Video games have long drawn inspiration from mythical worlds, blending ancient legends and fantastical elements into immersive and interactive experiences. Whether through open-world exploration, combat systems, or puzzle-solving, these games bring to life the gods, heroes, and monsters of mythologies across the globe. Here are 10 of the best video games that transport players into mythical realms, drawing from ancient stories, legends, and folklore.
1. God of War (2018) & God of War: Ragnarok (2022)
- Mythology: Norse Mythology
- Platform: PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC (for 2018 version)
- Overview: God of War reimagines Greek mythology through the story of Kratos, a former Greek god who has moved to the world of Norse mythology. The game’s narrative delves into Norse pantheon, featuring gods like Thor, Odin, and Freya, as well as mythical creatures and locations like Midgard, Jotunheim, and Asgard. God of War: Ragnarok continues Kratos’s journey with even more of the Norse gods, and the depiction of mythic elements is both rich and immersive.
2. The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt
- Mythology: Slavic Mythology
- Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Overview: Set in a dark fantasy world influenced by Slavic folklore, The Witcher 3 puts players in the role of Geralt of Rivia, a monster hunter who faces off against creatures inspired by mythic legends. From Vampires to Werewolves and Basilisks, the game is packed with mythical beasts, legends, and folk tales, alongside a deep narrative and choice-driven gameplay.
3. Hades
- Mythology: Greek Mythology
- Platform: PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation, Xbox
- Overview: Hades is a rogue-like dungeon crawler where players control Zagreus, the son of Hades, as he attempts to escape the Underworld. The game brings to life a vast number of Greek gods, including Zeus, Athena, and Ares, as well as mythical figures like Cerberus and the Furies. With a mix of combat, narrative, and strategy, the game brilliantly reinterprets the ancient Greek myth of the Underworld and the gods who reside there.
4. Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
- Mythology: Greek Mythology
- Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Stadia
- Overview: Set during the Peloponnesian War, Assassin’s Creed Odyssey plunges players into a vast open-world recreation of Ancient Greece, filled with legendary characters and myths. From battling the Minotaur to confronting mythical creatures, the game mixes history with myth, letting players experience Greek legends firsthand while interacting with gods like Zeus and Poseidon.
5. Immortals Fenyx Rising
- Mythology: Greek and Roman Mythology
- Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Overview: A light-hearted action-adventure game inspired by Greek mythology, Immortals Fenyx Rising lets players control Fenyx, a mortal who is tasked with saving the gods from a curse. Along the way, players encounter gods like Zeus and Aphrodite, as well as mythical creatures like Cyclopes and Chimera. The world of Olympus is vibrant and steeped in myth, offering puzzles and combat inspired by ancient tales.
6. Dark Souls Series
- Mythology: Various Mythologies (Primarily European)
- Platform: PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch
- Overview: The Dark Souls series draws heavily on European folklore and mythology, creating a world where gods, titans, and mythical creatures are all part of a dark, melancholic narrative. The games feature powerful figures like Gwyn, the god of sunlight, and Seath the Scaleless, a dragon who’s connected to themes of betrayal and immortality. Its lore is dense, weaving together themes of decay, rebirth, and the struggle against fate.
7. Persona 5
- Mythology: Various Mythologies (Including Greek, Norse, and Japanese)
- Platform: PlayStation, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Overview: Persona 5 integrates mythological figures from various cultures as Personas—manifestations of the characters’ inner selves. Players encounter gods, demigods, and mythical creatures from Greek, Egyptian, Norse, and even Shinto mythologies. Characters summon these mythic beings in turn-based combat as they journey through Palaces and face inner demons.
8. Okami
- Mythology: Japanese Mythology
- Platform: PlayStation, Xbox, Nintendo Switch, PC
- Overview: Okami is a visually stunning action-adventure game set in a mythical version of Japan, where players control Amaterasu, the Japanese sun goddess, in the form of a wolf. The game is deeply inspired by Shinto mythology, featuring gods like Susanoo, Orochi, and many others. Players embark on a journey to restore the land’s beauty by harnessing the power of the celestial brush, an artistic mechanic that ties into the theme of creation and rebirth.
9. Zelda: Breath of the Wild
- Mythology: Various Myths (With connections to Celtic, Greek, and Norse influences)
- Platform: Nintendo Switch
- Overview: The Legend of Zelda series is known for drawing from various mythologies, and Breath of the Wild is no exception. The game’s world is filled with references to ancient gods, legends, and mythical creatures. While Hyrule itself isn’t based on one specific mythology, it combines Celtic, Norse, and Japanese mythic traditions, especially through its creatures and the lore surrounding the Divine Beasts and Guardians.
10. Rygar: The Legendary Adventure
- Mythology: Greek and Roman Mythology
- Platform: PlayStation 2, Xbox
- Overview: In Rygar: The Legendary Adventure, players take on the role of Rygar, a legendary warrior who battles monsters, gods, and mythical creatures in a world influenced by Greek and Roman mythology. The game mixes mythic creatures, such as giant serpents and titans, with combat and exploration as Rygar seeks to defeat the evil tyrant and restore peace to the realm.
Conclusion
These mythology-based video games demonstrate the lasting appeal and versatility of ancient myths in modern entertainment. They use mythology not just as a backdrop for fantasy worlds, but as a central theme that informs their characters, storylines, and gameplay mechanics. Whether you’re battling gods, solving ancient puzzles, or exploring legendary realms, these games offer a unique way to engage with the mythologies of old while immersing yourself in worlds full of wonder, danger, and mystery.
Do you have a favorite game from this list, or one that you’d add to the mix? Let me know which mythical worlds you love to explore! 🌟🎮