Battle Of Olympus, The

Released for the NES in 1989, The Battle of Olympus is a side-scrolling action-adventure built around Greek mythology. You take the role of Orpheus, who travels across the ancient world in search of his lost love, Helene. His journey leads through a mythological Greece filled with dangerous creatures, imposing gods, and sprawling areas that reward careful exploration.

Combat is straightforward but demanding. Orpheus begins with a sword and can acquire additional weapons and abilities as the adventure progresses, giving him better ways to handle enemies and reach new areas. Battles require attention to spacing and timing, particularly when dealing with opponents that attack from awkward positions or appear in narrow passages. The game also includes useful items and equipment obtained through exploration and encounters with the gods, adding a steady sense of progress to the quest.

The world is divided into distinct regions inspired by classical mythology, with towns, temples, caves, and other locations to investigate. Rather than following a completely linear path, players must remember where important characters and items are found and decide which route to pursue next. The result is an adventure that blends platforming, swordplay, and light puzzle-solving, with a structure reminiscent of other exploration-focused action games of the era.

The Battle of Olympus has a deliberate pace and an appealingly old-school difficulty. Its colorful presentation, mythological setting, and emphasis on discovery give it a personality all its own, even when its controls and overall design show its NES-era roots. Developed by Infinity and published by Brøderbund, this one-player adventure remains a worthwhile choice for fans of classic action games. You can play online on your browser through RetroCloud and revisit Orpheus’s journey without needing the original NES cartridge.