Summary
Hades 2still has the bones of its predecessor but strives to be different in the ways that matter most. One of its most significant differences is Melinoe, who acts asHades 2’s protagonist and playable character. During the majority of their time inHades 2during its early access period, players will take Melinoe on many trips through the Underworld to rescue theHouse of Hades from Chronos, her grandfather and narcissistic Titan of Time. The Underworld isn’t the only place players will journey, however, as they also currently have access to the surface where they can begin their ascent to Mount Olympus.
Melinoe’s descent into the Underworld inHades 2is quite different from her ascent to Mount Olympus on the surface. Part of this is due toHades 2only being in early access. Still, the overall structure and aesthetics of each realm are unique as well, offering players two drastically different experiences.
How Melinoe’s Descent Into the Underworld Compares to Her Ascent on the Surface in Hades 2
Melinoe’s Descent Into the Underworld Is More Like Traditional Hades Than Her Ascent on the Surface
The most defining factor of Melinoe’s descent into the Underworld inHades 2is that it is more like traditionalHadesthan her ascent to Mount Olympus on the surface.Much like Zagreus did inHades, Melinoe travels from room to room inHades 2’s Underworld, defeating waves of enemies along the way, occasional mini-bosses, and main bosses at the end of each main zone. The biggest outlier in the Underworld is the Mourning Fields zone, which consists of several large open areas, as opposed to the traditional enclosed roomsHadesis known for.
Currently, Melinoe’s ascent to Mount Olympus on the surface is not finished. Once players conquer the Rift of Thessaly anddefeat Eris inHades 2, they will be brought back to the beginning of their journey and receive a friendly “to be continued” disclaimer from Supergiant Games. However, that doesn’t stop the surface from being far different from the Underworld in its current state. As Melinoe ascends to Mount Olympus on the surface, her first major room is a city that has been sealed shut and requires her to destroy six pylons to pass. Upon accomplishing that, she must defeat a boss and then proceed to the Rift of Thessaly — a ship that is broken up into several smaller rooms akin to classicHades— until she fights the bosses on the other side. This setup makes Melinoe’s ascent on the surface a refreshing break from traditionalHades.
Melinoe’s Ascent on the Surface Differs Visually From Her Descent Into the Underworld
Another perhaps less significant difference between Melinoe’s descent into the Underworld inHades 2and her ascent on the surface is the aesthetics of the two. For the most part (at least, currently), the surface realm inHades 2is coated in a blue filter, with almost everything taking on a cooler appearance than what can be found in the Underworld.Melinoe’s journey into the Underworldbegins with a series of rooms that are similar in appearance to the surface realm, but it eventually becomes more filtered in a red-orange hue the deeper she descends.
Additionally, the Underworld inHades 2takes on an overall similar appearance to the Underworld inHades, with otherworldly structures and pathways being its most distinctive features. The surface realm, on the other hand, features various infrastructures one might naturally find on the surface. From houses to markets,the surface realm inHades 2feels much more relatable than the Underworld.
As Supergiant plans to continue expanding the surface realm inHades 2, Melinoe’s ascent could drastically change from what it is now. In what ways remains to be seen, butMelinoe’s greatest challengeslikely still lie ahead.
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.
