Hades II Preview: Supergiant’s Mythical Roguelike Evolves

Grab your Nectar and sharpen your Stygian Blade because Hades II is coming to turn Greek mythology on its head once again. Supergiant Games, the indie darling that brought us the original Hades, is back to prove that lightning can strike twice – especially when dealing with Zeus and company.

What’s New in the Underworld?

1. Meet Melinoë, Our New Protagonist. Step aside, Zagreus. It’s time for his sister, Melinoë, to shine. As the immortal Princess of the Underworld, she’s got a chip on her shoulder and a mission to rescue Hades himself. Talk about family drama!
2. Witchcraft and Wizardry Melinoë isn’t just handy with a blade; she’s got magic up her sleeves. Expect a new layer of strategy as you weave spells between your attacks. It’s like mixing a smoothie, but you’re blending curses and hexes instead of fruits.
3. A Whole New Pantheon Think you know Greek mythology? Think again. Hades II is diving into some of the more obscure corners of the mythos. Get ready to rub elbows (and possibly swords) with deities you’ve never heard of. Chronos, the personification of time, is just the tip of the iceberg.
4. Expanded Progression System The Mirror of Night is getting an upgrade. Rumor has it that your choices will have even more impact on your play style, allowing for builds so unique they’d make Daedalus jealous.
5. Multiplayer Mayhem? While not confirmed, whispers from Mount Olympus suggest that some form of multiplayer might be in the works. Co-op escape attempts? Competitive speed runs? The possibilities are as endless as the Underworld itself.

What’s Staying the Same?

1. That Supergiant Polish Expect the same gorgeous art style, witty dialogue, and earworm-worthy soundtrack that made the original a masterpiece.
2. Roguelike Roots Death is still just a minor inconvenience. The core loop of “die, upgrade, try again” remains, but with new twists that promise to keep even veteran escape artists on their toes.
3. A Living, Breathing World Characters will remember your actions, relationships will evolve, and the story will unfold organically with each run. It’s like a soap opera with more stabbing and less evil twins. (Or is there?)

When Can We Descend? Supergiant keeps their cards close to their chest, but early access is expected to begin sometime in 2024. Until then, we’ll be here, obsessively refreshing their Twitter feed and practicing our dodge rolls.

Final Thoughts: Hades II isn’t just a sequel; it’s a promise of mythological mayhem refined to perfection. If Supergiant can capture even half the original’s magic, we’re in for a treat that would make Dionysus himself jealous.

So, fellow Underworld enthusiasts, start warming up those reflexes. Melinoë’s journey is coming, and if it’s anything like her brother’s, we’re in for one Hades of a ride. (Pun intended.)