Rise of the Argonauts

About the Game

Released in 2008, Rise of the Argonauts was developed by Liquid Entertainment and published by Codemasters. It is a third-person action RPG built almost entirely around Greek mythology, offering a mature reinterpretation of the legendary tale of Jason and the Argonauts. Rather than strictly following the ancient myths, the game presents an original narrative in which the Olympian gods, legendary heroes, and mythical monsters shape the fate of the world.

The story begins in the kingdom of Iolcus, where Alcmene, Jason's wife, is murdered during an unexpected attack on their wedding celebration. Devastated by her death, Jason learns of the legendary Golden Fleece, a divine artifact said to possess the power to overcome death itself. Determined to restore Alcmene to life, he assembles the greatest heroes of Greece and sets sail aboard the Argo, embarking on one of mythology's most famous voyages.

Throughout the adventure, Jason encounters many legendary figures from Greek mythology. Heroes such as Heracles, Achilles, Atalanta, and Pan join his crew, while enemies include Centaurs, Satyrs, Gorgons, Minotaurs, undead warriors, and other mythical creatures. The Olympian gods—Ares, Apollo, Hermes, and Athena—also play a central role, influencing Jason's development according to the choices the player makes during conversations and quests.

One of the game's most distinctive features is its morality system. Instead of a traditional good-versus-evil alignment, player decisions earn the favor of different gods. Each deity rewards Jason with unique blessings, passive bonuses, and combat abilities, allowing character progression to reflect the player's personality and choices rather than a fixed class system.

Gameplay combines real-time melee combat with role-playing mechanics. Jason fights using swords, spears, maces, shields, and other weapons inspired by the Bronze Age, performing combos, powerful finishing moves, and divine abilities granted by the gods. His companions actively participate in battles, each bringing unique combat skills and tactical advantages that encourage different approaches to encounters.

Exploration takes players across kingdoms, temples, sacred forests, underground ruins, and ancient cities inspired by classical Greece. While the locations are fictionalized interpretations rather than historical recreations, the game's architecture, statues, monuments, and artistic design faithfully evoke the atmosphere of the ancient Greek world and its mythology.

Unlike many RPGs of its era, Rise of the Argonauts places considerable emphasis on dialogue and storytelling. Conversations frequently offer meaningful choices that influence relationships with companions, determine quest outcomes, and shape Jason's reputation among both mortals and gods. This narrative focus gives the adventure a more cinematic feel than many contemporary action RPGs.

Instead of relying on a conventional experience-point system, character progression revolves around Divine Favor. As Jason earns the approval of the Olympian gods, he unlocks new combat techniques, defensive abilities, and passive enhancements through divine constellations, encouraging multiple playstyles and rewarding different role-playing decisions.

Even years after its release, it remains one of the very few RPGs centered on the legend of Jason and the Argonauts, making it a unique entry for anyone interested in games inspired by ancient Greece and its legendary heroes.

Rise of the Argonauts Trailer