Hades II
" Addictive action RPG with refined combat and deep story, but steep difficulty spikes "
Hades II Review
Hades II, currently in early access, is widely praised as a worthy and improved sequel to the original Hades game. Players appreciate its rich narrative, engaging characters, and addictive roguelike gameplay that builds on the first game's success while adding new mechanics such as the Arcana system, familiars, and gardening. The game features an expansive amount of content, including multiple weapon upgrade paths, diverse synergies, and intriguing sidequests, which contribute to its high replayability. The art style and soundtrack receive consistent acclaim for their quality and atmosphere. Despite being unfinished, the game is considered polished and enjoyable, with only minor early access limitations like missing cinematic sequences and some balance issues. Some players note a steeper difficulty curve in later stages and suggest accessibility improvements. Overall, Hades II is celebrated for its depth, creativity, and faithful continuation of the original's charm, making it a must-play for fans of the genre and the series.
Highlights
Players particularly praise Hades II for its addictive and refined combat mechanics, including new weapon systems and the Arcana card upgrades. The stunning artwork and evocative soundtrack enhance the immersive experience, while the well-written, engaging storyline and memorable characters keep players invested. The game’s variety of content, from unique bosses like Scylla to numerous synergies and keepsakes, adds significant depth and replay value. Fans also appreciate the faithful yet expanded narrative scope and the smooth integration of new gameplay elements that elevate the sequel beyond its predecessor.
Criticisms
Common criticisms include some balance and difficulty spikes in the Olympus area, where bosses can feel like damage sponges and attacks may be overwhelming, especially for players with memory or attention challenges. Certain gameplay elements, like the dash system, received mixed feedback for feeling clunky. A few players expressed concerns about the game's complexity and a learning curve that may initially frustrate newcomers or fans of the original. Additionally, as an early access title, it lacks some features like cinematic sequences and Steam achievements, and some desire more accessibility options to accommodate diverse player needs.
Pros
- • Addictive and refined combat mechanics with diverse weapon upgrade paths.
- • Stunning artwork that is darker and more arcane than the original.
- • Engaging and richly woven storyline with memorable characters.
- • Exceptional soundtrack that enhances the game atmosphere.
- • High replayability with numerous synergies, keepsakes, and sidequests.
- • Smooth progression system that adds a larger sense of growth.
- • Innovative Arcana system and new gameplay elements like familiars.
Cons
- • Difficulty spikes in Olympus area feel overtuned and frustrating.
- • Some attacks, like Prometheus’ memory challenge, may be unfair to certain players.
- • Dash system occasionally feels clunky and less responsive.
- • Early access status means missing cinematic sequences and achievements.
- • Learning curve can be steep, especially for players new to the sequel.
- • Certain boons and weapons can feel overpowered, reducing build variety.
- • Limited accessibility options for players with ADHD or memory issues.
Rating Criteria
Battle beyond the Underworld using dark sorcery to take on the Titan of Time in this bewitching sequel to the award-winning rogue-like dungeon crawler.