Reviews

Greek mythology has always been a great source of drama. There are tough heroes, wise kings, beautiful princesses and brutal deaths that spark furious wars. Jason and the Argonauts is one of the most iconic of these myths thanks to those magnificent Ray Harryhausen skeletons and Rise of the Argonauts likewise attempts an epic exploration of Jason's famous voyage.

The start of our tale cuts straight to the moment King Jason is about to marry his beloved Alceme, but the ceremony is interrupted by a Blacktongue assassin. Jason is so full of remorse at Alceme's death that he's desperate to find a way to bring her back to life and extract revenge on the Blacktongues (who he'd previously thought extinct).

The photographer's here boys, be sure to give him a nice "mean n moody" pose

Jason and his hetero-lifemate Hercules decide to seek council from the Oracle, who lives in the uncharted realm of Delphi, as she may know where the magical Golden Fleece resides. With it Jason can bring Alceme back to life but first he has to set his affairs in order in Iolcus. He leaves Pelias in charge and seeks advice from local mystic, Pandora, who recommends he enlist the help of ex-Blacktongue witch Medea.

Rise of the Argonauts attempts to simplify the RPG experience by doing away with HUDs and health bars. This means a lucky blow from an enemy's sword or spear could potentially kill you instantly, but this isn't as likely as it sounds; the fights are rather tepid and very easy to win, even in a gladiatorial arena with half a dozen Myceneans after your blood.

You shouldn't believe everything you hear, love.

Despite getting rid of the HUD, you nevertheless still have to manually access a God menu to exchange good deeds for 'God Powers'. These deeds are earned by being a wise leader amongst your people, like breaking bad news to fathers who've lost sons in battle, or giving soldiers hope with a stirring speech. If you act selfishly it'll hurt your reputation.