From its action to its soundtrack to its gods, Hades 2 is off to a scorching start.

Supergiant Games is one of those exceptional firms whose track record of excellent games almost guarantees that I will always be intrigued by their next endeavor. In their own unique ways, Bastion, Transistor, Pyre, and Hades were all outstanding. However, I was interested to see how this company would approach a sequel, given it was the team's first, before Hades 2.

It turns out that my concerns were unfounded. Now that the Hades 2 Technical Test has reached its "end screen," all I want to do is play more Hades 2.

Chronos's Death

The Hades 2 Technical Test, which is the slice, is basically the game's introduction. It also begins somewhat in media res, much like Supergiant's previous games. You are the Princess of the Underworld, Melinoë. It's a straightforward mission: Death to Chronos. Your peaceful home life has somehow been turned upside down by the Titan of Time. You're heading straight down into hell with the intention of exacting revenge, instead of climbing out of it.

Here are a few familiar faces. Aphrodite, Poseidon, and Demeter are among the gods who have returned, dressed in new attire. The roster of recurring gods and goddesses is expanding to include more newcomers. As "Hades," Headmistress Hecate is in charge of the headquarters back home. A lively shadow called Dora stays around in Melinoë's chamber, Odysseus and Nemesis linger out by the Crossroads, and other gods come to bestow their blessings. Nice surprises include Apollo and Hestia, while Hephasteus is already a fan favorite because of his amazing design.

Furthermore, the designs are quite unique. Supergiant has always produced well-designed characters, but in Hades 2 , they showcase both brand-new characters and updated versions of previous favorites. To put it simply, they're all hot. The variety of designs and styles seen here is much appreciated, and the intense response that fans have received as they post the god designs online is well-deserved. Little details like Melinoë's new clothes when she receives a unique clothing from Arachne give Hades 2 a recognizable but modern visual makeover.

Hades 2 doesn't just change with respect to verticality, however. MelinoÑ doesn't use the same strategies or have the same weaponry as Zagreus. Magic is one key area where the former sets itself apart from the later; in fact, it may be the largest distinction between Hades and Hades 2. or, more accurately, witchcraft.

Blend of witches

Zagreus possessed four basic but powerful tools in the original Hades: Dash, Attack, Special, and Cast. Melinoë's button arrangement for Hades 2 is the same, except she has more buttons because of her witchcraft. Attack, Special, and Cast are the three offensive buttons. By holding them down, you may charge up an enhanced version called "Omega," which adds effects in return for part of Melinoë's magic bar.My favorite aspect of Hades 2 so far is definitely the magic bar and how it broadens Melinoë's actions in comparison to Zag's. Melinoë just needs her staff as her beginning weapon to build up Attack, which unleashes a column of magical force that strikes foes in her front and rear. Alternatively, if you can charge and place the magic circle Cast correctly, you may use it to harm and bind enemies.The amount of magic you can use and when it's safe or unsafe to do so are always a risk-reward situation. These "Omega" versions take a long to charge and launch, which makes you susceptible to attacks while you're getting ready.Because of Melinoë's enchantment, the Olympian Boons may also have novel and intriguing results. I wondered how Supergiant would make gods like Demeter and Poseidon feel different from their original forms now that they were back. However, it is very effective to include the capability to use Aphrodite's Weaken and other similar tools in the arsenal of these new assaults. I really like build-crafting on the fly, and I wasn't too upset to see familiar faces among the new Boon possibilities.A thorough examinationAlthough it should go without saying, I must write it here at least once: Once again, Darren Korb is crushing it on the music for Hades 2 . This story has many recognizable and recognizable themes, but with a witchy edge. The music has a sinister twist that is difficult to explain; it seems like you're playing Hades under a full moon and you see a black cat cross your path. I really like it.I breezed through the first level and reached the first boss, which signifies the "end" of the Technical Test, in a matter of runs. I'm not permitted to get beyond the first stratum, yet I can still log back in and play right now. Strangely, it seems like there are more ways to advance in Hades 2; the obvious "Go Up?" choice is located on the opposite side of the aisle from the "Go Out" option, which initiates the run. It begs the question of whether Hades 2 has much more in store for us than we know right now.

In any case, I am largely reassured by the Technical Test that Hades 2 is looking fantastic. This alternative interpretation of the pantheon, which draws inspiration from Greek mythology's witches and sorcery, is very effective. Hecate, Melinoë's headmistress, and the cast of individuals gathered at the Crossroads are all intriguing enough on their own. Even though I can currently only access a portion of the final product, the fact that I'm anxious to resume a run, try out a new weapon, or discover some new boons says volumes.In addition to bringing an amazing new twist to the roguelite genre, the original Hades combined the best elements of every Supergiant game that came before it into one massively satisfying package. In Hades 2 , Supergiant goes back to the drawing board and continues to hone their craft to create an even more remarkable game. I'm eager to learn more about Melinoë's future.