The Battle of Olympus (NES) Playthrough

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Published on July 5, 2025 12:00:00 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kW71UUs3vH0

Game:

The Battle of Olympus (1988)

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Playthrough of The Battle of Olympus, Brøderbund's 1989 side-scrolling action-adventure game for the NES.

The Battle of Olympus is a side-scrolling action-adventure game released for the NES in 1989 by Brøderbund in North America, originally developed by Infinity for the Famicom. Drawing inspiration from Greek mythology, the game places players in the role of Orpheus, a young hero on a quest to rescue his beloved Helene from the clutches of Hades. The story is loosely based on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice but is given a more action-oriented, combat-heavy interpretation suited for an NES platformer.

Gameplay is heavily reminiscent of Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, featuring a blend of exploration, platforming, and combat in a two-dimensional perspective. Players traverse various regions of ancient Greece, each with its own mythological creatures and hazards. Along the way, Orpheus gains items and powers bestowed by the gods, such as the Harp of Apollo and the Staff of Fennel, each of which unlocks new areas or combat abilities. The world is interconnected, encouraging backtracking and discovery.

Enemies range from mythological beasts like minotaurs and cyclopes to more standard platforming foes, and boss battles are usually tied to legendary monsters. The game features a stamina-based life meter, and combat requires timing and precision, especially with Orpheus' sword and shield. The visuals are colorful but restrained by NES limitations, and the music provides a heroic, adventurous atmosphere throughout the game.

Despite being overlooked compared to more prominent NES titles, The Battle of Olympus gained a cult following due to its challenging gameplay, well-integrated mythological theme, and detailed world design. It stood out as one of the more mature and narratively driven action games on the system and is still remembered by retro fans for its depth and mythic setting.