Summary
It’s likely thatHades 2will share its predecessor’s focus on narrative content and fleshed-out, charming NPCs. AsHades 2enters its early access period, it will be interesting to see just how the sequel iterates on the original’s implementation of side characters and low-stakes narrative content. Ideally, it will expand the franchise’s social systems, and Atlus’Persona 5could offer a solid blueprint for improvement.
The firstHadesfollows a fairly straightforward yet satisfying structure: between runs, players can interact with various characters in the Halls of Hades, giving them gifts to progress their side plots and deepen their relationship with player-character Zagreus. This feature applies to the Greek gods the player meets during runs as well, albeit to a lesser extent. This well-written narrative content is certainly a highlight of the game, but it should be fleshed out inHades 2.
Beefing Up Hades 2’s Social Mechanics with the Help of Persona 5
Hades 2has some big shoes to fill, as the first game managed to strike a nearly perfect balance between fast-paced gameplay, satisfying linear progression, and story. If the second game hopes to further polish what made the 2020 original so successful, it will have to, among other things, improve upon the already fantastic narrative side content offered by NPCs. It can achieve this by not only broadening and deepening the player-NPC interactions, but also by offering greater incentives for players looking to engage with these characters.
Hades 2 Could Adapt Persona 5’s Hangout System
While it has all the staples of a typical turn-based RPG or dungeon-crawler,Persona 5’s Confidant systemmakes the game something of an RPG-social-sim hybrid, as players are regularly encouraged to interact with its many NPC’s. There are a few scripted, unavoidable interactions that can deepen the player’s Confidant rank with an NPC, but the system offers a good deal of freedom otherwise, with one catch: there is only so much time in each in-game day. This forces players to be careful in choosing which NPCs they wish to bond with, as they can’t just spam dialog options for each character.
A similar system, one that encourages prioritization and forethought, might work well forHades 2’s social system. This would be amajor change from the firstHades, but it could potentially allow for more interesting, weightier character interactions. For instance, players could set up various meetings, dates, or other activities with NPCs, just like inPersona 5, but they would be limited by an in-game clock or other resources. Even if the game doesn’t limit the player in this regard, it should includePersona-style activities with NPCs, rather than just keeping conversations in one central location.
Hades 2 Should Reward Players for Bonding with NPCs
Increasing Confidant ranks inPersona 5can lead to worthwhile benefits, including gameplay buffs and special items. Translating this concept to the nextHadesgame, players could be granted special combat bonuses, abilities, or perhaps even new weapons, upon reaching a certain ‘level’ of relationship with an NPC. Not only would this deepenHades 2’s progression system, but it could also help players craft specific builds. For example, forming a bond with a tank-like warrior character could unlock health or defense boosts, while bonding with a sorcerer could lead to more magic abilities.
Hadesdoes reward players for bonding with NPCs via Keepsakes, but these are short-lived summon abilities that don’t have a significant impact on overall gameplay and are mostly similar to each other.
Offering weight and consequence to social interactions could makeHades 2more replayable, immersive, and entertaining, and offering meaningful, mechanical rewards for building NPC relationships can lead to greater synergy between narrative content and core gameplay. Whilethe firstHadesoffers a good jumping-off point in this area,looking to a robust social-sim game likePersona 5could yield major benefits forHades 2.
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.
