In the halcyon days of the 1980s, there were few computer roleplaying games (CRPGs) that weren't derivative of Tolkien and/or Dungeons & Dragons. Fewer still sought to provide any kind of educational value for their players. One of few CRPGs that excelled in both areas was The Return of Heracles by Stuart Smith.
Set in Bronze Age Greece and based on some the most famous tales from Greek mythology, in The Return of Heracles the player(s) assume control of one or more legendary or historical heroes, including Achilles, Jason, and mighty Heracles! Tales of these mighty men and women (and animals) have thrilled audiences for millennia, including myself. In grade school, I read the fantastic D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths many, many, many times at the local library.
In order to win the game, the player(s) must complete a dozen tasks which, as one might expect from the title, are drawn mostly from the Labors of Heracles, but also include other classics from Greek mythology, such as solving the Riddle of the Sphinx and retrieving the Golden Fleece. Upon completion, the player receives points (with bonus for speed) and usually gets an in-game treasure, buff or other reward as well.
The game mechanic is simple but straightforward and adds to the breezy fun. The soundtrack, though technologically an artifact of its day, is apt and evocative. And, the open sandbox design of the game world avoids railroading, a common problem for many CRPGs even to the present day.
Messr Smith's humor and cleverness are evident throughout The Return of Heracles. There are 250 NPCs with individual stats, factions and motivations, such as Inebriated Thief and Not-very-smart Thief. And just walking through a door can be hazardous!
Original, colorful and full of obvious admiration of the source material, this game is a masterwork. If you're a lover of Sword & Sandal or Greek mythology, The Return of Heracles is perhaps the best CRPG of the era and even if you only have a passing interest, it's worth a look. So strap on your greaves and hark back to a time when gods and monsters roamed the land.
But do avoid giving an obolus to Charon.
Set in Bronze Age Greece and based on some the most famous tales from Greek mythology, in The Return of Heracles the player(s) assume control of one or more legendary or historical heroes, including Achilles, Jason, and mighty Heracles! Tales of these mighty men and women (and animals) have thrilled audiences for millennia, including myself. In grade school, I read the fantastic D'Aulaires' Book of Greek Myths many, many, many times at the local library.
In order to win the game, the player(s) must complete a dozen tasks which, as one might expect from the title, are drawn mostly from the Labors of Heracles, but also include other classics from Greek mythology, such as solving the Riddle of the Sphinx and retrieving the Golden Fleece. Upon completion, the player receives points (with bonus for speed) and usually gets an in-game treasure, buff or other reward as well.
The game mechanic is simple but straightforward and adds to the breezy fun. The soundtrack, though technologically an artifact of its day, is apt and evocative. And, the open sandbox design of the game world avoids railroading, a common problem for many CRPGs even to the present day.
Messr Smith's humor and cleverness are evident throughout The Return of Heracles. There are 250 NPCs with individual stats, factions and motivations, such as Inebriated Thief and Not-very-smart Thief. And just walking through a door can be hazardous!
Original, colorful and full of obvious admiration of the source material, this game is a masterwork. If you're a lover of Sword & Sandal or Greek mythology, The Return of Heracles is perhaps the best CRPG of the era and even if you only have a passing interest, it's worth a look. So strap on your greaves and hark back to a time when gods and monsters roamed the land.
But do avoid giving an obolus to Charon.
SC's Parting Shot: 10 of 10
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