Aphrodite character design in Hades 2 has caused some debate among players.
Supergiant Games’ sequel to the beloved rogue-lite of the 2020s Hades is back in the headlines after hitting Early Access on May 6 (read more Hades 2 Early Access release here).
Like its predecessor, Hades 2 sees players traversing the world of ancient Greek mythology and encountering a pantheon of Greek gods who aid the game’s protagonist in their quest through the underworld.
(Hades 2 release: When is the full game coming out?)
Why Is There Controversy Around Hades 2’s Aphrodite Design?
A certain number of players have picked up on the issue Hades 2Aphrodite character design as the long-awaited rogue-lite sequel hits PC Early Access.
The controversy stems from the appearance of the goddess of love in the game (which seems to be an evolution of how she used to look Hades 1).
Her in-game portrait sees the character gazing lustfully at the screen with nothing covering her except for a few strategically placed strands of hair over her breasts.
This character design has drawn the ire of some, as detractors of the game believe there is a double standard in the gaming industry right now with characters like Aphrodite.
According to those shocked, her hypersexualized model has been made good because she has done so “man’s face” showing his strong chin and prominent cheekbones.
These largely right-wing Internet commenters have taken issue with her appearance. who seem to believe that if her face were (in their eyes) more feminine, the “woke crowd” would be under more scrutiny than the protagonist of the recently released film. Star Blade was at the end of April (read more Star Bladedispute here).
Instead, they criticize Hades 2 design has said that he believes that people are more willing to accept his hypersexuality because these facial features make him appear gendered androgynous.
This has led some to quote quote by quote to fix the design on social media by removing features they feel make a woman appear more masculine.
Why The Hades 2 Aphrodite Design is OK
When Aphrodite’s design is involved Hades 2 may be controversial in a certain corner of the internet, his in-game appearance is justified compared to the rest of the game.
First, of course, Aphroditeis going to be hypersexualized, she is, after all, the goddess of love and lust. He looked the same in the first game, so why wouldn’t he have the same look in the sequel?
Hades 2 (with the original Hades) has been quite faithful in his approach to the gods and goddesses of Greek mythology.
Greek gods have always been incredibly hot. Male or female, it doesn’t matter, the core pillar of the ancient Greek pantheon is their classic beauty.
And Hades is just a modern interpretation of it. It would be something if Aphrodite stood out as the only in-game design worth looking at, but that’s the whole cast.
These Greek gods have sex appeal and they know it. It is their outward beauty that is intrinsically intertwined with who these characters are as people.
This is different than if the characters were shockingly sexy, had no idea about it, or had the freedom to do so.
Aphrodite and Hades 2‘s other gods know that the player is watching them and use it to further their own divine goals
Whether it’s Chronos’ chiseled chiseled frame, Hephaestus’ stark “father energy” or Aphrodite’s raw hypersexuality, all of these characters are incredibly attractive for a reason.
Hades 2 is now in Early Access on PC.
