Summary
There is one major area whereHades 2could heavily improve on the first game with the changes it is set to introduce. While the original game was easily one of the standout indie titles of 2020, there is room for improvement thatHades 2has the opportunity to take. It can be difficult to improve on something that already received heavy praise, but it’s far from impossible.Hades 2has already shown strong promise from its reveal trailer, and if that momentum can turn into an equally impressive game, then itshould have no problem becoming a success.
Considering thatHades 2is Supergiant Games' first sequel, players should expect something special in store for the game. After all, the originalHadesformula proved to be highly effective in keeping players invested. A mixture of ever-shifting roguelike gameplay combined with a cast of likable, interesting characters fueled its fantastic reputation. It’s hard to imagineHades 2not following up on what worked so well the first time around. If anything, the goal should be to polish the game’s mechanics into something even better the second time around. There are already a few areas whereHades 2could provide a significant tune-up.
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Hades 2 Can Have Better Weapons Than the Original
One significant target to aim for isexpandingHades 2’s selection of weapons. In the first game, Zagreus had six weapons to choose from, although five had to be unlocked with Chthonic Keys. He started with a sword, and could expand to a spear, shield, bow, gauntlets, and cannon. Each of these weapons also had three additional aspects that the player could unlock with Titan’s Blood that would affect the way that they were used. Sometimes they would provide bonuses, while other Aspects would adjust the weapon’s moveset. It was a good idea to improve the game’s longevity, butHades 2could make its weapons even better.
Hades 2could benefit from a wider weapons selection. While thehidden weapon aspects inHadesdid often significantly change the weapon in question, they typically come quite late in a player’s save, so they have less time to spend with them.Hades 2could mix things up in a few ways. One would be for alternate aspects to do more to mix up a weapon’s moveset, making each one a worthwhile purchase in-game. The other is to expand Melinoe’s arsenal beyond Zagreus' selection of six. This would give her more variety, and by extension, more ways for players to tackle the adventure.
The Stygian Blade, Zagreus' starting weapon, is the best example of this issue. Out ofevery weapon inHades, it had the most basic moveset, and that made it feel less impressive compared to weapons that were unlocked later, even with its aspects. The only exception was its hidden aspect, Aspect of Arthur, that turned it into a slow but mighty powerhouse of a weapon. Melinoe’s dagger and sickle need to avoid the same pitfalls that the Stygian Blade fell into. This could be remedied by giving the dagger and sickle a more exciting playstyle or making its aspects more unique to keep it relevant throughout the game.
Hades' weapons and aspects are a major area whereHades 2can advance. When it comes toHades 2’s mythological weapons, there are a lot of directions to expand into that the first game did not. With more weapons and more dynamic aspects,Hades 2can make its runs even more interesting than the firstHades. Combined with boons and hammer upgrades, players could have a game with a massive amount of options ahead of them. Upgrading its weapon selection could be one of the best improvements thatHades 2could make.
