Hades 2
Available on PC, Nintendo Switch, and Nintendo Switch 2
Though Hades II might have first launched in early access on PC, its full release saw it make the jump to just one other system: the Nintendo Switch. Yet even if Hades II were available on PlayStation and Xbox as well, let’s be honest, it just feels right on the pick-up-and-go console. A large part of this is due to Hades II’s roguelike nature, which lends itself well to shorter bursts of play and makes it a great choice for commuters or those on the go. That said, I can personally attest to it being a fantastic binge-in-bed game as well.
To be clear, though, Hades II is a fantastic game wherever you play it. The follow-up to 2019’s Hades, Hades II marks the next entry in Supergiant Games’ epic reconstruction of Greek mythology. Whereas its predecessor followed Zagreus–son of Hades and Persephone and prince of the Underworld–Hades II follows his younger sister, Melinoe, a young witch who was tragically torn apart from her family as a baby. Following extensive training under Hecate’s watchful eyes, Melinoe embarks on a journey to defeat the titan Chronos, reunite with the family she’s never known, and restore peace to both the Underworld and Mt. Olympus.
Along the way, Greek gods and mythological figures alike will opt to either help or hunt Melinoe, who remains relentless and steadfast in her quest regardless of many, many, many times she will ultimately be forced to return to the Crossroads and restart her mission. All of this–accompanied by stylish visuals, spectacular music, plenty of charming and well-acted characters, and compulsive gameplay–make Hades II a must-play title. — Jessica Cogswell
