Apotheon

🎮 Steam ⏳ 11 hours ⭐⭐⭐⭐ (4/5)

Mythic Visual Identity #

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.

Gods and Exploration #

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.

Tactical Fragile Combat #

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.

Atmosphere and Impact #

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.