Played on the ROG Ally X
It’s wild to think it’s been 4 years since I last battled my way out of hell. I reviewed it on PS5 and gave it a perfect 10/10. It was sharp, stylish, and emotionally layered in a way few roguelikes dared to be. Recently, I decided to revisit that masterpiece on Steam — partly out of nostalgia, but mostly to prepare myself for Hades II. Even after all this time, the original Hades still plays like a dream. But now, stepping into the shoes of Melinoë, Zagreus’ sister, I realize Supergiant wasn’t content to simply retread old ground. They’ve built something richer, darker, and more ambitious. I’ve been playing Hades II primarily on my ROG Ally X, and it’s almost poetic how smooth and responsive it feels on that handheld — 120 fps fluidity when played at 35W (or even 25W), instant input precision, and those “just one more run” sessions that somehow turn into two-hour dives through Tartarus.
This is Hades reimagined — more mystical, more methodical, and even more addicting.
The Witch’s Path
Melinoë is a witch with purpose — the daughter of Hades and Persephone, on a mission to defeat Chronos, the Titan of Time who’s seized control of the Underworld and imprisoned her family. The premise is grander and heavier than before, leaning into Greek mysticism and divine consequence rather than rebellion and revelation. Supergiant’s world-building remains as compelling as ever. Each new run rewards you with evolving conversations that reveal more about Melinoë’s allies and enemies. The cast — from the stoic Hecate to the ever-poetic Moros — feels more alive, their interactions shaping the tone of your journey through subtle nuance rather than overt exposition—voice acting feels much more grounded and well-paced compared to Hades I where everyone seem to want to finish their sentences as quickly as possible.
That said, the tonal shift is where I have mixed feelings. Zagreus’ story in Hades I carried a beautiful sense of humanity beneath all the defiance. He wasn’t some petulant child rebelling against authority; he was a son searching for his mother, confined by a father who refused him truth. His wit and vulnerability made every escape attempt feel personal. Melinoë, by contrast, is far more restrained and has this overt sense of duty —granted, the overarching narrative gives her reason to be, her demeanor fits the witch’s path she walks as well — but it just feels forced, gives a sense of superiority over Zagreus and I don’t know if I can jive with that. Her emotional distance sometimes mutes the spark that made Zagreus so relatable. I respect her resolve though, but I found myself missing the personality and humor that balanced the tragedy of the first game — and this is coming from someone who wants everything to have a dark undertone.
Still, the story’s scope is impressive. It’s a darker, more contemplative myth told through beautifully voiced performances and Supergiant’s signature “living dialogue” structure that rewards long-term play.
A Dream in Motion
If the first Hades was a ballet of chaos, Hades II is a dance of ritual — deliberate, layered, and rewarding once mastered. The combat remains fast and fluid, but Melinoë’s moveset brings a new rhythm. Her staff attacks and spellcasting Hex mix precision and power, making her feel equal parts warrior and sorceress. The Arcana system — a collection of tarot-like cards that shape your build — deepens customization far beyond the original. Combine that with new boons from gods like Hecate, Apollo, and Selene, and no two runs ever feel the same. Magic now plays a much larger role in combat, encouraging you to balance mana and positioning, rather than simply dash-and-slash your way through hordes.
Every victory feels earned. Every death feels like a lesson. And the constant evolution of your playstyle makes each attempt through Tartarus or the surface realm of Erebus exciting. The Hub area is more expansive than Hades I as well, you have the cauldron that acts like the House Contract which nets you further permanent elements for your playthrough like new ways to evolve your Arcana or the Silver Pool for new weapons and so on. Supergiant’s art direction has always been second to none, but Hades II somehow finds a new level of refinement. The color palette leans darker — mystical blues, emerald greens, and eerie silvers dominate the screen. Every corridor feels like it’s carved from myth, and every boss encounter is a work of painterly and video animation. There are more 3D elements here which is how I like it —this game’s visuals are just absolutely sublime truly.
The soundtrack once again sets the tone. Darren Korb returns with a mix of haunting chants and percussive energy that hits as hard as the combat itself. Paired with Logan Cunningham’s unmistakable voice work, it creates a rhythm of beauty and brutality that’s uniquely Hades.
A Realm of Shadows
For all of Hades II’s refinement, there’s one aspect that slightly drags the experience: the grind. Progression is ALSO tied to material gathering — mining, foraging, alchemy, ect. These systems add depth, but the pacing can feel sluggish, especially early on. You’ll often find yourself needing rare resources to unlock new weapons, incantations, or upgrades, which can turn into repetitive runs just to push forward.
It’s not game-breaking by any means — it simply shifts the balance from fast, spontaneous progression to something more methodical. I appreciate the long-term reward structure, but sometimes I just wanted to dive deeper into the Underworld without worrying about my next batch of silver ore.
Still, even in those moments of fatigue, the pull of “just one more run” never fades. Few studios understand iteration like Supergiant. Hades II honors what made the original iconic while daring to expand its mythology and mechanics. It’s more intricate, more atmospheric, and more confident in its tone.
REVIEW SCORE: 9.5/10
Supergiant’s Hades II is one of the most elegant, engrossing, and emotionally resonant roguelikes I’ve ever played. It loses half a point only because of its grind-heavy progression, but make no mistake — this is still one of the finest games of the year.
It’s bold, it’s haunting, and it once again redefines what this genre can be.
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