Fextralife: Hades 2 Early Access: Is It a Worthy Sequel? First Impressions and Gameplay

Read Fextralife's first impressions and gameplay review of Hades 2 in early access. Is it worth playing now or waiting for the full release?

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Griot the NPC

In this video, Fextralife discusses their impressions of Hades 2, which recently entered Early Access on Steam. They explore the story, gameplay mechanics, and compare it to the first game. Fextralife mentions that while the game remains familiar, there are some new additions, such as the use of mana and new weapons to master. They also highlight the graphical improvements and the excellent music and voice acting. However, Fextralife raises the question of whether it’s best to play the game now or wait for the full release, considering the ongoing development and potential changes to the story and gameplay.

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Key Takeaways:

  • Hades 2 has entered Early Access on Steam, offering a similar gameplay experience to the first game.
  • New additions include the use of mana for spells and charged-up special abilities, as well as new weapons to master.
  • The graphics of Hades 2 are even more impressive than the first game, with high visual fidelity and the same beloved art style.
  • The music and voice acting in Hades 2 are top-notch, with familiar voices from other popular games.

Gameplay and Story

Hades 2 continues the story of the first game, with players taking on the role of Melano, the sister of the protagonist from the first game. The game follows a similar format, with players progressing through levels, unlocking more story elements, and encountering familiar gods and goddesses. The addition of mana adds a strategic element to gameplay, as players must manage this resource to use special attacks and spells.

Weapons and Upgrades

Hades 2 offers a variety of weapons to choose from, each with its own unique upgrades and playstyle. Players can unlock these weapons by acquiring materials, and there is at least one more weapon planned to be added in future updates. The upgrades for weapons allow players to customize their regular attacks and specials, providing flexibility in combat.

Graphics and Audio

Fextralife praises the graphical improvements in Hades 2, noting that the game feels even more visually stunning than its predecessor. The art style remains consistent with the first game, but the overall fidelity and depth of the visuals have been enhanced. The music and voice acting in Hades 2 are also exceptional, with familiar themes and excellent performances from the voice cast, including Amelia Tyler, who also voiced a character in Baldur’s Gate 3.

Early Access and Future Updates

Hades 2 is expected to remain in Early Access until at least 2024, with a major update planned for later this year. While the game is in a good state currently, Fextralife raises the question of whether it’s best to play now or wait for the full release. Considering the ongoing development and potential changes to the story and gameplay, players may want to weigh the desire for a complete experience against the possibility of replaying parts of the game later.