Hades 2is one of the most talked about sequels around, and as the excitement for its eventual release grows with each day, there are a lot of questions about what the story will entail. As developer Supergiant’s first foray into crafting a sequel,Hades 2is an exciting venture for the studio. Many are waiting to see how the game’s story progresses with an all-new protagonist.
The first game starred Zagreus, the son of the god Hades. It doesn’t take long to figure out that Zagreus' relationship with his father is far from perfect. The entire plot ofHadesrevolves around being put in the shoes of Zagreus as he fights his way out of the Underworld to escape his father and be with his mother, Persephone.Hades 2is changing thingsthis time around, with the game starring Melinoe, the sister of Zagreus. Not only is this new protagonist an exciting twist, but it could also offer players the chance to get an all-new perspective on Hades as a father.
Hades 2 Doesn’t Need to Recycle Old Rivalries
The strained relationship between Zagreus and Hades was the heart of the first game, butHades 2should keep its focus on a fresh rivalry. Zagreus and his father made for an incredibly compelling narrative and motivation for a main character, but Melinoe may have a completely different viewpoint. If Supergiant truly wantsMelinoe to feel different from Zagreus, then her relationship with her father is a great place to start.
Melinoe as the Antithesis to Zagreus
Based on what is known aboutHades 2,Melinoe’s story is clearly going to be a departurefrom Zagreus' narrative. Instead of her story being focused on escaping the Underworld, Melinoe must rescue her family from the capture of Chronos, the Titan of Time. Chronos took control over the Underworld shortly after the birth of Melinoe, leaving her no chance to truly get to know her family. Despite having no real bond with her parents or brother, it’s been made obvious that Chronos is the main antagonist, and that’s a welcome change of pace.
Melinoe may not know her family that well, but there is a hint that they were far happier and closer at her birth than during the events of the firstHades. It has recently been revealed that Melinoe owns a painting of her family at her birth, and they all look much happier than players can recall from its predecessor.Bits and pieces ofHades 2’s lorehave given a sneak peek at what can be expected from the game’s story, and perhaps her family healed from the strained relationships of the past.
The recent playtest forHades 2indicates a major time jump since the first game.
A Different Kind of Family Rivalry
Hades 2may not need to recycle a contentious parent/child relationship, but it could be fertile soil to grow a sibling rivalry. Supergiant has somebig decisions to make with Zagreus, since he isn’t playing a starring role, and bringing him into the picture as an unexpected adversary for Melinoe could be fascinating. Due to Hades being separated from Melinoe so early in her life, he could have built up a perfect version of his daughter in his mind that seemingly made her his favorite child, filling Zagreus with jealousy.
There are plenty ofnew characters to be featured inHades 2, but the core of the franchise revolves around the titular god and his family. Exploring this further by showing a more loving and supportive side of Hades while turning Zagreus into an antagonist could bring a bold new direction for the family of gods.
Hades 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft. BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLDAs the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you’ll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERYInfuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERSMeet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURENew locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITYThanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
