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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.

DUBAI: Egypt’s El-Gouna Film Festival is bringing back its “Window on Palestine” program for the third year.

Set to run from Oct. 16 to 24, the festival’s eighth edition will play host to a roster of Palestinian films in the special section.

This year will feature seven short documentaries from the “From Ground Zero+” initiative, offering portrayals of life in Gaza.

The documentaries were created through the Masharawi Fund for Films & Filmmakers in Gaza, in collaboration with Coorigine Production in France. All the films are in Arabic with English subtitles.

The selected works include “Colors Under the Sky” by Reema Mahmoud, which follows a displaced artist struggling to create music amidst destruction; and “Dreams of Farah and Zahra” by Mostafa Al-Nabeeh about two young girls who hold on to creativity as an act of defiance.

In addition, “Gaza to Oscar” by Alaa Damo follows filmmakers who risk their lives to tell their stories; “The Wish” by Aws Al-Banna in which theater becomes a tool for recovery; and “Hassan” by Muhammad Al-Sharif about how a Palestinian teenager’s attempt to get a sack of flour leads to detention.

Also showing is “Unfinished Stories” by Nidal Damo in which a filmmaker drifts from one unfinished story to another; and “Very Small Dreams” by I’timad Wishah about women in Gaza’s refugee camps as they struggle to maintain their dignity and health.

Marianne Khoury, artistic director of the festival, said: “Our commitment to the ‘Window on Palestine’ program is not just a curatorial choice; it is a fundamental part of our mission as a festival in the region.

“Cinema has a profound power to document and to heal, and it is our duty to provide a space where the world can witness the incredible resilience and artistry of the Palestinian people.”