Hades, developed by Supergiant Games, quickly became a fan favorite upon its release in September 2020. The action-packed rogue-like game set in the underworld of Greek mythology captured the hearts of players with its stunning graphics, engaging gameplay, and compelling storyline. With its success, fans have been eagerly anticipating the release of Hades 2. In this blog post, we will delve into all the latest updates and information about the highly anticipated sequel to Hades.
Background and Development of Hades 2
Before we dive into the details of Hades 2, let’s take a trip down memory lane and revisit the origins of the first game. Hades was the fourth game released by Supergiant Games, following the success of their previous titles Bastion, Transistor, and Pyre. The game was initially released as an early access title on Steam and Epic Games Store in December 2018. Over the next two years, the game received numerous updates and improvements based on player feedback, leading up to its full release in September 2020.
Upon its release, Hades received critical acclaim and garnered a loyal fan base. It won several awards, including Game of the Year at The Game Awards 2020 and BAFTA Games Award for Best Game. The success of the game led to speculation about a possible sequel, and fans were eager to know more about the development of Hades 2.
In December 2020, Supergiant Games announced that they were indeed working on a sequel to Hades. The announcement came as a surprise to many, as it was only three months after the release of the first game. The developers stated that the sequel would explore new aspects of the underworld and introduce new characters and storylines. They also promised to incorporate feedback from players to make Hades 2 an even better experience.
Official Announcement and Trailer Release
After the announcement in December 2020, fans eagerly awaited more news about Hades 2. In February 2021, Supergiant Games released a trailer for Hades 2, giving fans their first glimpse of the upcoming game. The trailer showcased stunning visuals and introduced new characters, such as Thanatos, Dusa, and Nyx’s sister, Hypnos.
The trailer also hinted at new gameplay mechanics, including the ability to play as other members of the Olympian Pantheon, besides Zagreus. This generated excitement among fans, as it could potentially lead to new and diverse gameplay experiences. The trailer also revealed that the sequel would be titled “Hades: The Infernal Depths.”
Expected Release Date and Timeline
With the release of the trailer, fans were eager to know when they could get their hands on Hades 2. However, the developers have not announced an official release date yet. In an interview with Polygon, Supergiant Games’ creative director, Greg Kasavin, stated that they want to take their time with the sequel and ensure that it lives up to players’ expectations.
However, based on the development timeline of the first game, we can expect Hades 2 to be released sometime in 2022. The initial early access release of Hades was in December 2018, followed by its full release in September 2020, which means the game was in development for almost two years. If the same timeline is followed for Hades 2, we can hope for a late 2022 release.
Key Features and Gameplay Mechanics
As mentioned earlier, the trailer for Hades 2 hinted at new gameplay mechanics, alongside familiar elements from the first game. One of the most exciting features revealed in the trailer was the ability to play as other members of the Olympian Pantheon. In the first game, players could only play as Zagreus, the son of Hades, and wield the powers of his father’s house. However, in Hades 2, it seems like players will have the option to choose from other well-known figures, such as Athena, Ares, and Aphrodite.
This opens up a whole new set of possibilities for gameplay, as each god has their unique abilities and playstyle. It also adds more depth to the game’s story, as players can now explore the world of Hades through different characters’ perspectives. This feature has been highly anticipated by fans and has generated a lot of excitement for the upcoming game.
Another feature that has been confirmed for Hades 2 is cross-saves between platforms. This means that players can continue their progress on any platform they choose, whether it’s PC, Nintendo Switch, or future releases on other consoles. This is great news for players who want to experience Hades on multiple platforms without having to start over.
Storyline and Characters
One of the most praised aspects of the first Hades game was its compelling storyline and well-developed characters. The developers have promised to expand upon this in the sequel and delve deeper into the mythology of the underworld. In an interview with GameSpot, creative director Greg Kasavin stated that the team is excited to explore new characters and that players can expect to see familiar faces from Greek mythology.
Based on the trailer, we can expect to see new characters like Thanatos, Dusa, and Hypnos take on more prominent roles in the story. We may also see more interactions between Zagreus and the gods of Mount Olympus, as he attempts to escape from the underworld once again.
Platforms and Availability
The first Hades game was initially released on PC, followed by its release on Nintendo Switch in September 2020. To the delight of fans, the developers have confirmed that Hades 2 will also be released on PC and Nintendo Switch. However, it’s uncertain if the game will also be available on other consoles, such as PlayStation or Xbox.
In addition to the standard editions of the game, Supergiant Games has also announced a limited physical edition for Hades 2. This edition will include a copy of the game, soundtrack, and an art book featuring concept art and behind-the-scenes content. Pre-orders for the limited edition opened in December 2020 and sold out within hours, highlighting the immense popularity of the game.
Comparisons to the Original Hades
With the success of the first Hades game, it’s natural to compare it to the upcoming sequel. While both games are set in the underworld and feature similar gameplay mechanics, there are some key differences between the two. One of the most significant changes we can expect in Hades 2 is the introduction of new characters and playing as different members of the Olympian Pantheon.
However, the developers have made it clear that Hades 2 will not be a direct continuation of the first game. It will explore new elements of the underworld and tell different stories, although it may still reference events from the previous game. This means that players can look forward to a fresh and unique experience with Hades 2, even if they have played the first game.
Community and Fan Reactions
The announcement and trailer release of Hades 2 received an overwhelmingly positive response from the gaming community and fans of the first game. The trailer has over a million views on YouTube and has been met with excitement and anticipation. Fans have also expressed their appreciation for the developers’ dedication to making the sequel even better by incorporating player feedback.
Social media platforms have been buzzing with discussions and theories about Hades 2, with fans eagerly sharing their thoughts and predictions for the upcoming game. The announcement and trailer also sparked a revival of interest in the first game, with many players revisiting it to prepare for the sequel’s release.
Pre-order Information and Special Editions
As mentioned earlier, pre-orders for the limited physical edition of Hades 2 opened in December 2020 and sold out quickly. However, there is still a chance to secure a copy by joining the waitlist on Supergiant Games’ website. The developers have also stated that they will release another batch of pre-orders closer to the game’s release date.
In addition to the limited physical edition, players can also pre-order the standard edition of Hades 2 on Steam and Epic Games Store. There is no official release date for the digital version yet, but players can expect it to be available sometime in late 2022.
Conclusion
Hades 2 is undoubtedly one of the most highly anticipated games in recent years, and for a good reason. With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay, and well-crafted storyline, the first game set the bar high for its sequel. The developers have promised to expand upon the aspects that made Hades so beloved while introducing new elements that will make Hades 2 a unique experience.
While we may have to wait a bit longer for the release of Hades 2, the trailers and updates give us plenty to look forward to. From playing as different characters to exploring new aspects of Greek mythology, it’s safe to say that Hades 2 will be an unforgettable journey through the underworld. So mark your calendars and get ready to return to the depths of Hades in late 2022.
