How Hades 2’s Approach to Characters Gives Supergiant a Ton of Franchise Potential

How Hades 2's Approach to Characters Gives Supergiant a Ton of Franchise Potential

Highlights

  • Hades 2 builds on the success of the original with a strong blend of new and returning characters, showing franchise potential.
  • The new characters in Hades 2 play a key role in developing the game’s theme, enhancing the storytelling and depth of the game.
  • Some major characters are notably missing from Hades 2, hinting at future updates and the potential for a full-blown Hades franchise.

As a seasoned gamer with over two decades of experience under my belt, I have seen my fair share of sequels and franchises that either failed to live up to their predecessors or completely surpassed them. With Hades 2, the early access follow-up to Supergiant’s critically acclaimed roguelike game Hades, I am beyond excited about its potential.


In simpler terms, “Hades 2” is an early access prequel to the popular indie roguelike game, “Hades,” where players embark on a perilous journey through the underworld. Supergiant Games, its creators, are new to making sequels. Although “Hades 2” isn’t completed yet, its engaging portrayal of essential characters hints at a promising future for the franchise.

In the sequel to “Hades,” titled “Hades 2,”, there is a significant presence of gods and heroes drawn from Greek mythology. The main characters of both games are the daughter and son of Hades, the deity of the underworld. Previously in “Hades,” the protagonists Melinoe and Zagreus relied on assistance from various gods during their individual missions. The upcoming installment boasts an impressive mixture of fresh faces and familiar characters, showcasing the immense possibility for further adventures within this mythological universe.

Hades 2’s Returning Characters Are a Major Boon Towards Forming a Godlike Franchise

Hades 2’s New Characters Define the Game’s Theme

To begin with, the latest addition to the series, “Hades 2,” has not held back on introducing new characters. Although some character details are still under wraps due to its early access stage, like the design of the newcomer Narcissus, nearly all the included characters show great potential. Indeed, the fresh faces in “Hades 2” will likely shape the game’s developing narrative significantly.

The Greek underworld ruled by Hades focuses on mending fractured family ties, as depicted most vividly in Zagreus’ relationship with his parents. However, Zagreus extends this healing hand not only to his own kin but also to friends and relatives. Likewise, the fresh faces in Hades 2 are expected to convey a comparable message, making it intriguing to ponder why certain characters have resurfaced in the game.

Hades 2’s Returning Characters Still Feel Fresh

In the sequel “Hades 2,” the returning characters undergo significant transformations. While some, such as Hypnos, maintain their previous roles, others, including Demeter and Aphrodite, show notable growth in response to the game’s events. Each character receives a unique makeover, making them feel distinctly new yet familiar.

A notable change can be seen in the art direction of the game, particularly in the character design. Each character has undergone a significant transformation, noticeable in every major aspect but most strikingly evident in the contrasting designs of Chaos. Chaos appears as the freshest addition to the roster, largely due to Supergiant’s dedication to creating this new experience.

Instead of just evolving since the initial game, the characters in Hades 2 will progress and develop, providing players with an engaging experience as they observe their growth throughout the game’s development. This adaptability is beneficial for potential future installments, allowing Supergiant to revisit the Hades setting if desired. By maintaining the freshness of existing characters while introducing new ones, Supergiant demonstrates their consistent talent for creating a robust and captivating ensemble cast.

Some Major Characters are Notably Missing from Hades 2

While both parts of the cast are truly remarkable, it’s worth mentioning a noteworthy drawback. Some significant characters from the first game, “Hades,” are missing from the sequel, and their absence is somewhat perplexing. Notably, Zagreus and Hades, who play pivotal roles in the storyline, are conspicuously absent. However, given the importance of characters like the father-son duo and other inhabitants of the House of Hades, such as Persephone and Nyx, it’s a safe bet that they will make an appearance in future updates or expansions of “Hades 2.”

As someone who has been following the development of “Hades” since its initial release, I can’t help but feel elated at the news that “Hades 2” is set to give minor characters a fresh and exciting makeover. Having witnessed the breathtaking reinvention of these secondary characters in the first installment, I have no doubt that the major characters will receive the same level of dramatic transformation when they return. This not only speaks volumes about the creativity and innovation of the “Hades” team but also highlights the vast potential of a fully-realized “Hades” franchise. The anticipation is real!

As a gamer, I’ve been thoroughly impressed with the evolution of Hades into Hades 2. The way Supergiant Games brought back and enhanced characters, like Zagreus, leaves me excited for what’s to come. If they could create such depth on their first try, future installments are sure to be even more captivating! Playing as Zagreus again in Hades 2 will undoubtedly bring about a significant impact, just as it did before, and I can’t wait to see how Supergiant builds upon this foundation for potential sequels.

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2024-07-17 21:54