Games you must play if you like Christopher Nolan's Odyssey

The film industry has been completely taken over by news about Christopher Nolan's latest release. Everyone is constantly talking about how the movie turned out, how much money it earned, how much was invested, and, of course, the controversies surrounding it. Whether you like Odyssey or not, you simply have to admit that the industry comes to a standstill the moment a Nolan film hits theater screens worldwide.

So, if after Odyssey you still haven't had enough and want more of ancient Greece and myth, then gaming is the right place to look. This list aims to offer you a series of games that could satisfy you quite well and pull you deeper into the world of mythology and the history of a great civilization.

Titan Quest

For all fans of Diablo and other ARPG games, there is Titan Quest, which takes the player on a journey through ancient Greece, Egypt, and Asia in search of the Titans. The features of the game are well known to anyone who has played Diablo, meaning an isometric perspective, collecting equipment and items, and a multitude of historical locations filled with mythical monsters. Flexibility in combat is reflected in the ability to combine two main styles—magic and hand-to-hand combat.

Hades II

The sequel to the most acclaimed roguelike of all time is ideal for any fan of the genre. This time around, we take on the role of Melinoë, Princess of the Underworld and sister to Zagreus, with our sole goal being to kill the Titan of time, Chronos. On that path, only one thing is inevitable—we will die a lot, but that shouldn't discourage anyone, as it is the key mechanism for progression. Every death brings an opportunity to get to know the characters better, unlock better weapons, and gain new powers. The combat is extremely fast, and the soundtrack is brilliant, guaranteeing that you'll finish every run saying "just one more."

Achilles: Legends Untold

Today, it's impossible to imagine a themed list without at least one Soulslike game on it. As the name suggests, we are put in the shoes of Achilles, who has returned to the battlefield with the tough task of defeating a series of enemies designed to be a bit smarter than the standard ones we are used to—they will now group up, call out to each other, and attack from behind. In short, they are as cunning as Odysseus, so we are expected to be careful, use our shield to parry, and manage our stamina wisely, as every fight will be tense.

Immortals Fenyx Rising

If a list can't pass without a Soulslike game, then it can't pass without a Ubisoft title either. Immortals isn't the classic fare we are used to from this company; instead, it is a project that irresistibly resembles The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, but transposed into Greek mythology. This involves exploring a large island full of puzzles whose solving is crucial for progression and unlocking new abilities. Aside from those elements, the best part is the game's tone—it skillfully breaks the fourth wall and uses two narrators in the form of Zeus and Prometheus, who bicker and crack jokes throughout our entire adventure. In short, there is plenty of fun to be had here, making it a great pick for fans of mythology.

Apotheon

I believe there are quite a few of us who, at the mention of ancient Greece, immediately think of the visual style of those black-and-red figures on ancient vases. That is precisely what you will notice right away with Apotheon, a 2D action game where our goal is to climb to the top of Mount Olympus and square off against the gods who have abandoned humanity. Alongside the platforming that will be key, the game offers a variety of weapons with different pros and cons in terms of power, as well as strategic advantages. On top of that, there are puzzles that make the entire experience even more varied.

Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

Perhaps the best, and certainly the biggest game with this theme, is Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. This whole package is essentially a massive simulator of life in Ancient Greece, where we have our own ship, crew, and a vast archipelago to explore. Beyond that, I can guarantee you will get the liveliest realization of an ancient world ever seen in games and tons of content. However, it should be noted that typical Ubisoft tropes come along with it.

Age of Mythology (Retold)

It would be blasphemy to leave out the good old RTS that many grew up with, but this time in a beautified and modern edition. Instead of a classic strategy game where we control an army of humans, here we can also control Cyclopes who will gladly hurl people into the air, Hydras, or even Zeus himself to incinerate anything in his path. Of course, managing an army isn't the only thing we have to deal with—we must balance it with base building and resource gathering.

God of War (2018) / God of War Ragnarök

Although Kratos isn't in Greece in these installments—having visited the Norse realms instead—these games still earned a spot on the list for those who enjoy the epic spectacle offered by Nolan's films. Kratos here is older, more tired, and more emotional, trying to teach his son how to survive in a world where he isn't the most beloved. Sensationalism is guaranteed, cutscenes are at a cinematic level, and there are no camera cuts whatsoever. Still, this is a game, so there are challenges in the form of combat and puzzles standing in Kratos' path.

Total War Saga: TROY

While God of War has no direct connection to the Trojan War, Total War Saga: TROY definitely does, as its core premise revolves around managing an empire on a grand map of Ancient Greece during the Trojan War. The player can take control of legendary heroes like Achilles or Hector, with each faction having its own political motives, unique units, and style of warfare. Although mythology is part of the game, it is approached through the lens of historical reality, so mythical creatures like the Minotaur or Centaurs are depicted as flesh-and-blood elite warriors.

If you think I've unfairly left out a game, please leave it in the comments.