Hades 2 is incredible. I'm sure you already know a lot. The sequel, Supergiant, was very popular during the Early Access period, and only received further critical acclaim in the months following the release of version 1.0. While the ending didn't stick the landing at first, the updates that came thick and fast now firmly cement the experience in all-time territory.
It's currently only available on PC and Nintendo Switch, which means it's perfect for handheld gaming thanks to a hybrid console and machines like the Steam Deck or ROG Ally. In fact, I've played most of my 100+ hours in both Early Access and the now-completed release from the comfort of my couch. The short but richer nature of each run also means you can lose hours in Hades 2 without even realizing it. It's so rewarding no matter how much you play, which is why it's so perfect for the festive season.
It's all about family
Spending time with loved ones at Christmas is always mixed. As for my own, while I love getting together to spread holiday cheer and catch up, there's always the possibility of having an awkward conversation about my transition or learning they've gone and named their newborn Merlin. You know, like a wizard? I don't get it either.
During our Boxing Day party a couple of years ago, most of us left when my brother started offering people coke – an absolutely diabolical thing to do at a family party. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that hanging out with family isn't all sunshine and rainbows, which is also the basic narrative basis of both Hades and its sequel. Trying to escape the underworld that raised him, Zagreus defies his titular father and opens several cans of worms with friends and family who don't want him to leave.
Melinoe, on the other hand, hasn't met most of her family and spent her life trying to free them from the clutches of Chronos. He knows his mother, father, and brother only partially through anecdotes shared by those who were spared Chronos' wrath. I don't think anyone in Crossroads offered her a coke when she was formulating her battle strategies, but it's kind of similar. Hecate is also a witch, which is the lady version of a wizard. Basically identical!
In Hades 2, you'll always learn something useful about each character or engage in many great conversations that only require one run to uncover. There are so many big games this year that require a serious investment of time to sit down and enjoy, while Hades 2 offers a significant amount of content that can be consumed at a leisurely pace. If you don't have time to play much during the holiday season, but still want to enjoy your time with something of undisputed quality, this is a great choice.
Playing the Long Game
Story and characters aside, Hades 2 also plays like a dream. Within minutes, you can feel like a total badass as you cut through demons and head towards Tartarus. With each weapon, boon and various equipment, you can put together countless builds that in the right hands can completely break the game, or you can end up too weak and be forced to do it all over again. Either way, it all depends on your overall progress, which will be well beyond the holiday season. Well, it will if you're anything like me.
Christmas isn't always the most relaxing time, and I've always seen both Hades games as a way to lose myself in a compelling world with characters and gameplay that I love. An easy way to clear my head and feel good before I have to plunge back into the darkness. Hiding out and playing video games when your family and friends are around isn't always a good look, but with Hades 2 you can get together quickly before the turkey is cooked and the coke is pulled.
