Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

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Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

Key Takeaways

  • The Furies are underrepresented in video games, and a dedicated story would add depth and perspective.
  • Herakles’ Twelve Labors could be an engaging RPG, exploring his tragic motivations in an open world.
  • Adventure games based on mythological characters like Hephaestus or the Amazons could offer interesting and diverse gameplay.

As a seasoned video game enthusiast who has navigated through countless digital realms and battled myriad mythical creatures, I must say that this list is a veritable treasure trove of untapped potential for the gaming industry. Having spent countless hours immersed in the rich tapestry of Greek mythology, both as a student and an avid player, I can confidently affirm that these stories have all the makings of captivating video games.

Although more than two thousand years have elapsed since the heyday of ancient Greece, its mythology remains a wellspring of inspiration for contemporary culture. The abundance of captivating figures, compelling narratives, and enduring moral lessons continue to hold relevance and value in our current society.

Consequently, numerous video games draw inspiration from or directly continue Greek myths, with some being highly acclaimed while others receive less recognition. Regardless of the abundance of Greek-themed gaming experiences, there remains a wealth of untapped characters and narratives, as well as those that could benefit from more accurate portrayals than they currently have.

10. The Furies

Hell Hath No Fury

Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

In various games, the Furies, also known as Erinyes, have often been presented as adversaries for the protagonist to conquer. However, in the game “Hades“, Megaera or one of her sisters takes on a different role, serving as the first boss encountered within the final chamber of Tartarus. Similarly, in “God of War: Ascension“, the Furies function as the primary antagonists who have Kratos imprisoned.

Exploring a video game centered around Alecto, Megaera, and Tisiphone could prove captivating, delving into why they exhibit such vindictive behavior. A hack-and-slash RPG in the style of God of War or a musou game emphasizing their narrative might provide the most effective portrayal.

9. Heracles

The Twelve Labors

Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

Though Herakles is widely recognized in popular culture, often under the Roman name ‘Hercules’, many video games featuring him receive mixed feedback. A notable instance includes Disney’s 1997 movie adaptation platformer, and he has appeared as an adversary in the God of War series.

A video game starring Hercules, either as a hero or anti-hero, is long overdue. The game could draw inspiration from “Shadow of the Tornado,” immersing players in the heartbreaking motivations that drive Hercules to complete his Twelve Labors, and allowing them to explore an expansive world where they can confront each labor directly.

8. Hephaestus

Forging A New Path

Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

In many portrayals, Hephaestus is shown as having a physical impairment or limp, making him an ideal character for creators seeking more diversity and inclusivity in their work. Notably, he has been featured as an adversary in the game “God of War” and as the artisan who fashioned some of Kratos’ weapons. In the upcoming sequel, “Hades 2,” he bestows blessings upon Melinoë. Given his role as the deity of blacksmithing, a game with robust crafting features would be fitting for him.

In a tower defense or real-time strategy game, Hephaestus might create weapons for selected heroes, while players observe the events transpire. Taking inspiration from myths, he could also fabricate autonomous machines and intricate traps to retaliate against foes and those who have wronged him.

7. Charon

Ferrying The Dead

Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

Charon, the enigmatic figure, was loved by many in the story of Hades. This boatman, who navigates both the Acheron and Styx rivers, transporting the spirits of the deceased to their afterlife destinations, could offer captivating gameplay elements akin to Spiritfarer.

Exploring the tales of passengers aboard Charon’s boat, and delving into some aspects of Charon himself, might create an engaging, laid-back gaming experience. The spirits of the deceased could grapple with their demises or even undergo judgment for their past deeds. Developers could also delve into what transpires to those who lack the necessary coins (obols) to pay for their passage.

6. Minos

Judging The Dead

Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

In another realm, there was a character named Minos, famed for imprisoning the Minotaur within the Labyrinth and ruling tyrannically as the Cretan King during his lifetime. However, after death, he transformed into one of three arbiters in Hades. Commonly portrayed as a fearsome creature, he wielded the final say in any judgment.

A captivating idea for a game revolves around making decisions based on people’s actions throughout their lives, determining their final destiny. This could be likened to the game “Papers, Please“, but set in Hades and deciding the afterlife’s placement for deceased souls instead.

5. The Many Escapades Of Zeus

Dating An Olympian

Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

Up on Mount Olympus reigned Zeus, the God-King, known far and wide for his wild and sometimes questionable escapades. His numerous romantic entanglements provide an unusual and amusing backdrop for a dating simulation game, much like that of “Dream Daddy” or “I Love You, Colonel Sanders!”.

To make Zeus more appealing, the creators might need to rework certain aspects of his mythology; this could result in an engaging and captivating adventure. Another option is to remake the “Untitled Goose Game,” but with Zeus disguised as a swan, causing chaos throughout Ancient Greece instead.

4. The Fates

Weaving The Tapestry Of Life With Many Threads

Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

Numerous video games explore the theme of destiny, including titles such as Telltale’s various games, Life is Strange, The Stanley Parable, and now Neo Cab, where the character Oona reflects upon the choices made by Lina (the player) and suggests that these choices were predetermined.

Experiencing the role of the Fates or Moirai could provide a deeply engaging gameplay, allowing players to shape and deepen these concepts. They can influence the storylines of in-game characters by weaving their destinies and observing how they unfold while managing one, some, or all of the three sisters: Clotho (the spinner), Lachesis (the measurer), and Atropos (the cutter).

3. The Amazons

Horizon Amazon

Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

The famous tribe of warrior women, known for their military and hunting prowess, and particularly for archery and horseback combat, the Amazons are perfect for video games. Many characters already have qualities reminiscent of the Amazons, such as Aloy from the Horizon series and Abby in The Last of Us: Part 2.

If you’re a game developer aiming to create robust female characters in combat, I’d recommend checking out titles that already excel in this area. Personally, I find it engaging to play as either a queen or soldier in a third-person RPG, progressing through skill trees and wielding advanced weaponry. It’s an empowering experience that showcases the potential of strong female characters in gaming.

2. Homer’s Iliad

Untapped Potential

Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

For millennia, the tale of the Trojan War, as originally narrated by Homer, has remained captivating and influential. Numerous endeavors have been undertaken to adapt this grand epic into a video game, with the finest renditions being turn-based and real-time strategy games such as Total War and Age of Empires. These games primarily emphasize strategic military maneuvers.

The Iliad’s narrative bears striking resemblance to a video game, where Diomedes occasionally steps aside from the battlefield for a conversation with an adversary, similar to a scripted event or cutscene. Moreover, the gods interfering in battles by bestowing blessings on their favored heroes at critical moments can be likened to sudden level-ups. The concept presents a rich opportunity for an open-world game, perhaps even as part of the Elder Scrolls series, featuring designated conflicts that occur at specific intervals and immersive battle scenarios.

1. Homer’s Odyssey

Quite A Journey

Greek Myths That Would Make Great Games

After the Trojan War, Homer’s epic story, The Odyssey, unfolds, chronicling the struggles of Odysseus and his comrades as they strive to make their way back home. Yet, the cunning machinations of the gods continue to thwart their efforts. The tale is rich with one-of-a-kind characters, fearsome creatures, and a myriad of mysteries that will captivate players in an immersive open-world setting.

To create an authentic seafaring experience in this project, prospective developers might want to explore games such as “Assassin’s Creed 4: Black Flag” or the upcoming “Sea of Thieves”. These titles offer impressive naval navigation and combat mechanics that could serve as a valuable reference. For inspiration on land sections within the Mediterranean setting, the “Witcher” series could be particularly suitable due to its detailed monster designs, engaging characters, and overall atmosphere.

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2024-12-11 15:36