Top 10 Epic Video Games Featuring Demigods You Must Play Now!

As a gamer, I often find myself embodying characters who are the offspring of the gods themselves – demigods. Unlike what you might think, our lineage isn’t always a simple mix of half-god and half-mortal. For instance, Hercules, a character I’ve played many times, is not just Zeus’s son but also a maternal descendant of Perseus. In the realm of video games, we demigods are often the stars, our tales woven into the mythology of our divine forebears.

Demigods, often, possess immense strength, yet so do those who seek to challenge them, whether they be humans, monsters, or even other deities. Though gods are typically considered invincible, demigods must earn that status (if they can truly be called as such). The blend of supernatural power with a fundamental human aspect is what makes demigods appealing characters. Here are some top video games (and franchises) showcasing demigods as significant playable characters.

5. Warriors Orochi

Features Perseus, Nezha, & Others

The Warriors Orochi series essentially combines the worlds of two games, Dynasty Warriors and Samurai Warriors, both based on historical and mythological events from China and Japan’s warring periods. Characters like Guan Yu, a historical figure who was also revered as a deity, are part of this series. In this unique universe, these characters from different eras clash with each other, often battling mythical beings, particularly Yamata no Orochi. This often involves engaging with various gods, some of whom eventually recognize the worth of mortals after much hesitation.

In Warriors Orochi 4 Ultimate, there’s a stronger emphasis on Greek and Norse mythology for the introduction of new villains. One significant figure is Perseus, half-god son of Zeus and Danaë, who stands against his father’s troops and offers guidance to the warriors, particularly Yukimura Sanada. Interestingly, this version of Perseus is actually Loki, the Norse God of Mischief, tricked into serving Odin. In Ultimate, Loki eventually rebels from his servitude, sharing his survivor’s remorse as he and Perseus were compelled to fight each other to prove their loyalty to Odin. Later on, the warriors manage to revive Perseus, who forms a sincere bond with Yukimura much like Loki did. The real Perseus later unmasks Hades, the Greek God of the Underworld, as the mastermind behind the chaos in the game, which the other warriors then unite to defeat after considerable struggle.

Nezha, a demigod like his father Li Jing, is widely revered as a deity. Originally portrayed as an adversary in ‘Warriors Orochi 3’, Nezha eventually came to appreciate the might of humans and now assists them in battling the new gods. He possesses two distinct forms; one being a cyborg body constructed for him following the demise of his mortal form. Similarly, Yang Jian, better known as Erlang Shen, is another god with at least partially human lineage. Known for his appearances in the Chinese novels ‘Investiture of the Gods’ and ‘Journey to the West’, he frequently competes with or allies himself with Sun Wukong, a recurring, often antagonistic figure in the ‘Warriors Orochi’ series.

Also present is Achilles — specifically the version from Warriors: Legends of Troy.

4. SMITE

Features Gilgamesh, Cu Chulainn, & Others

In the game SMITE (and its latest version), various mythological characters from different parts of the globe take center stage. While well-known and frequently used mythologies are present, less familiar ones are also incorporated. One of the earliest characters, in terms of chronology, is Gilgamesh, a hero from ancient Mesopotamian Mythology. Gilgamesh is the offspring of Ninsun, a Sumerian deity, and Lugalbanda, the ruler of Uruk. He gained fame as the main character in the Epic of Gilgamesh, an epic tale that primarily recounts his friendship with Enkindu, who were initially adversaries but eventually became lifelong companions who accomplished numerous feats together. In SMITE, the game emphasizes Gilgamesh’s hubris and his ambition to achieve divine status.

In the game SMITE, there’s another character known as Cu Chulainn, who is often seen as the son of the Irish deity Lugh, with some believing he represents a terrestrial form of Lugh himself. This character is a formidable figure, fated for both great achievements and an untimely end. Other demigods featured in the game include Hercules, Erlang Shen, and Achilles.

It’s worth mentioning that regardless of the divinity of their origins, every character you can control in SMITE is categorized as a deity.

3. Asura’s Wrath

Based On Hindu & Buddhist Mythology

In the game “Asura’s Wrath,” demigods are unlike their traditional depictions. Instead, they are highly evolved human beings who have been granted a form of divinity by mastering Mantra, a powerful cosmic energy generated from emotions and prayers. The protagonist, Asura, is an example of this unique species. Driven by vengeance, he seeks retribution against those who betrayed him: they killed his wife, falsely accused him of her death, and abducted their daughter. In a desperate attempt to save her, he was murdered.

Angered by the injustices he witnessed, he chose to return from the spiritual realm to the mortal world, seeking revenge against those who had wronged him. He found that the source of all the turmoil was Chakaravartin, a powerful being who once guided him and endowed others with demigod powers, but then manipulated events to instigate conflict among the gods, including Asura. Asura confronted and killed Chakaravartin, choosing to reject godhood himself. In his final act, he erased the world’s mantra, ending both his own life and the era of peace it once represented. His daughter Mithra survived and shared his story with humanity, keeping his memory alive. Years later, Asura was reborn into a new world with fewer major conflicts, along with his family and former allies.

2. God Of War

Based On Greek & Norse Mythology

It’s common knowledge that many people are familiar with the game called God of War, even if not by personal experience. What might be less well-known is the existence of a mythological figure named Kratos, who served Zeus and was infamous for his role in the torment of Prometheus. It’s important to note that this character is distinct from the main character in God of War, as his name was symbolically chosen to represent strength, rather than having any direct connection.

As a die-hard fan, I’ve found myself immersed in Kratos’ epic journey across the God of War series, steeped in Greek mythology. Manipulated by Ares to commit unspeakable acts against his family, Kratos embarks on a relentless quest for vengeance. He eventually slays Ares and ascends to the position of God of War, but the ghosts of his past transgressions continue to haunt him. Betrayed again and again, I learn that he is Zeus’ offspring, which sets me on a destructive path against the Greek gods. Temporarily joining forces with the Titans, I’m eventually betrayed by them too. After slaying titans like Zeus and Gaia, Kratos finds himself hanging precariously between life and death.

Starting from 2018, the God of War series shifted its focus, delving into Kratos’ exploration of Norse mythology. In this narrative, Kratos marries a new character and together they have a son named Atreus. One crucial objective for Kratos in the 2018 version is to fulfill his wife’s last wish by scattering her ashes on the tallest mountain across all realms. This reimagining of the series emphasizes Kratos’ bond with his son, Atreus, and his endeavor to improve himself amidst the battles that come his way. The tale abounds with gods, mythical beings, and enigmatic dimensions without giving away any spoilers.

1. Hades

Play As Zagreus & Melinoë

As a gamer, I’ve been diving deep into the epic duology known as the Hades series. In the first installment, I take on the role of Zagreus, son of Hades and Persephone, though I never knew it. You see, I was under the impression that Nyx, the Goddess of Night, was my mom, but lo and behold, it turns out Persephone, the demigod daughter of Demeter, is actually my mother! This revelation changes everything. My quest then becomes to escape the Underworld in search of my true mother, but Hades, my father, isn’t making things easy. Luckily, I can count on some help from fellow Olympians who see me as one of their own because of my parents’ connections, even if they harbor a bit of resentment towards dear old dad. The second game, Hades 2 (currently in Early Access), continues this epic journey.

Eventually, Zagreus manages not only to locate his mother and bring her back to the Underworld but also facilitates a lasting peace between Hades and the other Olympians. During this time, he also assists several unfortunate characters. Later on, Persephone and Hades welcome a new child, their daughter Melinoë. However, tragedy strikes once more when Chronos, the Titan of Time, breaks free from his prison and seizes control of the Underworld, expelling most of its inhabitants. This sets the stage for the ongoing events depicted in the upcoming game “Hades 2”.

Melinoë had little contact with her family, including her parents, brother, and the numerous acquaintances of Zagreus from the story of Hades. Instead, she was nurtured and effectively adopted as a pupil under Hecate, the Goddess of Magic. This mentor taught her magical arts and spells. After years of training to become a formidable warrior, Melinoë descends into the Underworld with the intention of overpowering Chronos. Her quest takes her to the surface, eventually leading her to the summit of Mount Olympus where she confronts Prometheus. The outcome of Melinoë’s story in Hades 2 remains a mystery for now, as the game is still under development, but it’s expected that more details will emerge as work on the sequel progresses.

2025-01-26 03:14