Hades 2 is incredible. I'm sure you already know this. The Supergiant sequel was very popular during its early access period and has only become the subject of more critical acclaim in the months since its 1.0 launch. The ending doesn't stick the landing at the beginning, with updates coming thick and fast cementing this experience firmly into the realm of all time.
It's currently only available on PC and Nintendo Switch, meaning it's perfect for playing in the palm of your hand, thanks to hybrid consoles and machines like Steam Deck or ROG Ally. In fact, I've played the majority of my 100+ hours in both Early Access and the now-defunct release from the comfort of my couch. The short but intense nature of each race also means that you can lose hours in Hades 2 without even realizing it. It's very rewarding no matter how many times you play, which makes it perfect for the festive season.
It's all about family
Spending time with loved ones at Christmas is always a mixed bag. As for myself, while I love spreading and catching the festive cheer with them, there's always the possibility of an awkward conversation about my transition or them going and calling their newborn baby Marilyn. You know, like a magician? I don't understand either.
At our Boxing Day party a few years ago, most of us left when my brother started serving cokes to people – a very diabolical thing to do at a family function. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that staying together with family isn't all sunshine and rainbows, which is the basic story premise of both Hades and its sequels. Zagreus is trying to escape the underworld that raised him, ignoring his titular father and opening up a whole can of worms with friends and family who don't want to give him up.
Melino, on the other hand, has never met most of his family and has spent his entire life trying to escape Kronos' clutches. She only knows her mother, father, and brother in part because of anecdotes shared by survivors of Kronos' wrath. I don't think anyone at Crossroads offered him a coke while he was formulating his battle tactics, but it's something similar. Hecate is also a witch, which is the female version of a wizard. Basically the same!
In Hades 2 you're always learning rewarding things about each character or engaging in a multitude of great conversations that only require a single run to discover. There are plenty of big games this year that require a serious time investment to sit down and enjoy, while Heads 2 offers enough content to be consumed at a leisurely pace. If you don't have time for much gaming during the festive season but still want to enjoy your time with something of undeniably high quality, this is a great choice.
Playing the long game
Story and characters aside, Hades 2 also plays like a dream. You can feel like a total badass in minutes as you tear apart monsters and make your way to Tartarus. With each weapon, boon and miscellaneous equipment, you can piece together countless builds that, in the right hands, can completely break the game, or you can be too weak and be forced to do it all over again. After all, everything feeds into your overall progress that goes far beyond the festive season. Well, it will if you're anything like me.
Christmas isn't always the most fun time, and I've always looked at both Hades games as a way to lose myself in a fascinating world with both characters and gameplay that I love. An easy way to clear my head and feel comfortable before I throw myself back into the thick of things. Sneaking away to play video games when your family and friends are around doesn't always seem like a good idea, but with Heads 2, you can get in a few quick sessions before cooking the turkey and breaking out the Coke.
