SNK 1987

Platformer / Action

NES

 

Athena

I am Athena. They call me the Goddess of Wisdom, but I have grown weary of my dull life in the castle. The Fantasy World beyond the castle walls beckons to me! Strange and fearsome creatures will attack me at every turn. But I will find weapons along the way: a ball and chain, a bow and arrow, or a mighty sword will be my defense! In the Fantasy World, I can put on wings and take to the sky, or become a mermaid to explore the ocean depths. There, the Goddess of Wisdom can become the Princess of Victory!

 

Athena
Athena is a combat focused action platformer. The controls aren't the most responsive but it isn't a deal breaker since the platforming takes a back seat to the battling. As an early action game, Athena unfortunately lacks the depth found in similar games such as Mega Man or Castlevania. It does however offer a very challenging race against the clock as you fight and smash your path through each of the eight stages.

Athena has the interesting ability to pick up a vanquished enemy's weapon and use it as her own. By smashing blocks, you can find additional equipment in the form of armor, shields and helmets. This equipment not only increases your survivability, but may be required for some bosses and enemies that are only vulnerable to certain mythological artifacts. You won't have enough time to smash every block in each stage but exploration is almost always rewarded in Athena.