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The Battle of Olympus (NES, 1988/GB, 1993)

The Battle of Olympus (NES, 1988/GB, 1993)

Subgenre: Zelda-like (a non-interactive and vague world map is shown when moving between areas - no separate top down view overworld, no exp point leveling system (AP and HP upgrades via bought and found items here (generally have to find the shops in hostile areas), towns w/ NPCs and basic shops)


Movement Mechanics: Reverse gravity sandals


Other: Some dungeons

  • Partially non-linear structure (can go to argolis before attica though it's quite tough, can't go to phrygia before the forest since you can't open the hidden door in the first boss's cave without first getting the item to reveal it, can go to phrygia or phthia in either order before crete though the former is pretty tough, need the right weapon to damage certain bosses like the Cyclops)

  • Quick travel by Pegasus (have to memorize the paths though and it doesn't loop meaning the route stops back in Arcadia plus the destinations aren't placed at warp points)

  • Password save (fairly long), Unlimited continues (lose half your money and respawn at beginning of area when dying)

  • Some backtracking with ability gating to progress (forest)

  • No real map system (you just get a vague idea of where you are in the world from the mini-map roughly showing your location on the zoomed out world map; fourth area (forest is a pretty big maze and it's easy to end up there before you're supposed to)

  • Fountains (usually one per dungeon) for restoring health and refilling your flask

  • Lacks puzzles

  • No journal/log feature (you're pretty much forced to take notes to make progress as there are so many different hints and directions given that connect to other areas than the one you're in)

  • Some interesting tools for traversal and exploration (sandals/anti-grav shoes - high jump+walk on ceilings (later used in Metal Storm), fire staff weapon also works like a torch for dark rooms)

  • Fast dialogue, Better dialogue than in Zelda 2

  • Several mazes

Some notable cons:

  • The early-game is harder than the mid-game

  • Many death pits

  • Constantly respawning enemies even in towns - don't even have to scroll the screen

  • Some money grinding - also keep getting drops that you have a full stock of+money inventory caps at 99

  • All your melee weapons have piss poor reach


Playthrough - Video Review - Mini Review



Influenced by: Zelda II, Greek mythology, probably Kid Icarus, possibly Rygar, Golvellius, Castlevania II, Faxanadu


Influenced: Possibly Metal Storm, Mega Man 5

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