Summary
The arrival of Supergiant’s highly anticipatedHades 2is one of the highlights of the 2024 release calendar, with the game’s early access launch already drawing considerable praise for the title and its studio.Hades 2breaks an important tradition for Supergiant in that it’s the studio’s first-ever sequel, and if there is a game in the developer’s catalog that was practically begging for a follow-up, it’s arguably the originalHades. Moon Studios’No Rest for the Wickedis another of 2024’s hyped indies that are utilizing early access to help with development, though the states ofHades 2andNo Rest for the Wicked’s early access launches couldn’t be more different.
Much like howHades 2represents a departure for Supergiant from the studio’s traditional approach to its games, Moon Studios' work onNo Rest for the Wickedis in stark contrast to the developer’s strategy for both oftheOrigames. Aside from the obvious differences in genre and gameplay,No Rest for the Wicked’s initial arrival into early access was met with a mixed reception in comparison to the belovedOrititles, which was a result of the game’s technological state and performance. In contrast,Hades 2’s early access launch brings with it a game that runs as if it’s already hit a full 1.0 release.
Hades 2 Exhibits an Uncharacteristic Level of Polish for Early Access
A game’s launch into early access typically carries with it the connotation that the title is a work in progress and still a little rough around the edges. It’s unsurprising, then, given how polished the originalHadeswas during its initial arrival into early access thatHades 2continues a tradition ofSupergiant’s early access launchesbearing more resemblance to full retail releases of AAA games.
Not only doesHades 2feature a level of polish that meets (and potentially surpasses) games from major publishers, but its arrival into early access sees the title already bursting with content.
The current roadmap forHades 2suggests that the early access period is specifically being used to drive the addition of even more content, tweak balance regarding the title’s gameplay and the effectiveness of certain Boons, and address any player feedback (whether negative or positive). WithHades 2and its predecessor being ideal for handheld gameplay, the title is alsowell-optimized for Steam Deckand doesn’t exhibit any of the same memory drain or battery issues thatNo Rest for the Wicked’s early access is currently suffering from.
Steam User Scores for Hades 2 and No Rest for the Wicked Speak Volumes
Despite bothOrigames' “Very Positive” and “Overwhelmingly Positive” user scores on Steam,No Rest for the Wicked’s initial reception from players was met with a “Mixed” 58% positive on Valve’s storefront. Moon Studios' CEO andCreative Director Thomas Mahlereven tweeted that the developer was up to the challenge of turning player perception of the title around, which it has commendably stuck to through regular hotfixes and updates alongside more significant patches. As a result,No Rest for the Wickednow sits at an improved “Mostly Positive” on Steam with 78% of user reviews being positive.
Regardless ofNo Rest for the Wicked’s continued upward trajectory, though, the title’s initial reception can’t compare to that ofHades 2. Supergiant’s sequel debuted at a staggering 97% “Overwhelmingly Positive” and currently sits at an impressive 94% “Very Positive” on Steam.Hades 2’s strong critical and user receptionis largely a result of the title’s polish and well of content, with the title feeling like a finished 1.0 release despite launching into early access. Early access launches are hugely beneficial to the continued development of titles through the collection and implementation of player feedback, butHades 2’sandNo Rest for the Wicked’s disparate launches illustrate the importance of strong first impressions.
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.
