Summary
Greek mythology has been used as a source of inspiration in entertainment for centuries, and it continues to be a prevalent part of the industry today. Movies likeWonder Woman,TV shows likePercy Jackson and the Olympians, and novels likeCirceandMythoshave all been major hits in recent years. Similar successes can be found in the realm of video games, withHadesand the recently releasedAge of Mythology: Retoldbeing two key examples.
A remake of the 2002 real-time strategy game,Age of Mythology: Retoldbrings four distinct pantheons to the table, with Greek mythology taking center stage on the box art and during the game’s campaign. There are over 10 well-known Greek gods and goddesses present inAge of Mythology: Retold, and that means there are plenty of familiar faces for those who have already played Supergiant’sHades.
Age of Mythology: Retold’s Greek Gods Are Quite Different From Hades'
Comparing The Visual Designs of Age of Mythology: Retold and Hades' Greek Gods
Two lengthy games revolving entirely around Greek mythology, theHadesduology puts well over 30 Greek gods, goddesses, and heroes in the spotlight. Naturally, there’s not enough room here to list each similarity and difference betweenHades' Greek godsand those found inAge of Mythology: Retold, but there are some key points of comparison that connect almost every character design.
In general,Hadesand its sequel adopt a much more stylized direction for their character models, portraying these godly figures in a more cartoony, almost caricature-like way.Age of Mythology: Retold, on the other hand, aims for a more realistic portrayal of its Greek gods and goddesses, taking clear inspiration from ancient art and sculptures.
Some good examples of this key difference can be found with the Major Gods, Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades. While all three of these iconic gods share some key, identifiable elements across theirAge of MythologyandHadesdepictions, the latter’s designs have a much more unique flair. For instance, while lightning bolts are still an obvious motif in the design ofHades' Zeus, the more stylized Greek King of the Gods has an abundance of white hair and an impossibly large stature.
The same is true for pretty much all ofHades' character designs. While they retain the key elements that make them instantly recognizable, such as an iconic weapon or tool, they’re all very unique designs, and that makes them quite distinct fromAge of Mythology: Retold’s Greek line-up.
Comparing The Powers of Age of Mythology: Retold and Hades' Greek Gods
In bothHadesgames, players can receive Boons from the gods that grant them special abilities in combat. These Boons are all themed around each god’s specific power, just likeAge of Mythology: Retold’s God Powers, which are unlocked upon recruiting a Minor God in each new technological age.
There are some interesting similarities betweenAge of Mythology’s God Powers andHades' Boons. For instance, Athena’s Restoration God Power heals ally units and buildings, which is similar to a few of Athena’s Boons inHades, such as Last Stand, which restores more health after the player uses a Death Defiance. Ares is another great example, with his Pestilence God Power bringing a plague upon enemy units and buildings, and several of his Boons inHadesinflicting enemies with the Doom status effect.
Age of Mythology: Retold
WHERE TO PLAY
From the creators of the award-winning Age of Empires franchise, Age of Mythology: Retold goes beyond history to a mythical age where gods, monsters, and humans collide. Combining the best elements of the beloved Age of Mythology with modern real-time strategy design and visuals, Retold is an epic and innovative experience for old and new players alike. Secure your domain, command legendary monsters, and call upon the power of the gods to crush your enemies.Will you become Mythic?Call Upon the GodsChoose your gods from the Greek, Norse, Egyptian, and Atlantean pantheons. Devastate your enemies by summoning powerful lightning storms, earth-shattering quakes, and even the famed Nidhogg dragon. Or call upon nourishing rains and protective Dryads to help your people grow & prosper.Unleash the MonstersUnleash Centaurs, Trolls, Mummies, and more. From bejeweled crocodiles who harness the power of the sun to the mighty one-eyed Cyclops, you will command diverse units inspired by the world’s great mythologies.An Epic Mythological UniverseEmbark on multiple campaigns spanning 50-missions that take you across a vast, mythical world: besiege the mighty walls of Troy, battle Giants in the frozen wastes of Midgard, and discover the mysteries of Osiris in the shifting sands of Egypt. Become a hero of myth—or even a god.Better with FriendsPlay with your friends, either head-to-head or against the advanced AI on dozens of randomly generated maps and scenarios for limitless re-playability.
