Review: Hades II – A Mythological Roguelike That’s High Energy, Stylish, and Endlessly Addictive
A fast-paced Greek mythology adventure full of powerful runs, rich characters, and gameplay variety
Available on: PC, Mac, Nintendo Switch
Amazon* Physical Copies: Nintendo Switch 2
Genre: Roguelike, Adventure, Action
Developer: Supergiant Games
Publisher: Supergiant Games
How Cozy? ⭐⭐⭐ Not a traditional cozy game, but the rich characters, progression between runs, and familiar loop make it strangely comforting once you settle in.
Game Verdict: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐/5
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While Hades II may not fall into the cozy game category, it was one of the biggest releases of 2025, and as someone who absolutely loved the original Hades, I had to give it a go. I’m very happy to say it didn’t disappoint in the slightest.
I already considered Hades a perfect game within its genre, but Hades II somehow manages to improve on it in meaningful and exciting ways. From expanded run routes to deeper character interactions and an incredible amount of variety, this sequel knocked it out of the park and quickly became one of my favourite games of the year.
Story
In Hades II, you play as Melinoë, sister to Zagreus and daughter of Hades, as she fights her way through the Underworld and beyond. The story is strong, engaging, and full of personality, and Melinoë is just as likeable and compelling a protagonist as Zagreus was in the original game.
As a big fan of Greek mythology, I loved meeting new gods alongside familiar faces. Seeing returning characters like Charon brought a lovely sense of nostalgia, while the new cast adds freshness and depth to the world. As expected from Supergiant Games, the voice acting across the board is absolutely top notch and brings every character to life beautifully.
One of the biggest improvements is how much more you can interact with characters. From taking them to the baths to going fishing, these moments help boost friendships and gradually uncover more of the story. It adds warmth and emotional depth between intense runs, and gives you something meaningful to look forward to back at home.
Related: Looking for more cozy roguelike games?
Check out my list of top roguelike games that still feel cozy
Gameplay
At its core, Hades II delivers the same addictive roguelike loop but with even more variety and refinement.
Key gameplay highlights include:
Multiple Run Routes: The addition of two separate run paths was a delightful surprise, instantly doubling variety and replayability.
Weapon and Power Variety: With different weapon versions, boons, and upgrades, no two runs ever feel the same.
Pet Companions: New companions add charm and strategic depth, helping keep each run feeling fresh.
Progression That Always Feels Rewarding: Every run feels worthwhile, whether you’re unlocking new spells, gathering materials, strengthening relationships, or improving your skills.
Smooth Learning Curve: The game throws you straight into the action, which feels instantly familiar for returning players while still giving newcomers a clear taste of what’s to come.
What really makes Hades II shine is how addictive it is. Even when a run ends, I just couldn’t put it down, whether to try a run again with a new weapon, experiment with different boons, or improve my approach to enemy patterns and combat rhythm.
While the game is challenging and takes time to master, progress never feels punishing. Each attempt teaches you something new, making improvement feel natural and deeply satisfying.
Graphics and Visuals
Hades II was the first game I played on the Nintendo Switch 2, and honestly, I was blown away. The game looks stunning, vibrant, bold, and beautifully animated and it runs incredibly smoothly.
The art style is as striking as ever, with dramatic environments, expressive characters, and flashy combat effects that never feel overwhelming. Everything feels polished and fluid, making the fast paced action a joy to play and watch.
Longevity
Thanks to its endless run variations, multiple routes, deep progression systems, and evolving story, Hades II offers a huge amount of replayability. Whether you’re:
Unlocking new spells and upgrades
Experimenting with different weapons and builds
Building relationships and uncovering more story
Chasing that one more run feeling
There’s always a reason to come back. It’s easy to play in short bursts, but just as easy to lose hours to its addictive loop.
Conclusion
Hades II is a standout game and one of my personal favourites of 2025. While it’s more action packed than the typical cozy game, its engaging characters, satisfying progression, and endlessly varied gameplay give it a strangely comforting rhythm once you settle in.
Between the voice acting, strong story, refined combat, and amount of variety packed into every run, it’s a phenomenal sequel that builds beautifully on what made the original so special. If you’re looking to branch out from cozy gaming into something a little more intense, without losing that sense of connection and progression, Hades II is an excellent pick.
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