Rise of the Argonauts
Preview
Greek mythology at its best
by Vyle
previewed on PC
Greek mythology
Greek mythology, in theory, is perfect source material for video games. The solid varied characters, bizarre monsters, fantastical artifacts and dangerous locations are pure gaming bliss. Not to mention that the main character in every story seems to be pitted against some form of epic trial that involves traveling a very long way while using a lot of mystical equipment and really cool powers.
With that in mind, it’s a wonder that it took so long for games to really pull off the whole Greek Myth experience properly. God of War was the first in 2005 to truly exploit the potential of the source material while serving up a whistle stop tour of the Gods and Gorgons. As much mythology as the game covered, there was still ample material for a sequel, and with two more God of War games in the works, the store of Greek goodness doesn’t seem to be running dry.
Indeed, with the success of the God of War games and the movie, 300, enthusiasm for ancient mythology is at an all time high. To that end, Codemasters have jumped on the mythical money train with the Liquid Entertainment developing the RPG, Rise of the Argonauts.
And so it begins…
In the game you play as Jason, King of the island nation of Lolcus. The story begins as he is due to marry his fiancée. During the big day however, she is assassinated, leaving Jason to seal her body away in the temple where they would have been wed. Soon after, Jason learns that the only way she can be bought back is by acquiring the Golden Fleece and using its restorative powers to revive her. With this news, Jason boards his ship Argo on a quest to restore life to his beloved.
The sea faring tale, in gameplay terms, means that you will be traveling to many different islands in search of the elusive relic. On the way, you will acquire team mates, the titular Argonauts who will journey and fight with you, items and abilities. And, perhaps most importantly, you will obtain leads as to the whereabouts of Colchis, the home of the Fleece.
All this exploration would be mighty dull if the islands were uninspired and empty, but Liquid Entertainment appears to have that covered. Each island is under the control of a different Greek God and designed around their particular characters. For example the island belonging to Artemis (Goddess of the hunt) is covered in forest, with huge trees looming above, giving the feeling of being consumed. Though it is still allows enough room to battle the various beasts who reside there, such as the giant boar and the strange plant women.
Each island, when completed, will give Jason a new ability that will open up new areas and options for the player when returning to previously completed islands. Much the same way as new equipment enables further exploration in Zelda games.
