Hades II Review

Matthew Rondina
7 days ago
4 min read

Hades II evolves the rogue like formula with a fresh protagonist, refined combat and mythic grandeur, my full review.

Female character in cyberpunk armor holding glowing weapons, set against a dark, mystical background with neon green symbols. Text: "Dapper Tux x Hades II".

When I first played Hades back in 2020, I was completely hooked; its tight combat, vibrant characters and endlessly replayable runs made it an indie gem. When I heard that Hades II was in the works, my expectations were sky high. I’m pleased to say: Supergiant Games didn’t just meet my expectations, they vaulted beyond them. Hades II improves virtually every aspect of its predecessor: the story is more

"Hades II improves virtually every aspect of its predecessor"

expansive, the gameplay loop more refined, the presentation bolder, and the progression deeper. Let’s dive into the depths of the underworld and explore what makes Hades II so special.

Fantasy creatures in a magical battle, emitting colorful energy circles. A mystical setting with glowing effects and intense action.

Hades II Details

Platform(s): PC (Steam/Epic), Nintendo Switch, Nintendo Switch 2

Reviewed on: Nintendo Switch 2

Developer: Supergiant Games

Publisher: Supergiant Games

Genre: Action Roguelike / Action RPG

Available game modes: Single-player

ESRB Rating: Teen (T)

A character stands in a mystical forest with glowing green hands. Text: "Melinóe, Princess of the Underworld," discussing tasks with a Headmistress.

Hades II Story: A Greek Epic

In Hades II, you step into the shoes of Melinoë, the immortal Princess of the Underworld and witch-in-training. She is tasked with a monumental mission: to storm the realm of her grandfather, the time-devouring Titan Cronos, and shatter his iron hold on the world. The story expertly builds on the foundation laid in the first game, mixing mythic scale with intimate character moments.

"The story expertly builds on the foundation laid in the first game, mixing mythic scale with intimate character moments."

It often remixes various regions from the first game, adding to its own lore in creative ways.

Fantasy scene with glowing runes, a portal, and a warrior holding a blue sword. Lush vegetation surrounds mystical objects and lights.

I love how the writing continually weaves in your actions: choices you make during raids ripple into character reactions, conversations and relationships. The hub feels alive, and I found myself caring about Melinoë’s journey and the shifting alliances she forges. That said, I also felt a twinge of bittersweet frustration. While the narrative is bold, the ending doesn’t quite stick the landing.

"While the narrative is bold, the ending doesn’t quite stick the landing."

For me, the journey is so strong that I’m willing to forgive this slightly uneven final act. But it’s worth noting, considering how strong the story and character building are from Supergiant.

Two characters in a mystical forest battle glowing creatures with bright energy beams. The scene is vibrant with pink and blue hues.

Hades II Gameplay: A Gift From the Gods

Playing Hades II felt like slipping into a razor-sharp machine of mythic chaos: run after run, I was compelled to dive back in, improve my build, test new weapons, experiment with God-boons and refine my strategy. The campaign loop of die, learn, upgrade, die again has been perfected here.

"The campaign loop of die, learn, upgrade, die again has been perfected here."

Although it sounds very formulaic, each run is so unique it keeps you coming back for more. What works is the six distinct new weapons—including one of my favourites, the heavy-hitting Moonstone Axe (also known as Zorephet) that turns you into a whirlwind of destruction.

Character battles a warrior in a mechanical dungeon. Swinging a glowing weapon, creating a fiery arc. Pipes and gears fill the scene.

The game introduces a Magick resource, cast abilities (crowd-control spells), and Omega attacks (alternate fire modes) that give each weapon a surprising depth of strategy. Across dozens of runs, I still discovered new boons, fresh builds and combinations that made previous runs feel obsolete in the best way.

There are some minor rough edges, certain boons feel underpowered, and the pacing is a little slower than Hades 1. I found myself occasionally wishing the weapon feedback felt as lightning-quick as the first game’s. But overall, the refinements make the gameplay feel more evolved and purposeful. Outside of that, I felt empowered from the start, and the addictive “just one more run” hook is absolutely intact and stronger than ever.

A lone figure with glowing green lights approaches a lit-up, ancient city at night, surrounded by cliffs and dark trees.

Graphics and Performance

I reviewed Hades II on Nintendo Switch 2, and I am pleased to say the experience was smooth, stylish and free of hiccups. The art direction is simply gorgeous. Supergiant’s trademark hand-painted aesthetic has been enhanced by richer environments, more dynamic lighting, and more elaborate character animations.

"Supergiant’s trademark hand-painted aesthetic has been enhanced by richer environments, more dynamic lighting, and more elaborate character animations."

In my playthrough, I noticed no significant frame drops, even during the more chaotic boss fights. In short, Hades II is a visual feast with bold art direction that will mesmerize you from your first run to your fiftieth and beyond.

Characters in a dungeon battle, casting spells and arrows. Green glowing door, barrels, and a skull lantern create a mystical mood.

Final Thoughts on Hades II

Hades II is one of the best sequels I’ve ever played, and that’s saying something considering the high bar its predecessor set. It honours everything I loved about the original, but it doesn’t cling to nostalgia; instead, it upgrades and expands boldly. From the deeper narrative with Melinoë to the refined, addictive gameplay loops to the polished presentation, Hades II is a triumph.

"From the deeper narrative with Melinoë to the refined, addictive gameplay loops to the polished presentation, Hades II is a triumph."

Whether you’re a fan of the original Hades or a newcomer to this mythic underworld, Hades II delivers. I wholeheartedly recommend diving in.

Hades II PROS

+Inspired new protagonist and a reactive story

+Sharpened gameplay mechanics with new weapons

+Stunning presentation and rock-solid performance on Switch 2.

Hades II CONS

-Some boons and build paths feel less impactful or inconsistently balanced.

-Pacing is slightly slowed compared to the breakneck energy of the original Hades.

-The narrative conclusion doesn’t land as strongly as I’d hoped

Overall Assessment of Hades II

Gameplay: 10 / 10

Graphics: 9.5 / 10

Sound: 9.5 / 10

Lasting appeal / Replayability: 9.5 / 10

Hades II Overall Rating: 38.5 / 40 (96%)

Nintendo provided a copy of this game for review.

About the Author - Matthew "Dapper Tux" Rondina

Matthew has been involved in all things gaming since the 8-bit era. He is a video game and tech industry veteran who has been passionate about technology and gaming for over 20 years. In addition to being the Managing Editor of dappertux.com, he has bylines with Best Buy, Cineplex Entertainment, Mobile Syrup and Walmart. Follow Matthew’s gaming + tech adventures on multiple social platforms with the handle @dapper_tux via X, Instagram, Threads, TikTok, and join in on the fun!

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