One of the year’s most anticipated releases comes from a team you could fit into a single Zoom call.
“Hades II”, the follow-up to Supergiant Games’ breakout roguelike, doesn’t just build on the mythic foundation of its predecessor – it cements the studio’s place in the gaming universe.
A new standard
With its dynamic gameplay, rich storytelling, vibrant art direction, and inspired soundtrack, “Hades” took the scene by storm when it was released in 2020.
The fast-paced combat game lets users play as Zagreus, son of Hades, who attempts to escape the Underworld but ultimately dies every single time.
The twist? You witness the story unravel the more attempts you make. And each time, you grow stronger and get closer to your family, fate, and the Greek pantheon.
Within weeks of its launch, over a million copies were sold.
Critics raved about the lore, mechanics, and replayability from the small studio, sending the title to the top of different podiums as Game of the Year and redefining what a roguelike could be.
Sky-high expectations
“Hades II” isn’t just a sequel – it’s one with serious gravity.
This is the first sequel for Supergiant, so their cult following have been raving about builds, lores, and evolving mechanics of the new game ever since it came out on early access.
This time, you play as Melinoë, sister of the original protagonist, trained by Hecate.
She’s fighting to stop Chronos, the Titan of Time, while breaching the occupied House of Hades and defending Olympus against Typhon, the father of monsters.
The full game dropped on September 25, and since then, ‘Hades II’ has received “universal acclaim,” according to review aggregator Metacritic.
OpenCritic reports that 98% of critics recommend it, which is a rare feat even for industry giants.
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The big shift
Where AAA games often wobble under the weight of their own expectations, Supergiant thrives in the space between independence and influence.
From the cult hit “Bastion” to the cyberpunk-flavored “Transistor”, to the experimental “Pyre”, the studio has carved out a reputation for ambitious, genre-blending games with heart, style, and staying power.
They prove you don’t need thousands of developers or corporate backing to build worlds that matter.
The same can be said of massively popular titles like “Baldur’s Gate 3” (by Larian), “Stardew Valley”, and “Hollow Knight” (Silksong!) – all part of a movement where indie no longer just means “small,” “risky,” or “scrappy.”
To many, indies are now leading the charge instead of trailing behind.
More and more players are turning to small studios for the emotional pull, consistency, polish, and honest design that doesn’t feel like a cash grab.
If “Hades” is a testament that indie games could stand shoulder to shoulder with the industry’s biggest titles, “Hades II” is proof they can grow even larger – not by scaling up in size, but in confidence, creativity, and ambition.
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Shameeka Voyiya 
Newsjustnews writers 
Ren Azrack Escosio