak]

Pulling wild numbers, damn! I sat out of the early access so I could get the full polished experience, so I can't wait to play this tomorrow.

Wish me luck on closing up the final boss in Silksong tonight, boys.

 

[Zacfoldor]

Day fucking 1, game of the fucking year mate!

So this is only on Switch 1/2 and PC, lol? No Xbox and no PS5? That is hilarious. I bet this thread doesn't have a lot of attention because of that, but this is huge, lol. What a time for gaming. Metal Gear, Silent Hill, Hades, Expedition 33, Donkey Kong, Mario Kart, Silksong, Ninja Gaiden, FF Tactics, Shinobi. Good times.

 

[lastmessiah]

Day fucking 1, game of the fucking year mate!

So this is only on Switch 1/2 and PC, lol? No Xbox and no PS5? That is hilarious. I bet this thread doesn't have a lot of attention because of that, but this is huge, lol. Without e33 this would be an easy goty winner, but it is still likely to lose to e33...that being said this is a huge get for Nintendo right when they need it.

Strange Antiquities also released on Switch/PC only, I thought that was interesting...a sea change in the industry perhaps.

 

[BrandwinTX]

Day fucking 1, game of the fucking year mate!

So this is only on Switch 1/2 and PC, lol? No Xbox and no PS5? That is hilarious. I bet this thread doesn't have a lot of attention because of that, but this is huge, lol.

Yeah, just like the first one. Hopefully PlayStation and Xbox users don't have to wait a year this time around.

 

[Jaybe]

Hades is one of my favourite games. These reviews are awesome. I'm Looking forward to this after I finish DK Banaza.

 

[Punished Miku]

Part 1 is still by far the best roguelike. This is an easy day 1 when it's out of early access and on other systems.

 

[Hot5pur]

The first one was OK but got really repetitive quickly, even for a roguelite. I didn't care for the dialog and at some point started skipping it, a bit too try hard for me. The gameplay and builds were fun though, so hoping this iteration has improved in those aspects.

 

[FalsettoVibe]

The real GOTY has arrived.

 

[coachmcguirk91]

The year of AA gaming.

 

[MiguelItUp]

LFG! Seeing this thread and the other about the release date reminded me to download it. I have, NOW I WAIT!

I wouldn't be surprised if this ends up being my personal GOTY just like the first one did when it launched, lol. That being said, I think this year has a LOT more new releases (decent to great ones at that) than when the first came out, so we'll see.

 

[Lionel Richie]

Clair Obscur
Death Stranding 2
Split Fiction
Silksong
Hades 2
Bananza/KCD 2

What a year it would have been to watch the GOTY award if the Pope ever fucking went away already and we got a serious show instead.

 

[Hookshot]

Can't wait to get into it but I don't have the time this week. be an October game I think.

Hope this one has a more interesting post game than the first.

 

[genesisblock]

Ugh, Hades 1 has this awful grind just to get all the gods to max favour to see the true ending of the story. Have to finish that before Hades II

 

[adamsapple]

 

[xenosys]

Never been a huge rogue-like fan, but Hades 2 will be a strong GOTY contender by the looks of it.

 

[Fake]

Good for the franchise, shame I'm not into roguelike games.

Goty candidate for sure.

 

[Oberstein]

I don't enjoy roguelike games. Most of the time, I feel like they just drain your brain cells and make you dumber with every run. That said, I did enjoy Hades 1 to some extent — I got it for cheap, and the art direction, style, and music made for a really compelling take on Greek mythology. I never finished it though, simply because I got tired of starting the levels over and over. So now I'm hesitant about buying this second installment.

But well, they're getting good reviews, so good for them!

 

[sloppyjoe_gamer]

I don't enjoy roguelike games. Most of the time, I feel like they just drain your brain cells and make you dumber with every run. That said, I did enjoy Hades 1 to some extent — I got it for cheap, and the art direction, style, and music made for a really compelling take on Greek mythology. I never finished it though, simply because I got tired of starting the levels over and over. So now I'm hesitant about buying this second installment.

But well, they're getting good reviews, so good for them!

My feelings exactly to a T.....get out of my head lol

 

[GymWolf]

Another banger, praise the gods.

 

[touchfuzzy]

Switch/2 console exclusive for the time being too, at least one developer has their priorities right.

 

[BennyBlanco]

Day fucking 1, game of the fucking year mate!

So this is only on Switch 1/2 and PC, lol? No Xbox and no PS5? That is hilarious. I bet this thread doesn't have a lot of attention because of that, but this is huge, lol. What a time for gaming. Metal Gear, Silent Hill, Hades, Expedition 33, Donkey Kong, Mario Kart, Silksong, Ninja Gaiden, FF Tactics, Shinobi. Good times.

This was the case with Hades 1 as well, they know where their audience is

 

[ungalo]

I'm going to pass, the first one was boring as hell.

 

[Black_Stride]

Damn tis been a banger year.

Genuinely shocked people think gaming is dead and complain about not having games to play.

 

[BennyBlanco]

Damn tis been a banger year.

Genuinely shocked people think gaming is dead and complain about not having games to play.

Seriously. There are way more games I want to play than I have time to play them. I had to stop myself from buying silent hill because I know I wouldn't get to it anytime soon.

 

[Nocty]

holy moly that is some good scores

I actually may buy this for halloween gaming time. There isn't much else out this month that tickles my fancy now.

 

[Luipadre]

Everyone who played the EA version knew these scores are coming

 

[Spyxos]

Still have to finish the first one first. Shame that they deleted my savefile. But a lot of time has passed since then, and I have the urge to play the game again.

 

[daclynk]

Switch Gamers are eating

 

[Astray]

Damn tis been a banger year.

Genuinely shocked people think gaming is dead and complain about not having games to play.

Complainers by definition don't play games.

This is easily the most stacked year ever, GOTY awards are a complete crapshoot and basically impossible to guess.

 

[Baemono]

Ooh, GotY is going to be even tougher now.

But I thought the dust has settled

 

[The Cockatrice]

We havent had such a good year in quite some time, at least post-covid times. Nice to see we're eating good again.

 

[balls of snow]

Supergiant games just pull their gianormos dick down in the goty discourse.

 

[Thick Thighs Save Lives]

I'm def going to grab the physical copy for the SW/SW2, most likely during the holidays.

 

[FoxMcChief]

Another Gane of the Year contender has joined the fray!

I'm not shocked though. I gave the first one my game of the year when it came out. Best roguelite game ever made!

 

[HYDE]

Ooh, GotY is going to be even tougher now.

Nah…roguelike is cringe. Silksong is the clear winner for me.

 

[Fbh]

The first one was awesome, the game that sold me on roguelites. So this isn't surprising.
Shame about no Ps5 version, though I might pick it up on steam and see if it works decently on my 1050ti laptop (the first one did). The fact it's only $15 with regional pricing doesn't hurt.

Clair Obscur
Death Stranding 2
Split Fiction
Silksong
Hades 2
Bananza/KCD 2

What a year it would have been to watch the GOTY award if the Pope ever fucking went away already and we got a serious show instead.

Then watch the DICE awards?
They have a more serious tone, there's no unnecessary celebs and music numbers and the show isn't 50% ads for chinese gacha games and GAAS slop.
Also the nominees and winners are selected by peers from the actual industry and not journos.

Of course they don't have "world premiere" trailers and reveals nor do they have the same production values because there's no chinese gacha ads to pay for them. So no one cares about them.

 

[DarkShadowXI]

I played this when it first came out in early access but it didn't grab me for some reason. I did enjoy the first Hades.

Have they changed a lot since early early access? I'm intrigued again with all of this buzz.

 

[Sanepar]

Can u save the game in Hades like Returnal?

 

[Mr Hyde]

Buying the physical edition on S2 when it releases in November. Never played Hades and not too hot on rogue likes but this seems to be the best of the best in the genre. Gotta try it out

 

[Punished Miku]

Never played Hades and not too hot on rogue likes but this seems to be the best of the best in the genre

It's just the perfect gameplay loop for the genre.

1) Start a run, multiple weapons and power up options that frequently change.
2) End a run and return to base. Get bits of story, character dialogue with best of the best voice acting.
3) Every time you return, progress with permanent level ups in multiple different things.
(Dopamine during the run - dopamine after the run - dopamine during the run - dopamine after the run, repeat)

The story also thematically actually fits the genre of roguelike. You are in hell. You die and start where you began because you are trapped, and it's actually thematically correct with no ludonarrative dissonance.

I don't think I ever returned after a run and had repeating dialogue until after 100 hours. It was new every time.

Any roguelike has moments of tedium and repetition, but this is still the gold standard for the genre.

 

[LordOcidax]

Amazing scores, another GOTY candidate and temporary Switch 2 killer app.

 

[Lionel Richie]

Then watch the DICE awards?
They have a more serious tone, there's no unnecessary celebs and music numbers and the show isn't 50% ads for chinese gacha games and GAAS slop.
Also the nominees and winners are selected by peers from the actual industry and not journos.

Of course they don't have "world premiere" trailers and reveals nor do they have the same production values because there's no chinese gacha ads to pay for them. So no one cares about them.

I obviously knew about the DICE, but I had no idea it was watchable, like an actual event. I will watch it then friend, thank you! I just cannot tolerate another Pope Fest.

 

[Robb]

Another banger! I really loved the first game, can't wait!

 

[touchfuzzy]

I'm def going to grab the physical copy for the SW/SW2, most likely during the holidays.

This has been known about since the last Direct and is up for preorder at every retailer, including their own site. Not sure how they missed that...

 

[Gonzito]

I dont like roguelikes, should I still play it? Guide me papitos

 

[Punished Miku]

I dont like roguelikes, should I still play it? Guide me papitos

You can get part 1 for like $6 on PC.

 

[Baemono]

I'm def going to grab the physical copy for the SW/SW2, most likely during the holidays.

I guess it will look like something like this if they'll have both versions on the same cart

 

[Baemono]