Nolan’s The Odyssey has arrived in theaters, sparking renewed interest in the ancient Greek epic. For those walking out of the cinema with a desire to explore similar themes of adventure, mythology, and long-distance journeys, several video games offer a way to engage with that classic atmosphere.
Greek Mythology and Exploration
If you are looking for direct ties to the source material, a few titles stand out for their setting and character roster:
- Assassin’s Creed Odyssey: While set centuries after the poem, it captures the geography and culture of Greece. The core narrative features a protagonist on a journey across the ocean to find their family, mirroring the thematic heart of the epic.
- Hades and Hades 2: These titles are essential for fans of Greek gods like Poseidon and Athena. The sequel, Hades 2, specifically includes Odysseus himself as a character who recounts his past.
- Immortals: Fenyx Rising: This exploration-focused game features a shipwrecked protagonist and appearances by legendary figures, including Achilles, Heracles, and Odysseus. It captures a "vibe-y" sense of adventure through ruins and mythical encounters.
Strategy and Classic Action
For players who prefer tactical or combat-heavy experiences, the following games lean into the history and combat of the era:
- Total War Saga: Troy: This strategy title focuses on the Trojan War. It features a roster of familiar faces from The Iliad and The Odyssey, including Agamemnon, Paris, and Hector, with Odysseus serving as a playable faction leader.
- God of War Series: The original trilogy and various spinoffs are set in ancient Greece, featuring gods and monsters like sirens and cyclopes. For a more modern experience, Sons of Sparta acts as a prequel Metroidvania where players encounter the mythological figure Circe.
Thematic Connections and Atmosphere
Sometimes the connection to a story isn't about the literal setting, but the feeling of the journey:
- The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker: While not set in ancient Greece, its emphasis on sailing across a treacherous sea captures the navigational perils of Odysseus’ voyage.
- The Forgotten City: Originating as a Skyrim mod, this mystery game explores the morality of human-god relationships, echoing the philosophical inquiries found within the original epic.
- Rime: This puzzle game follows a boy washed up on an island seeking his lost father. It captures the sense of isolation, mystery, and grief inherent in the story of The Odyssey without requiring explicit historical references.
- Kingdom Hearts: Due to the inclusion of the Disney film Hercules, the series features levels set in a fictionalized version of ancient Greece. The first entry also mirrors the journey of a character attempting to return home to his friends and family.