Mythology & Gaming: Top 5 Titles

Mythology remains one of the most recognizable genres of pop culture. From films like Thor: Ragnorok to Wrath of the Titans to The Mummy, viewers pack into theatres to see their favorite historical tales rehashed. Even music tends to loop back to the past, including Led Zeppelin’s Immigrant Song and Kylie Minogue’s Aphrodite.

The emphasis often falls on Ancient Greek, Norse, and Egyptian myths and legends. Still, the modern interest in old-world mythology spans many cultures. It’s not just a way to explore the past, but also to re-explore human conditions like love and betrayal, along with natural phenomena like winter and lightning.

But neither films nor music have touched on ancient mythology quite like video games. After all, games let players explore mythological concepts even more in-depth—often by playing gods, demigods, and heroes themselves. For example, the latest Assassin’s Creed release (Valhalla), explores medieval England and Norway and includes run-ins with gods like Odin, Freya, and Tyr.

On a smaller scale, casino gamers are also familiar with the popularity of mythology—especially when it comes to slots. Companies like LuckyLand offer slots online, which cover mythology from around the world. There’s Vaults of Valhalla for fans of Norse mythology, Oasis of Wilds for those with an interest in Arabian nights, and Clover Cash for gamers who like Celtic themes—just to name a few.

But when it comes to the biggest projects to undertake mythology from a research-based perspective, which titles have stood the test of time? Let’s take a look at five of the top myth-based games.

God of War (Series)

Greek & Norse Mythology

Back in 2005, Sony Interactive took a stab at an action-adventure game based on Greek mythology. The story, which now spans eight titles, covers a hero who first batters through the Greek pantheon to find his loved ones. In 2018, Sony rehashed the series by adapting it for the Norse pantheon.

The series has nabbed multiple awards, including the Game of the Year nod for its 2005 and 2018 releases. At the heart of these awards is spectacular gameplay—along with a close retelling of the myths, gods, and adventures many know and love.

Never Alone (Kisima Ingitchuna)

Iñupiaq Mythology

Not all mythological games take a look at the most well-known civilizations. In fact, interest in the genre has led to new games that highlight specific regional beliefs. One such project is Never Alone, released by Upper One Games in 2014, which covers the Iñupiaq myth about a little girl, an arctic fox, and a raging blizzard.

The puzzle game includes documentary-style scenes, along with dozens of other legends and callbacks to the Iñupiaq people of Alaska. The game is celebrated for its non-traditional format and dream-like atmosphere. A sequel was announced early in 2022.

Ōkami

Japanese Mythology

Released back in 2006, Okami has remained one of the most popular mythological games for its unique graphic design and unparalleled storytelling. The game focuses on sun goddess Amaterasu and her adventures as a white wolf in medieval Japan. The game involves puzzles and action, but truly delivers on atmosphere, tricky challenges, and painstaking attention to detail.

Hades

Greek Mythology

This project from Supergiant Games is a rogue-like dungeon adventure, which means players have to navigate a dungeon or, in this case, the Underworld. Hades tells the story of the God of Death’s son, Zagreus, as he attempts to flee to the Mortal Realm.

Along the way, he finds himself in contact with beings familiar to those who enjoy the Greek pantheon, from Zeus himself to hydra monsters, the River Styx, and even the hero Achilles.

Raji: An Ancient Journey

Indian Mythology

Back in 2020, Nodding Heads Games released one of the most robust explorations of ancient culture and mythology. Raji follows one woman’s quest to save her brother from a legion of demons. To do so, she’ll find herself in close contact with gods like Vishnu and Durga.

The game has been hailed for its incorporation of Hindu Mythology which, to date, has seen relatively little coverage from Western gamers. From its Pahari painting-inspired graphics to its in-game architecture, the project oozes realistic and accurate details.

Galit Gordon

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I'm a published author and proud US Army veteran who happens to be a gamer, so I decided to combine the two and love every minute of it! Feel free to contact me with any questions or comments and I'll be sure to get back to you.