With video game Hades II entering beta and already delivering an addictive blend of action and myth, Supergiant Games proves once again that their unique spin on roguelike storytelling is unmatched. This time, the torch passes to Melinoe, the daughter of Hades and Persephone, whose journey takes her deeper into the underworld's mysteries. As with its predecessor, Hades II promises dynamic gameplay, intricate character relationships, and a creative reimagining of Greek mythology. But to fully appreciate the depth of Hades II, it’s essential to look back at the original game that set the stage.
In Hades (2020), players were introduced to Zagreus, the rebellious son of Hades, as he attempted to escape the underworld, navigating dungeons while uncovering the strained relationships within his godly family. Praised for its fusion of fast-paced combat and rich narrative, Hades became a breakout hit. Its success was no fluke: the game earned accolades for its innovative gameplay loop, where players die repeatedly, but each death unravels more of the complex web of relationships between Zagreus, his parents, and the gods of Olympus. This combination of myth, gameplay, and evolving narrative earned Hades critical acclaim and numerous awards, including Best Indie Game and Best Action Game at The Game Awards 2020.
But Hades wasn’t just a critical darling. Its replayability kept players hooked, with its combat systems rewarding mastery over time while the evolving relationships between Zagreus and the gods added layers of narrative depth. Supergiant's decision to keep the deities as 2D images, beautifully rendered but unanimated, proved surprisingly effective. Through voice acting alone, the gods became real and complex, their banter with Zagreus revealing the intricacies of their divine personalities. It’s this interplay between a polished roguelike structure and an authentic respect for myth that made the first game shine.
With Hades II, Supergiant has returned to the underworld, but this time the story shifts focus to Melinoe, the daughter of Hades and Persephone, who is now on a mission of her own. Though still in beta, the game promises to continue the studio’s knack for combining breathtaking art and captivating gameplay with the same depth of story and mythology. And judging by the new beta update, it's clear that they’re not holding back.
In terms of gameplay, Hades II expands on the original’s already addictive loop but incorporates new mechanics that keep things fresh. You’ll still be hacking and slashing through beautifully designed dungeons, but there are new abilities to master and new characters to interact with, each offering unique powers that are essential to your survival. The game’s difficulty and replayability remain integral, ensuring players are as engrossed in perfecting their strategies as they are in uncovering the next twist of the story.
A New Mythic Journey: Melinoe, Hecate, and the Pantheon
While Hades focused on the rebellious son of the underworld, Hades II gives us Melinoe, an underworld goddess not often depicted in Greek mythology but woven masterfully into the game’s mythic tapestry. In myth, Melinoe is associated with nightmares and ghosts, making her a natural fit for the dark world of the underworld. In Hades II, her journey is intertwined with that of Hecate, the goddess of witchcraft, who serves as her mentor and guide. The relationship between the two adds an entirely new layer of narrative depth, focusing on family dynamics and mentorship, magic, and self-discovery.
Supergiant’s portrayal of Melinoe and Hecate is a testament to their love for mythology. Rather than opting for well-worn mythological tropes, they embrace more obscure figures, giving them vibrant personalities and fresh motivations. Both personal stakes and mythological purpose drives Melinoe’s quest in Hades II, and her relationship with Hecate feels organic and complex, reminiscent of the best mentor-student arcs we see in both mythology and modern storytelling.
"God-hating monsters with salt in their veins; the seas covering the world's surface just were not enough for them. The sunken chambers they occupy have not yet fallen to Chronos, at least." —Hecate to Melinoe, Hades II
Supergiant has consistently demonstrated that it’s not just interested in paying homage to Greek myths—it genuinely cares about the source material. The interactions between gods in Hades II, much like in the first game, are rooted in their mythological relationships, but Supergiant takes creative liberty to explore them in fresh, emotionally resonant ways. The studio celebrates the malleability of mythology, adapting ancient stories to modern sensibilities while maintaining their archetypal power.
Relationships: The Real Draw of the Pantheon
One of the most captivating aspects of both Hades and Hades II is how the player builds relationships with the gods. These aren’t just static NPCs handing out random powers; they are full-fledged characters with evolving personalities influenced by your successes and failures. In Hades II, just like in the first game, the gods and goddesses appear as 2D figures with stunning artistic designs, but it's through their voices and dialogue that they truly come alive. As the game progresses, you develop relationships with them, from familial bonds to alliances based on mutual respect.
The banter between the gods and Melinoe (or Zagreus in the first game) is more than just a fun narrative flourish—it becomes central to the player’s emotional investment. It’s in these dialogues where Hades II’s mythological richness shines brightest. The gods each have distinct voices and personalities that reflect their mythological roles while giving them new life. Aphrodite may still be the goddess of love, but in this game, she’s sharp-tongued and far more complex than just a symbol of romance. Athena, meanwhile, offers wisdom but isn’t above critiquing your methods.
Supergiant’s real genius lies in how these relationships evolve. With each run, players unlock new conversations that deepen these connections. The gods aren’t just there to provide buffs or powers—they’re fully realized characters who shape the narrative in subtle, sometimes unexpected ways. This emphasis on relationship-building, on top of the fast-paced action gameplay, sets the Hades series apart.
To give a sample of the depth of conversation, here’s a later exchange between Hades and his daughter Melinoe as they venture into a cavern in Tartarus that was once occupied by Sisyphus:
Hades : "This chamber... it once held a prisoner of mine. A mortal king who had attempted to cheat Death! I forced the wretch to heave that boulder up that path forever. He forgave me anyway."
Melinoë : "Forget him, Father. What purpose does it serve to dwell on some dead mortal now? Chronos wants you to wallow in your guilt. Don't."
Hades : "You misunderstand. The prisoner, he was called Sisyphus the King. His boulder there was like a friend. He... asked his friend to keep me company. Until more company arrived, he said."
Melinoë : "Well then, I'm grateful to that boulder and the king. Chronos must not have accounted for your former prisoners being fond of you."
Hades : "Oh most of them are not. Some chose to join the Titan's legions and remain here in Tartarus. Not anywhere I cast my gaze, of course."
Mythology in Motion
Hades II makes abundantly clear that the creators of Supergiant Games have a deep love for Greek mythology in all its messy, multifaceted glory. They celebrate the diversity of the myths, the contradictions, and the countless versions of the same stories. Rather than confining themselves to any single interpretation, they draw on various sources to create a world that feels both ancient and fresh, familiar and surprising.
Supergiant delivers a remarkably replayable game whose first layer is gameplay but whose ultimate draw is the depth of mythos and relationships. Hades II isn’t just a game about slashing through the underworld; it’s about exploring the intricate lives of gods, goddesses, and mortals alike, navigating the complexities of divine family drama, and building lasting relationships with characters who, despite their immortality, feel genuinely human.
With the recent Olympic Update, Hades II introduces even more layers to its already robust experience. The update brings new Olympian gods, such as Apollo, into the mix, alongside expanded dialogue, fresh abilities, and new storylines that deepen the lore and relationships central to the game. These additions highlight Supergiant’s dedication to refining and expanding Hades II meaningfully. This isn’t just about adding content for the sake of content; it’s clear that the team is committed to enriching both gameplay and narrative, ensuring the world of Hades II remains vibrant and engaging as it moves through its development stages.
The depth of Hades II is reflected not only in its gameplay mechanics but also in its celebration of the ancient stories that have shaped our understanding of the world. The staff of Supergiant clearly loves these myths—and it shows.
Works Cited
"Hades II." Supergiant Games, 2023, https://www.supergiantgames.com/games/hades-ii/.
"Hades II." Wikipedia, 2023, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hades_II.
"Hades II." Hades Wiki, 2023, https://hades.fandom.com/wiki/Hades_II.
"Hades II on Steam." Steam, 2023, https://store.steampowered.com/app/1145350/Hades_II/.
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