Hades is a game that revolutionized what it means to be a roguelike. Players had a huge selection of build variety, various plot points to follow, and a grand selection of well-voiced dialogue that's typical of developer Supergiant Games. Hades 2 will likely continue these trends, while hopefully expanding upon fan-favorite elements further.
One of Hades' most notable features was its hub, which served as a sort of resting point between runs. Unlike other roguelikes, Hades' hub featured a variety of voiced characters, each of whom had their own story to unravel and possible relationships that could be pursued. Hades 2 should replicate the original's hub, as it is largely responsible for the popularity of the game as a whole.
The Immersion of Hades' Hub Area
Hades' House of Hades is arguably one of the most recognizable in the genre. It contained a variety of Greek gods and other mythological characters that players could socialize with, a variety of furnishings to purchase and customize the space, and more. It created a smooth and relaxing experience apart from the hack-and-slash nature of the main gameplay runs through Hades. One could even say managing the House of Hades was like a game on its own, more akin to a relaxing experience such as Stardew Valley.
Something Hades 2 needs to share is Hades' world building. Players can get a handle of the environment and culture of the setting just by speaking to a couple of characters and fellow gods. Immediately, the player understands their role and what kind of situation they are in. Hades 2 being a prequel is perfect for this, as players don't have to worry about the baggage of seeing how their varying actions as Zagreus changed the wider world. It also gives players the chance to explore new storylines and relationships that they were not able to before, further deepening the world of Hades.
One of the hub's greatest features was its ability to let the player relax. Hades is one of the most enjoyable, action-packed offerings in the genre, but after obtaining new resources and currencies Zagreus could return to the House of Hades and enjoy slice-of-life features. Decorations were a great way for players to personalize their space, giving them small but satisfactory goals to work toward. A training room in Hades could let players test new weapons and builds, but being able to relax at the end of a long and hard-fought session was part of the fun.
One of the greatest features to come out of the player hub is conversing with and possibly romancing many of Hades' characters. Each contains complex and varying personalities who change with the way Zagreus interacts with them and inevitably dies on the path to challenge his father. To accompany many of their personal quest lines and relationships, they're well-voiced to help the player get entrenched in the mythological world. Not continuing this trend in Hades 2 would be a shame, especially considering how much depth it added to the original game as a whole.
Supergiant Games has proven it is more than capable of creating a great roguelike, so Supergiant Games' rare sequel in Hades 2 will be a chance to prove that once again. In order to do so, it will need to do its best to replicate the experience that Hades' House of Hades hub offered, while also hopefully expanding upon it.
Hades 2 is in development.