Hades was by far one of the best games released in 2020. Supergiant’s foray into Greek mythology paired solid gameplay with compelling writing, helping it stand out amid an increasingly crowded roguelike genre. But something very simple, almost elemental, helped the game have a long lifespan and a thriving fan community: thirst.
While playing as the protagonist Zagreus, the son of Zeus and Persephone, as he repeatedly tries to escape the eponymous Greek underworld, Hades allowed you to romance Thanatos, the personification of death, and Megaera, one of the “Furies.” (Dusa, a floating Medusa head was added as an option later on.) By bringing your potential partners Nectar won in battle, you could unlock new dialogue, ultimately culminating in a fully fleshed-out relationship with one of the three love interests — or even a polyamorous relationship between Zagreus, Thanatos, and Megaera. That’s not to mention the coterie of other hot underworld figures who have inspired reams of artwork and countless cosplay costumes.
With Hades II set to release in early access in the not-too-distant future, it’s not surprising that the game’s robust fandom is already eyeing the gorgeously designed characters and potential love interests appearing in the “technical test” for the sequel, now available to a select group of players. So naturally, when I got my hands on the game, one of the first things I wanted to know was: Who can I kiss and how fast can I kiss them?
My time with the Hades II technical test so far has given me a taste of the burgeoning romances that could appear in the early access version of the game, and the eventual full release. Now playing as Melinoe, Zagraeus’ sister, you can still interact with a wide array of notable figures from Greek mythology. Hecate and Odysseus linger at the crossroads, though they provide a more paternal role for the young witch and spawn of Hades and Persephone. Hecate is off the table because she’s Melinoe’s mother, but Odysseus in particular is a heartbreaker; I would love to woo history’s greatest wife guy in the same way that I attempted to court Achilles in the last game, only to be let down gently for understandable reasons. Sadly, even in death, Odysseus remains dedicated to Penelope, insisting on treating Melinoe as a sort of surrogate niece. This doesn’t mean that Hades II will be bereft of romance, though.
