Hades 2 is incredible. I'm sure you already know that much. The Supergiant sequel was very popular during its early access period and has only come under further criticism in the months following the release of 1.0. While the ending didn't stick the landing at first, updates that came thick and fast now cement this experience into all-time territory.
It's currently only available on PC and Nintendo Switch, which means it's perfect for playing in the palm of your hand, thanks to the hybrid console and machines like Steam Deck or ROG Ally. In fact, I've played the majority of my 100+ hours across both early access and the now finished release from the comfort of my couch. The short yet more indifferent nature of each run also means you can lose hours in Hades 2 without even realizing it. It's so rewarding no matter how much you play, which is what makes it so perfect for Christmas.
It's about family
Spending time with your loved ones over Christmas is always mixed. As for my own, while I love meeting them to spread festive cheer and catch up, there's always the possibility of having an awkward conversation about my transition or learning they've gone and named their newborn Merlin. You know, like the wizard? I don't understand either.
During our Boxing Day party a couple of years ago, most of us left when my brother started offering people cokes – an absolutely diabolical thing to do at a family party. Anyway, what I'm trying to say is that spending time with family isn't all sunshine and rainbows, which is also a central narrative basis for both Hades and its sequels. Trying to escape the underworld that raised him, Zagreus defies his titular father and opens several cans of worms with friends and family who don't want him to abandon them.
Melinoe, on the other hand, hasn't met most of her family and has spent her entire life trying to free them from Chrono's clutches. She only knows her mother, father and brother in part because of anecdotes shared by those spared from Chrono's wrath. I don't think anyone in Crossroads offered her coke while she formulated her battle strategies, but it's kind of similar. Hecate is also a witch, which is the female version of a wizard. Basically identical!
In Hades 2, you're always learning something rewarding about each character or engaging in a variety of excellent conversations that only require a single run to uncover. There are so many big games this year that require a serious investment of time to sit down and enjoy, while Hades 2 offers significant amounts of content that can be consumed at a leisurely pace. If you don't have time for a lot of gaming over the Christmas holiday but still want to enjoy your time with something of unquestionably 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 cut through demons and make your way to Tartarus. With each weapon, blessing, and miscellaneous piece of gear, you can piece together countless builds that, in the right hands, can completely break the game, or you might end up too weak and be forced to do it all over again. Either way, it all feeds into your overall progress which will extend well beyond the Christmas holiday. It does if you're anything like me.
Christmas isn't always the most relaxing time, and I've always seen both Hades games as a way to lose myself in a compelling world with both characters and gameplay that I love. An easy way to clear my head and feel at peace before I would have to throw myself back into the thick of things. Hiding away to play video games when your family and friends are around isn't always a good look, but with Hades 2 you can get in a few quick sessions before the turkey is finished cooking and the Coke is brought out.
