Step into a world where ancient myths come alive in this real-time strategy game released in 2002 for PC and Mac. Instead of focusing on historical accuracy, this title draws its power from the rich tapestry of Greek, Egyptian, and Norse mythology. Players command vast armies, build thriving settlements, and harness the favor of powerful deities to overcome their rivals. The core experience revolves around resource management, unit production, and strategic combat, all set against a backdrop of epic mythological narratives.

The Epic Saga of Arkantos

The game's campaign follows the journey of Arkantos, an Atlantean admiral. His quest takes him across diverse lands, pitting him against mythical creatures and the wrath of Poseidon himself. This narrative thread weaves through the strategic gameplay, offering a compelling reason to push forward and explore the unique cultures and their divine patrons.

Advancing Through the Ages of Myth

A central mechanic is the advancement through four distinct "Ages": Archaic, Classical, Heroic, and Mythic. Each progression unlocks new technologies, units, and strategic options, allowing players to adapt their approach and strengthen their civilization. To advance, players must gather resources and construct specific prerequisite buildings, creating a satisfying loop of development and expansion.

Choosing Your Divine Path

Players select one of three distinct playable cultures: the Greeks, Egyptians, or Norse. Each culture is further defined by its pantheon of gods. Before a match begins, a "major god" is chosen, influencing the civilization's unique strengths and abilities. As players advance through the Ages, they also select "minor gods," each bestowing further distinct technologies, powerful myth units, and a potent, single-use "god power." These divine interventions can dramatically shift the tide of battle, offering a unique strategic layer not found in many other real-time strategy titles.

What makes the gameplay unique?

The game distinguishes itself through its deep integration of mythology into its gameplay mechanics. The ability to call upon divine intervention through god powers, summon legendary mythical units, and tailor your civilization's progression through the selection of major and minor gods provides a rich and varied strategic experience. The focus on these mythological elements, rather than historical settings, offers a fresh perspective on the real-time strategy genre.

Core Gameplay Loop

The fundamental gameplay loop involves gathering resources such as food, wood, gold, and favor. These resources are used to train villagers, construct buildings, research technologies, and produce military units. Players must balance economic development with military might, defending their settlements while launching offensives against opponents. The strategic depth comes from understanding the strengths and weaknesses of different units, leveraging god powers effectively, and adapting to the evolving battlefield.

Key Features

Three distinct playable mythological civilizations: Greek, Egyptian, and Norse.
A deep advancement system through four Ages, unlocking new units and technologies.
The ability to choose major and minor gods, each granting unique units, technologies, and powerful god powers.
A compelling campaign that blends mythological storytelling with strategic gameplay.
Diverse unit types, including powerful mythical creatures unique to each civilization.