Highway to Hell: Why Hades II Delivers a Thrilling Sequel Worth Your Time

I have to admit, I came to Hades—Supergiant Games' smash hit from 2020—a bit late. As someone who's never been big on roguelikes, I figured it wasn't my thing. Those endless loops of death and retry just seemed exhausting. But then, on a whim, I grabbed it for my Nintendo Switch during a sale, and boy, was I wrong. The game's sharp writing, fluid combat, and gripping Greek mythology narrative hooked me from the first escape attempt through the underworld.

Fast forward to Hades II, the sequel that's been turning heads since its early access launch. If the original had me rethinking the genre, this one has me fully converted. It's not just more of the same; Supergiant has refined and expanded everything that made the first game shine, while introducing fresh twists that keep the experience feeling alive and unpredictable.

At its core, Hades II puts you in the boots of Melinoë, a fierce witch and princess of the underworld, on a quest to fend off a horde of Titans threatening the gods' realm. Like its predecessor, it's a roguelike where each run is a high-stakes dash through procedurally generated rooms filled with enemies, boons from Olympian deities, and narrative breadcrumbs. But now, with Melinoë's witchy arsenal—including incantations, spirit familiars, and omega attacks—the combat feels even more varied and empowering.

What stands out most is how the game weaves its story. Every conversation, every boon granted by a god like Zeus or Hecate, builds on the rich lore without ever feeling like an info dump. Supergiant's signature dialogue is witty, heartfelt, and full of personality—Zagreus from the first game even pops up, bridging the two worlds in a way that fans will appreciate. It's these human touches that elevate Hades II beyond typical action games; you feel connected to these mythical characters as if they're old friends catching up between battles.

Graphically, it's a stunner on the Switch, with vibrant art that pops on the handheld screen. The animations are buttery smooth, and the soundtrack—a blend of electronic beats and orchestral swells—pulses with the rhythm of combat. Sure, there are moments where the roguelike grind can test your patience, especially if you're chasing that perfect build or unlocking deeper story beats. But the sense of progression, both in gameplay and narrative, keeps you coming back.

If you're on the fence because Hollow Knight: Silksong or other metroidvanias have been your jam but roguelikes scare you off, give Hades II a shot. It's accessible enough for newcomers while offering depth for veterans. This sequel doesn't just build on the original—it's a hell of a ride that reminds us why gaming can be so profoundly satisfying.

For the full play-by-play, check out the original review on GeekDad.