Following Hades 2, Embrace the God of War Approach

Highlights

Hades 2 is the highly anticipated sequel to the popular roguelike indie game, continuing the immersive journey through Greek mythology.

The future installments of the game have the potential to delve into various mythologies, introducing fresh storylines, characters, abilities, and gameplay options. Despite the possible obstacles and factors to consider when shifting away from Greek mythology, Supergiant Games holds the capacity to forge a multi-faceted franchise brimming with infinite possibilities.

Supergiant Games is releasing a sequel for the first time in the studio's history. Hades 2, a successor to the popular roguelike game from 2020, is scheduled to enter early access in the upcoming year. While the game is expected to enhance the original Hades, specific details about it are limited, and it remains uncertain whether Supergiant intends to expand the IP into an ongoing franchise beyond this second installment. However, if a third Hades were to come to fruition, it could draw inspiration from God of War.

Similar to the original God of War games, Hades revolves around Greek mythology. Players confront various mythological creatures and iconic figures such as Theseus and Hades himself, while the protagonist develops complicated relationships with numerous Greek gods and demigods. It is worth noting that in the modern era, the God of War series has shifted its focus to Norse mythology, with Kratos escaping Greece post the events of God of War 3. Following in the footsteps of its predecessor, a future sequel to Hades 2 could benefit from adopting a similar approach.

Future Hades Games Could Feature Different Mythologies

The God of War series has expanded beyond Greek mythology, as evident in the 2018 game's shift to Norse mythology and the inclusion of references to Egyptian mythology in recent games. This change has allowed for a fresh narrative and unique gameplay opportunities, as Kratos can now utilize different equipment and abilities that are suited to these new settings. Essentially, embracing a different mythological background has opened up new possibilities.

A similar approach could greatly benefit the Hades franchise, should Supergiant decide to continue it after Hades 2. Whether it be Zagreus, Melinoe, or another protagonist, the game could explore settings such as Egypt, Japan, or Scandinavia, effectively hitting the reset button and introducing an array of new weapons, characters, powers, and storylines. While Greek mythology is prevalent in the gaming industry, Hades could innovate by shedding light on lesser-known mythological tales and figures. The core gameplay of Hades is versatile enough to thrive in any setting.

However, there are some potential drawbacks to consider regarding this idea. The reason God of War switched mythologies was because Kratos essentially destroyed the Greek pantheon in God of War 3, leaving few stories to be told in that setting. Hades does not face the same issue, as there is still plenty of untapped Greek mythological content available. Some argue that it would be best for the franchise to stay true to its roots. Furthermore, while Greek and Norse mythology have been well-received by audiences, not all stories may be suitable for a video game adaptation. What may be seen as fantasy in the western world could be sacred or sensitive in other cultures, making a combat-centric game featuring such content potentially controversial.

Ultimately, the decision lies with Supergiant Games whether to tell a self-contained story with the current cast of characters or explore a different direction. Hades already references other mythologies, and players may discover even more connections when Hades 2 is released. Following God of War's example of swapping mythologies could open up countless possibilities for the series, but moving away from Greece could mean missing out on potential opportunities. It is also possible that Supergiant Games already has plans for a third game featuring the same characters and setting. Alternatively, another developer may recognize the potential of a non-Greek Hades game and explore the concept further.

Introducing Hades 2

Delve back into the captivating realm of the Underworld with Hades 2, the highly-anticipated sequel to the immensely successful Hades series. Developed by Supergiant games and originally launched in 2020, this Roguelike indie gem, accompanied by the blessings of Gods and Goddesses, invites players to once again traverse through the treacherous enemies of the Underworld.

Franchise HadesPlatform(s) PCReleased November 30, 2023Developer(s) Supergiant GamesPublisher(s) Supergiant GamesGenre(s) Roguelike, Action See at Official Site