Hades 2can learn an important lesson fromHaunted Chocolatier, despite the two games not even sharing a genre. Even though both games are incredibly different, both in gameplay and tone, they share a remarkable similarity that could be key to success for both of them. Both games already have incredible legacies to live up to, with their predecessors being among the most successful indie titles in recent memory. There is still every chance forHades 2to succeed despite the pressure, as the game just needs to take note of whatHaunted Chocolatieris doing to stand out.
Late last year,Hades 2was announced at The Game Awards, revealing new protagonist Melinoë as well as a few details about the game’s plot. Much like Zagreus before her, Melinoë is a mythological figure who was not well-known in public eye until her starring role in the game. In addition, gameplay footage shows thatHades 2will follow the first game’s formula, with Melinoë battling through rooms of enemies with help from buffs granted by the gods. While keeping some familiarity is good to retain fans from the first game,Hades 2will also need its own identity to stand out.
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Hades 2 Can Take Unexpected Inspiration From Haunted Chocolatier’s Ideas
One source of inspiration forHades 2could be howHaunted Chocolatieralready differs fromStardew Valleyeven before the game has been released. At the core, both games have a similar concept, with the player character taking over an abandoned resource in town and building it into something grand while also becoming a respected member of the community. InStardew Valleyit was a farm, whileHaunted Chocolatierputs players in charge of a chocolate shop. That distinction alone already gives the sequel its own personality.Hades 2needs similar twists of its own in order to differentiate itself from its predecessor.
Thankfully,Hades 2already has a good amount of unique traits according to trailers.Hades 2’s new protagonist Melinoëhas a selection of weapons unique from anything that Zagreus used, including daggers and a magical staff. In addition, early footage reveals a selection of gods and other characters different from those that Zagreus encountered during his adventure. This implies that many of the buffs that Melinoë will be able to obtain during her adventure will be unique to her and her game. Unique qualities like this are important to make sure thatHades 2stands out and isn’t looked at as a retread of the first game.
Hades 2is off to a good start, but there is still more that it can do, and once again,Haunted Chocolatier’s new gameplay directionis a great example. Both games seem to be setting a more somber tone than past installments, but in different ways.Haunted Chocolatiertakes place in the area around an abandoned chocolate shop filled with ghosts as opposed to a sunny farm.Hades 2, for its story, is about rescuing Hades from Cronos rather than Zagreus finding his mother. Both games are a departure from the past, but not so much that they are unrecognizable from the games that came before.
So far,Hades 2has been successful in giving fans something to look forward to. Melinoë looks like an exciting protagonist on par withHades' previous protagonist Zagreus, and early promotions have managed to build plenty of intrigue.Hades 2can repeat the previous game’s success, and the path theHaunted Chocolatieris taking could be its best way to do so. That extra twist that makes the game unique will be one of its biggest strengths in the end. IfHades 2andHaunted Chocolatierlive up to their potential, both games will be worth waiting for.
Hades 2is in development
