Review: ‘Hades 2’ is the best roguelike you will ever play

The sequel follows the original hero Zagreus’ sister, Melinoe, daughter of Hades and Persephone who is born after the events of ‘Hades.’ (Supplied)
Short Url
Updated 11 October 2025
Follow

Review: ‘Hades 2’ is the best roguelike you will ever play

DUBAI: “Hades 2” is a bold and dazzling sequel that leans into ambition at every turn. Where the 2020 original laid the foundation, this new chapter deepens the mythos, sharpens the combat and turns the visual dial up to 11.

The sequel follows the original hero Zagreus’ sister, Melinoe, daughter of Hades and Persephone who is born after the events of “Hades.” She returns to a shattered Underworld after Chronos usurps power and imprisons key figures.

From the first few runs, the story weaves tension and mystery: Who is the real threat of time? How do the fates and titans dodge their own destinies? The narrative is layered, with revelations gradually unlocked between runs, and many dialogue moments that feel earned.

Visually, “Hades 2” is a triumph, even if early runs may feel a little too familiar to the original. Every character is richly drawn; the environments shift from the, at times, claustrophobic corridors of the Underworld to the majestic heights of Olympus (and beyond) with grace. The color palette moves beyond reds and blacks, embracing verdant hues, turquoise veils and shimmering light. Even in fast-paced combat, the animations remain crisp and fluid.

Mechanically, “Hades 2” innovates significantly while retaining its signature intensity. Melinoe wields physical weapons but also commands Magick, with a new “Magick Bar” that depletes and recovers based on your actions. Boons now carry elemental affinities and infusions; Arcana cards add constant passive effects you choose pre-run; Hexes summon powerful spells that evolve mid-run; and the sprint mechanic encourages fluid repositioning rather than repetitive dashing.

While the added complexity is demanding and can be frustrating at times, it is definitely worth it.

In short, “Hades 2” offers a richer and more expansive mythic journey, stunning visuals, and a combat system that feels both familiar and fresh; standing as a worthy — and, often, superior — successor.


Tashas’ founder lauds Kingdom’s ‘appetite for authentic dining experiences’

Updated 56 min 58 sec ago
Follow

Tashas’ founder lauds Kingdom’s ‘appetite for authentic dining experiences’

  • Saudi is ‘exciting’ location, says Natasha Sideris
  • Dining here is ‘deeply social and family-oriented’

DUBAI: With outposts in London, Dubai and South Africa, restaurant brand Tashas is making headway in Saudi Arabia with the recent opening of a branch in Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District.

Founded in 2005 by South Africans Natasha Sideris and her brother Savva, the Riyadh cafe features a curated dinner menu alongside the brand’s well-known daytime offerings, as well as its largest cake display to date with over 25 options.

Jill Okkers is the culinary director. (Supplied)

Culinary director Jill Okkers said the Kingdom’s culture has played a key role in shaping the Riyadh menu. “Dining in Saudi Arabia is a deeply social and family-oriented experience, it’s about connection, generosity and shared moments,” she said.

The Riyadh cafe features a curated dinner menu alongside the brand’s well-known daytime offerings. (Supplied)

“That balance really comes down to staying true to our DNA while being open enough to let the local culture influence us in a meaningful way,” she added.

“In Saudi Arabia, we might work with local dates, spices or breads in ways that still feel distinctly Tashas — approachable, elegant and layered with nostalgia.”

Culinary director Jill Okkers said the Kingdom’s culture has played a key role in shaping the Riyadh menu. (Supplied)

Discussing the new location, CEO and founder Sideris said recently: “Since the opening of Flamingo Collection in Bujairi Terrace, alongside our partners, Janiya, we had been looking for a location for our first Tashas.”

She said that KAFD was the “most aligned in terms of an entry into the market.”

Tashas was founded in 2005 by South Africans Natasha Sideris and her brother Savva. (Supplied)

Sideris added that each branch is tailored to its setting. “We’ve always followed a simple formula: every Tashas is 75 percent the same and 25 percent unique.

“The Kingdom is such an exciting region for us; there’s an appetite for authentic dining experiences, and we see considerable potential to grow here in a meaningful way.”