Summary
Since its surprise early access launch in May 2024, players have been diving intoHades 2to see everything it currently offers. With the originalHadestransforming the roguelike genreand expertly tying its narrative to its ever-changing dungeon-crawling gameplay, its successor has a lot to live up to. WhileHades 2has more content coming its way, its present state does have animal companions that may outshine the original’s Cerberus.
Hades 2has several changes that separate it from its predecessor, such as the introduction of creature allies known as Animal Familiars. While only two are currently available in the game, each has unique features that make them useful during every player’s run through the surface and the Underworld. The difference they can make in combat makes them valuable allies, something that Cerberus was not in the originalHades.
Melinoe’s Animal Familiars and What They Offer
One of thethings that makes Melinoe play differently from her brother Zagreusis her Animal Familiars. Unlike Zagreus' equipment-like Companions, Animal Familiars are essentially unkillable pets that follow players throughout their journey, assisting with active and passive abilities. Although they are not necessarily needed during a player’s run, their advantages make them too hard to ignore. The two that are available in the early access version of the game are:
Givenhow long it takes to beatHades 2, the two Animal Familiars can help speed up the process by giving players the extra edge they need. Their ability to explore with Melinoe makes them notable allies compared to Cerberus, who was only an NPC in the previous game.
Why Frinos and Toula Are an Improvement Over Cerberus
With the originalHadesbeing one of the games with a unique progression system, its sequel takes what worked and adds new mechanics to give it a separate identity. By introducing the Animal Companion feature,Hades 2shows that it’s not just Melinoe who has the potential to grow with each run, but her animal companions as well. Cerberus is already established as a powerful guardian, giving less for the developers to work with in terms of upgrades should it become a regular companion to Melinoe.
The addition of Toula and Frinos benefits the game by providing players with more to work towards, ensuring they spend more time playing. Being responsible for the creatures' advancement can be rewarding for players, as it shows that they are the reason why their companions are strong enough to help them on their journey.
There are manythings to expect inHades 2when it breaks free from its early access state in the future, with the introduction of more Animal Familiars being likely. As Supergiant Games continues to work on providing updates to the sequel title, there is the potential to give Cerberus a much bigger role in the sequel than he did in the original title. For now, the hellhound of the Underworld will have to settle for being a boss fight.
Hades 2
WHERE TO PLAY
The first-ever sequel from Supergiant Games builds on the best aspects of the original god-like rogue-like dungeon crawler in an all-new, action-packed, endlessly replayable experience rooted in the Underworld of Greek myth and its deep connections to the dawn of witchcraft. BATTLE BEYOND THE UNDERWORLDAs the immortal Princess of the Underworld, you’ll explore a bigger, deeper mythic world, vanquishing the forces of the Titan of Time with the full might of Olympus behind you, in a sweeping story that continually unfolds through your every setback and accomplishment.MASTER WITCHCRAFT AND DARK SORCERYInfuse your legendary weapons of Night with ancient magick, so that none may stand in your way. Become stronger still with powerful Boons from more than a dozen Olympian gods, from Apollo to Zeus. There are nearly limitless ways to build your abilities.MINGLE WITH (MORE) GODS, GHOSTS, AND MONSTERSMeet a cast of dozens of fully-voiced, larger-than-life characters, including plenty of new faces and some old friends. Grow closer to them through a variety of new interactions, and experience countless unique story events based on how your journey unfolds.EVERY RUN IS ITS OWN ADVENTURENew locations, challenges, upgrade systems, and surprises await as you delve into the ever-shifting Underworld again and again. Reveal the mysteries of the Arcana Altar, tame witchy familiars, and gather reagents using Tools of the Unseen to get closer to your goal.THE PERKS OF IMMORTALITYThanks to a variety of permanent upgrades and the return of God Mode, you don’t have to be a god yourself to experience whatHades IIhas to offer. But if you happen to be one, you can brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
