Apotheon, created by Alientrap and available on PS4 and Steam, follows the story of Nikandreos. Abandoned by the gods his world has fallen to destruction and chaos. Journeying through this RPG platformer you play as Nikandreos, and are tasked by Hera to conquer Zeus and all other gods who have forsaken and abandoned your people. This including Apollo, Poseidon, and Athena. Apotheon tells the tale of a champion born from misfortune, set within the backdrop of Greek mythology. Through this telling Apotheon incorporates one of the main symbols of Greek mythology, power and strength.

Visually, Apotheon is stunningly unique. It is as if you are playing on a Grecian Urn. The character and backdrop design splendidly resemble those that can be found on beautifully crafted Grecian Urns, with silhouetted characters surrounded by warm colors of red, gold, orange, and yellow as well as a few cool colors that pop out significantly. This artistic design is extremely accurate and the perfect setting for Apotheon, as merely the visual aspect screams Greek mythology. It was for this reason, I was immediately drawn to the game.

Art in general although, not always one of the most important aspects of a game, tends to be one of the most captivating. The art of Apotheon is distinctive in its Greek nature. However, not only does it exhibit an aspect of Greek mythology, but also the characteristics that go along with it. Strength being one of them. Greek mythology is known for its stories of strong men who overcome adversity and rise to the top, Apotheon is no exception. Simply through the art, strength can be seen. The silhouetted characters are bold in their design and their movements are sharp. This boldness and sharpness exemplifies power. Not matter the type of power, whether it be of will or of strength, this power encompasses the game.

Apotheon also does a great job with other representations of Greek mythology. Most of the game is spent on Mount Olympus, after you’ve been sent their by Hera. Once here there are plenty of mythological representations, including accurate depictions of the gods and their assets as well as factual details regarding both the gods and important items. Some of these references involve exerts from the Homeric hymns.

The action within Apotheon is reminiscent of many Greek mythological battles due to its gore. Well the gore you can get within a game that resembles silhouetted painted figures on an urn. After killing someone blood squirts out of their bodies as you hear them gurgle before dying. Nothing screams war quite like the sound of men choking on their own blood. It’s gruesome, but not so much when it comes to comparing it to many of the battles that take place within Greek mythology. Plus the gore makes the game more enjoyable, as if you are actually there waging wars on Mount Olympus.

A lovely feature of Apotheon is that it does not follow a linear timeline, when it comes to the events that take place. As Nikandreos you are allowed to explore and complete the tasks at hand in whatever order so pleases you. I, particularly, appreciate this as I grow easily frustrated when I am stuck in a game. Being able to complete another goal and come back to others, helped keep my frustration at bay. This is also very much a game about collection, because when you come across different items, it is important to collect as many as possible as they will definitely come in handy later.
After you’ve completed specific objectives, you reach a god. Each god brings across new and thought-provoking challenges, which apparently I need time to comprehend, since I had to die at a minimum of 5 times to even be able to understand how I should go about slaying the god. The creators really did their research when it came to Greek gods. This can be seen through the challenges you as Nikandreos, face advancing towards each god. These obstacles are reminiscent of the god who you are pursing. Whether its animal themed for Artemis or wit themed for Athena, the obstacle hone in on the key elements of each god.

Let’s take a look at the title of the game itself. Apotheon. Meaning: one who is exalted or elevated to a state of godhood. Referring back to the beginning, Apotheon is a strong name for a game that visually embodies strength and power. This is the entire theme of the game as Nikandreos, in essence, not only embodies the meaning of Apotheon both literally and figuratively, but also has power. In literal terms, this embodiment can be seen each and every time Nikandreos slays a god. During this time his body ascends above all others as he leaves the battle field, causing him to literally be elevated, above a slain god no less. In a figurative sense, this can be seen through Nikandreos’ journey as a whole. In the beginning he starts off as a puny fellow. As he travels throughout Mount Olympus battles various beasts, warriors, and gods (oh my!), he grows stronger ultimately turning into a true champion.

Similarly within Greek mythology, one of the main themes is superiority, power over others, which is something this game deals with often, as I’ve previously mentioned. Starting the game, I felt inferior and powerless playing as Nikandreos, especially when it came to the fact that he was expected to take down gods. I thought there was no way I was going to be able to take down a god. I was nowhere near strong enough. However, as I traversed through, Nikandreos gained strength both physically and mentally. He became stronger through weaponry and armor as well as wisdom. I kind of pitied the gods as I conquered them, but they boosted my confidence levels. Besides there is no room for pity in war, so I immediately left those thoughts behind. With a higher confidence level I knew I could take on Zeus. I was ready. I was superior and powerful.

Apotheon is a war game, as Nikandreos is declaring war on the gods who have forsaken him. Because of this there is strategy that goes into defeating his enemies. Which usually I’m not a fan of; however, I think there is something about the immersion of the game, as it allowed me to forget about my prior judgements. I mean, I’m a warrior on Mount Olympus for crying out loud. That’s pretty darn awesome, if I do say so myself. Due to this, I believe, it is the backdrop of the game that really enhances the gameplay, as it captures its audience through the familiarity of the Greek mythology. There is something so authoritative, commanding, and captivating about the reputation Greek mythology has left in its wake through movies, books, and the mythology itself. It does not allow for it to be easily ignored.

All in all, one of the best things about Apotheon is how true it stays to the Greek Mythology we all know and love. The message I believe it is trying to send is one found in many Greek mythological tales. Basically the tale of perseverance, bravery, and overall strength; doing what needs to be done, no matter the risks or sacrifices, in order to save and preserve your family, friends, or humanity as a whole. The ultimate goal being to come home a hero or die trying. As Aristotle once said, “we make war that we may live in peace.”

© 2015, zero1gaming.com. All rights reserved. On republishing this article your must provide a link to this original post