Loved The Odyssey? There's Only 1 Game You Should Be Playing Next

Christopher Nolan's The Odyssey has reignited interest in one of history's greatest adventure stories, reminding audiences why Homer's epic has endured for nearly three thousand years. The tale's combination of legendary monsters, warring gods, impossible choices, and a hero determined to return home continues to captivate modern viewers just as much as ancient listeners. Naturally, many fans will finish the film wanting another journey through Greek mythology.

While countless games borrow names or creatures from Greek legend, very few recreate the feeling of embarking on an epic voyage that stretches across entire civilizations. If you're searching for the perfect follow-up after The Odyssey, one franchise rises above the rest: Age of Mythology and Age of Mythology: Retold. More than simply featuring familiar mythological figures, this game franchise captures the grand scale, mythical danger, and heroic spirit that make Homer's masterpiece unforgettable.

Age Of Mythology Is An Epic Adventure Worthy Of Homer

At first glance, Age of Mythology may seem like an unusual recommendation. It is a real-time strategy game rather than an action adventure, and players spend plenty of time building settlements and commanding armies. Yet beneath its strategic gameplay lies one of gaming's most compelling mythological campaigns, one that feels very similar to the sweeping structure of The Odyssey.

The story follows Arkantos, an Atlantean admiral whose mission quickly grows far beyond a single military campaign. What begins as involvement in the Trojan War soon transforms into a globe-spanning quest involving ancient prophecies, divine intervention, and world-ending threats. Like Odysseus, Arkantos rarely stays in one place for long, constantly moving from one legendary destination to another.

Rather than presenting disconnected battles, the campaign tells one continuous narrative across more than thirty missions. Every victory introduces new allies, fresh challenges, and increasingly dangerous enemies. The result is a lengthy heroic odyssey in its own right, where each destination feels like another chapter in a larger myth instead of an isolated level.

Age Of Mythology Has Familiar Gods, Heroes, And Legendary Monsters

One of the greatest parts of The Odyssey is recognizing the legendary figures who shape Odysseus' journey. Gods influence mortal affairs, mythical beasts lurk beyond every horizon, and ancient heroes leave their mark on every corner of Greece. Age of Mythology embraces that same sense of wonder by placing mythology at the center of every mission.

Players encounter famous Olympian gods while also exploring Egyptian and Norse mythology, creating an ambitious crossover of ancient legends. Zeus, Poseidon, and Hades each influence gameplay through unique divine abilities, while numerous lesser gods unlock additional powers and legendary creatures that dramatically change every battle.

The monsters themselves are equally memorable. Cyclopes, Minotaurs, Hydras, Chimeras, Frost Giants, Mummies, and countless other mythical beings aren't merely decorative references. They become powerful units capable of turning entire battles around with devastating special abilities. For anyone who enjoyed watching Odysseus outwit mythical creatures, seeing these legends come alive on the battlefield delivers an entirely different, but equally satisfying, experience.

Even better, heroes aren't ordinary soldiers. They occupy a special place within the game's combat system, standing apart from standard units much like the legendary champions of Greek mythology. Their presence reinforces the idea that extraordinary individuals can alter the course of history, echoing one of Homer's central themes.

Age of Mythology Has A Journey Across Ancient Civilizations

One reason The Odyssey remains so enjoyable is its constantly changing setting. Odysseus sails from island to island, visiting kingdoms, mysterious shores, enchanted lands, and distant civilizations. The changing scenery keeps every chapter fresh while expanding the scope of the adventure beyond Greece itself.

Age of Mythology creates a similar sense of exploration by sending players across multiple mythological cultures. One mission might unfold near the walls of Troy, while the next ventures into the deserts surrounding the Nile before eventually reaching the icy landscapes of Scandinavia. Every location introduces different architectural styles, military forces, and legendary creatures inspired by local mythology.

This diversity prevents the lengthy campaign from becoming repetitive. Instead of recycling identical objectives, the story continually introduces fresh environments and new gameplay ideas. Some scenarios focus on large-scale warfare, while others focus on protecting key characters, recovering sacred relics, or surviving overwhelming enemy attacks. The variety mirrors the unpredictable nature of Homer's famous voyage.

Because each civilization possesses unique strengths, players also experience mythology from several different perspectives. Rather than focusing solely on Greek legends, the campaign expands into an interconnected world where multiple pantheons coexist. That bigger mythological canvas makes the adventure feel even grander than many modern fantasy games.

Why Retold Is the Best Version to Play

Although the original Age of Mythology debuted in 2002, Age of Mythology: Retold modernizes nearly every aspect without losing what made the classic memorable. Updated visuals, improved lighting, redesigned character models, smoother animations, and numerous quality-of-life upgrades make returning to the game far easier for today's players.

The remake also streamlines several management systems that could overwhelm newcomers. Resource collection, unit controls, interface improvements, and numerous gameplay refinements help reduce unnecessary frustration while preserving the strategic depth longtime fans expect. Nostalgic players got a faithful recreation, while first-time players can enjoy a significantly more approachable experience.

Importantly, the campaign itself remains the centerpiece. The storytelling, cinematic sequences, memorable characters, and mythological atmosphere remain intact while benefiting from modern presentation. That balance between preservation and improvement explains why the remake has earned praise from both longtime strategy fans and newcomers discovering the series for the first time.

Even if you've never played a real-time strategy game before, the campaign gradually introduces new mechanics instead of overwhelming players immediately. New civilizations, myth units, and divine abilities appear naturally as the story progresses, making the learning curve feel surprisingly welcoming.

Age Of Mythology Is More Than Strategy, It's A Mythological Epic

Many strategy games focus almost entirely on mechanics, treating their stories as little more than excuses for another battle. Age of Mythology takes a different approach by placing its narrative front and center. Characters develop throughout the campaign, rivalries evolve, betrayals reshape the plot, and the stakes steadily escalate until the finale feels appropriately mythic.

That emphasis on storytelling makes the game particularly appealing for audiences coming directly from The Odyssey. Rather than simply commanding anonymous armies, players become invested in recurring heroes whose personal journeys continue from one mission to the next. The campaign builds emotional momentum in much the same way an epic poem unfolds chapter after chapter.

The game's presentation also deserves recognition. Orchestral music, cinematic cutscenes, beautiful environmental design, and imaginative creature animations combine to create an atmosphere that celebrates mythology instead of merely borrowing from it. Every battlefield feels like another legendary tale waiting to be told.

Ultimately, that's why Age of Mythology: Retold stands apart from countless other games inspired by ancient Greece. It doesn't simply feature Greek mythology, it embraces the scale, imagination, and adventurous spirit that define Homer's greatest work. For anyone leaving The Odyssey eager for another unforgettable mythological journey, there's no better destination waiting than this modern revival of one of strategy gaming's greatest classics.

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  Age of Mythology

  Systems

  

  Released October 30, 2002

  ESRB t

  Developer(s) Ensemble Studios

  Publisher(s) Microsoft Game Studios

  Engine BANG! Engine

  Multiplayer Local Multiplayer

  Franchise Age of Mythology

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  Age of Mythology: Retold

  Systems

  

  Released September 4, 2024

  ESRB T For Teen Due To Violence

  Developer(s) World's Edge, Forgotten Empires, Capture Age, Tantalus Media, Virtuos

  Publisher(s) Xbox Game Studios

  Engine BANG! Engine

  Multiplayer Online Multiplayer

  Franchise Age of Mythology, Age of Empires

  Steam Deck Compatibility Unknown