Apotheon (2015)

This game is a 2D action‑platformer, it stands out for its unique visual style, inspired by ancient Greek black‑figure pottery, giving the game a striking and memorable look that feels like stepping into a living piece of classical art. This was what made me want to play this game, and I'm glad I did since I love distinct games with unique visuals like this one, so I'm somewhat biased.

The MC is called Nikandreos, a hero who challenges the Olympian gods, and each god’s domain is creatively designed to reflect their mythological traits. So not a very unique story to begin with, though I consider it was very well executed, at the very least. Exploration and puzzle-solving are key components, and the non-linear, Metroidvania-like structure encourages players to uncover secrets and upgrades across different realms. This game won't appeal to fans of metroidvanias, but it definitely drinks from the same fountain as those.

Combat is tactical and timing-focused, with all weapons and shields breaking after use, forcing the player to adapt and manage resources carefully. While some people find the controls slightly clunky and combat repetitive at times, the gameplay’s challenge adds to its rewarding feel. This is somewhat similar to something like the soulslikes titles, though, again, this title has a very light dose on those aspects, similar to the metroidvanias appeal.

The soundtrack and atmospheric design complement the visuals perfectly, immersing you in a mythic world that feels alive. Overall, Apotheon is a visually stunning and creatively ambitious indie title. Its combination of striking art, myth-inspired exploration, and strategic combat makes it a standout experience for fans of action-platformers and mythology.

Beautiful smooth looking game. Many of the levels and places have variety and different tone and theme contrasts. Both the subject matter and the genre fit and flow well with this. Nice variety of historical weapons and armor and descriptions thereof. (They did research!)

Voice acting and characters are very impressive and above the bar as well. Ever want to spit at a god's feet and give him the finger just to piss him off? be a defiant and unruly vagrant outlaw ruffian in the city of the Gods? Apotheon has you covered for meeting all your sacriligeous and heretical needs when it comes to seeking outlets for your mortal defiance. Also this soundtrack is fantastic. It's not quite orchestral, but has the epic feel. (Maybe the best soundtrack i've experienced in a game this year!)

For an indie game this game is pretty impressive and has a very short cast/credits, making it more so.

However, the game itself is nothing special. It's a pseudo metroidvania-lite. You dont have to kill all the bosses. Some bosses are just kinda lame and there isnt too much depth or originality with a lot of it. The loosey goosey controls of wielding polearms and not really having much control over doing thrusts and swings (that smack and flail around especially in tight corners without much finesse) truly do prevent this from being a 2D souls like game or even a proper SotN... it's also not an RPG, but you collect weapons that degrade and some bonuses for your character. To sum it up this game doesnt excel in any aspect of the game, and the experience of playing it is more of a conduit for the story and visual eye candy and immersion. It's not a hard game really, some spots only take a little patience, but you get so much pick ups, weapons etc, that you don't really have to grind for gear or abilities or any kind of upgrades to complete this game on the normal difficulty. It's definitely not the kind of game I would play on the unlocked harder difficulty modes though (because like I said the gameplay itself isnt the attraction)

Dont play this if you want a Salt and Sanctuary type experience or a skill/finesse based platforming / fighting game, you will be disappointed, you'll hate the atrocious way that you cannot delegate thrusts as opposed to swings and struggle to make your hits connect. But if you like mythos though this is really on point and offers a nice mix of audio visual backdrop against the wretched self righteousness and flaws of those supposedly better than us filthy mortals.

Apotheon is the latest title I've played that STILL shows how classic games from 20 years ago like elastomania and Madness Interactive have created an almost formulaic pattern for certain games. Not bad for a 10-12 hr experience that is essentially a visual narrative with wonky controls.

Surprisingly good for a 2D game. The combination of 2D action and open-world RPG reminds me (in a good way) of Simon's Quest way back on NES, the last time I played a game of its like.

Enjoyed the classic greek art aesthetic and the soundtrack. Fairly standard greek mythology narrative, though not bad and with just enough originality to make the ending worth reaching.