Summary
In an exciting turn of events, indie developer Supergiant Games recently shadow-droppedHades 2, the highly anticipated sequel to the 2020 Rogue-like dungeon crawler. Although it is currently in early access (and likely will be for quite a while), it doesn’t play like it’s in early access at all. Sure, it’s currently impossible to finishHades 2, but its gameplay is smooth and engaging, its characters are memorable, and its narrative is worth the journey. While players control Zagreus, son of Hades, in the first game, they control Melinoe, Zagreus' sister and the daughter of Hades, inHades 2. Several characters from the first game return inHades 2, including one of its most famous characters, Chaos. It appears Chaos is now even more famous, though not necessarily in a positive way.
In the originalHades, players candescend into Chaos' realm via Chaos Gatesto receive boons that inflict a temporary debuff on them but grant them a significant buff after they clear a certain number of zones. Apart from the bonuses that Chaos provides, they are perplexing, otherworldly, and unlike any other character in the game. InHades 2, Chaos provides Melinoe with the same services, but their character has received a significant makeover, which has turned out to be quite a divisive subject among fans.
Why Hades 2’s Chaos Redesign Is So Controversial
Hades' Chaos Is Portrayed as Otherworldly, Inhuman, and Genderless
Inthe originalHades, Chaos was portrayed as an otherworldly and genderless entity, and rightly so. While Chaos certainly has human characteristics — namely, their head and torso — they are very far from human. In fact, one could argue that Chaos shouldn’t even have a face, as they are simply the primordial originator of Nyx and the Titans. When they speak, their voice sounds like multiple voices of varying genders, all in monotone and unison.
Chaos lives between worlds and the underworld and is essentially the embodiment of the void from which all matter itself originated. As such, it would make sense for them to be portrayed as an otherworldly, inhuman, and genderless being on account of their having predated existence. However,Hades 2has changed the appearance of Chaos to reflect something more human, arguably more attractive, and less the not-of-this-world being they were portrayed as originally.
Hades 2’s Chaos Appears More Human, More Attractive, and More Feminine
Thecontroversy surrounding Chaos' new design inHades 2primarily involves this version of Chaos not only appearing to be more human but also more attractive. To make things doubly divisive,Hades 2’s Chaos appears more feminine as well, which contradicts the genderless being they used to be in the first game. Chaos should very well be genderless, as they are not a being like other gods but the embodiment of the primordial “gunk” that existed before existence. Some fans have been openly accepting of the new design, but manyHadesveterans refuse to accept that this version of Chaos remains faithful toHades' lore and that of Greek mythology.
This new design of Chaos inHades 2sees the entity holding the head of the old Chaos, with another version of Chaos being born from the mouth of the former Chaos. In light of that, some fans have speculated on whether this version of Chaos is, in fact, Chaos, especially consideringHades 2is only in early accessand the end of the game has not yet been released. However, other fans are convinced this is indeed Chaos, and more will be revealed about them later on.
Despite this controversy,Hades 2has already been hugely successful, passing a major concurrent player milestone in less than 24 hours of its release. Only time will tell whetherHades 2’s Chaos truly is Chaos and whether Supergiant will alter the character’s design.
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’re able to brave escalating challenges for greater rewards, and prove just how divine you really are.
