What to Expect From Hades 2's Early Access (Based on the…

Summary

Hades 2's early access will reveal whether it can live up to the success of its predecessor, which was highly regarded in the indie game and roguelike genre.
Players will get the chance to experience the gameplay style of Hades 2 with the new protagonist, Melinoe, and see how it differs from the first game in terms of level design and boss battles.
The characters and writing in Hades 2 will need to match the charm of the original cast.

Once Hades 2 enters early access, there will be a few things to watch out for if the first game was any indication. While fans still only have a few details about what Hades 2 will look like, the early access period will probably answer a lot of lingering questions. The game will have a lot to live up to especially after Hades became one of the most well-regarded indie games in years, and a standout among the roguelike genre. Once players have a chance to try the game for themselves, its hype is likely to grow further.

As the sequel to 2020's Hugo Award-winning Hades, Hades 2's announcement was destined to be exciting news. From what the trailers showed, the game looks to follow in the formula of the first. The biggest difference aside from the new protagonist Melinoe may be Hades' role. In the first game he was the primary antagonist trying to stop Zagreus from reaching the surface, while in Hades 2, Melinoe is on a quest to rescue Hades from the Titan of Time. The game has also hinted at a new supporting cast, as well as new potential boons that will set Melinoe's abilities apart from those of Zagreus.

Hades 2's Early Access Should Answer Some Important Questions

The first thing to watch for when Hades 2 reaches early access will be how well it continues the gameplay style of the original. The trailer showed that the game will be repeating the combat style of the first game, but it has only shown short bursts. Early Access will let players see what it's like to play through a full level with Melinoe's new weapons. Depending on how much of the game will be available, it could also give a good glimpse at how the level and boss design differs from the first game, showing how much innovation has taken place since the original.

Progression and upgrades are another aspect to keep track of. The Mirror of Night in Hades was Zagreus' main method of gaining strength, granting buffs that would stick with him across runs, such as health boosts and the ability to resurrect after falling in battle. Boons, granted by hammers and the blessings of the gods, were limited to one run, but could drastically change Zagreus' playstyle for that run while also buffing him. Hades 2's equivalent of these mechanics will need to do the same for Melinoe, so that she can feel as satisfying and strong as Zagreus did at full power.

The last area that Hades 2's early access should be watched for is character and writing. Whether they are returning from the original Hades or new additions for the sequel, they will need to match what made the original cast so interesting and likable. In Hades, most of the characters had a distinct charm to them that made them fun to talk to, from Hypnos' silly demeanor to Achilles' mentorship. The same energy came through with the romances, which were equally satisfying. If Hades 2 doesn't replicate the excellent writing of the original, it will miss one of its most important aspects.

As soon as Hades 2 hits early access, it's likely that players will be rushing to get a first look at what it has to offer. After so long without updates on Hades 2, being able to personally see and play the game will be the biggest gift that fans could get. But of course, early access also plays the important role of showing what the game will have to offer, and how it measures up to the past entry. If Hades was anything to go off of, Hades 2 should be able to reveal many details through early access alone.