Hades II Review - Death to Chronos (Nintendo Switch 2)

I was a late adopter to Hades initially skeptical that this game was for me, and I was wrong. The experience there led to a lot of excitement for Hades II on the Nintendo Switch 2. The first game set a high standard with its captivating story, stunning visuals, and addictive roguelite gameplay. I was eager to see how Supergiant Games would build on the world of Greek mythology and deepen the characters we loved.

Death to Chronos

Gameplay Mechanics

Hades II has much of the same mechanics as the first in it's name. For those who have not played, you go through a series of encounters (randomized) in which you are trying to get to the end to kill Chronos. Inevitably you fail and try again, picking up resources to make you more powerful on the next run. The developers greatest talent is that each run feels different or the intermissions between add story beats and additional mechanics, constantly throughout the game.

The game rewards you for taking chances and increasing the variety of your skillsets throughout. Additionally, the different loadouts of god powers received during runs were always interesting and varied.

Story and X Factor - Death to Chronos

The narrative expands upon the first game's but is not necessary to play the first to play Hades II, and each character interaction continues to feel in depth and fleshed out by the Developer.

I loved how the game integrates character development into the gameplay. Each encounter with the gods and other characters feels significant, adding depth to the experience. Moreover, the voice acting is exceptional, making the characters relatable and enhancing the impact of the story.

I found the twists and turns of the story to be intriguing and kept me invested throughout. Before certain twists, I believed that I had simply gotten a lot better at this game type, but their was always more in store to increase the difficulty and rewards.

I did not complete 100% of the game but feel confident that I could continue to play this game again and again if there were no others out there. The game's biggest X factor is that it never feels too difficult that you cannot win in the next run and once you get strong enough that it almost feels easy they give you the option to up the ante again.

Final Thoughts

Overall, Hades II on the Nintendo Switch 2 lives up to the legacy of the original. Its compelling gameplay, stunning visuals, and engaging story provide an experience that newcomers and series veterans alike will appreciate. The roguelite elements keep gameplay fresh, while rich narrative and character development ensure players stay invested in the journey.

If you enjoyed the first Hades, this sequel brings plenty of new delights. Supergiant Games has crafted another masterpiece that showcases their ability to create immersive worlds and engaging gameplay. I am looking forward to diving back into the underworld for post-game and tackling the challenges that continue to await, Death to Chronos!

We give Hades II a great review of 8.5/10.