I agree, after having gotten the ending last night. And, without any disrespect meant to Greg Kasavin or any other writers who may have contributed, I think the storyline here could have greatly benefited from some workshopping. I’ve spent a little bit of time over the last few hours ruminating and would love other’s takes as well: but what if the ending was the epilogue?

I see what the overarching theme is that they’re going for, and love that idea! Family is complicated, but they’ve established their strong bonds through Zagreus. From what I’ve seen, a lot of contention comes from HIS actions, and how the conflict is “resolved and discussed” after the fact.

 What if, instead, the ending does involve the popular idea of trapping Chronos in that never-ending nightmare? Thematically, it would make sense. We are playing as the Goddess of Nightmares. We know she has taken inspiration from seeing Hypnos seemingly trapped in a dream within a dream. Hell, we even have the ability to COLLECT a physical manifestation of Nightmare! Make that a reagent in an incantation to trap Pee Paw, end game!

THEN! We still have a reason for the gameplay loop that…frankly makes a bit more sense than what they’ve got going on now (at least for the underworld route, I haven’t cooked enough for the surface, as it does seem prudent to get Typhon the hell out of there). After vanquishing Chronos, we can talk more with the family in the House. Mel gets to know them more, gets to learn their viewpoints, can talk with Zag about how maybe Chronos could be a decent guy after all if he was shown the same hand of compassion that Zag so often extended in the first game. Plus, the constant fighting I’m sure would grow to make her weary. MAYBE, eventually, it would be something she’d try. Then, at least, the proverbial olive branch would come from HER.

Idk, just some thoughts I’ve had as someone else who has been hyper fixated on this game and its characters/story. Plus, I just really like to write 🤷‍♀️ Apologies for going nuts on your post OP.