Athena

Game Details:

Athena was officially released by SNK in July 1986 for the Arcade and was later ported to home consoles such as the NES. The game follows the story of the mischievous Princess Athena of the Heavenly Kingdom, who opens a forbidden door out of boredom and accidentally enters the "Fantasy World," a realm teeming with ferocious beasts and demons. To return to the heavens and restore peace, she must traverse eight perilous stages—including forests, caves, and oceans—to defeat the ultimate evil boss. With its grand setting and unique art style, the game's innovative "outfit change" and "equipment destruction" systems caused a sensation at the time. This title also marks the debut of Athena, SNK's iconic star character.

Game Guide:

The core gameplay revolves around action platforming and weapon collection.

Players start with only a kick attack. Defeating specific enemies grants weapons like swords, hammers, and bows, as well as armor and shields. Equipment comes in various levels; picking up the same item type will upgrade it. However, armor breaks when hit by enemies, so players must always be mindful of their defense.

The game is packed with hidden elements, and breaking certain walls can reveal secret items. Pro-tip: In the first stage (Forest), farm red skeletons to max out your weapons and armor to conserve strength. When facing aerial enemies, use the sword's upward hitbox to counterattack.

The final boss, the Giant Demon, has multiple forms. Use the bow for long-range poke damage during the initial phase. Once it transforms, quickly switch to the Golden Sword for close-quarters combat. Strike the abdomen during intervals between its fire-breathing attacks. Don't overcommit to your attacks—just maintain your jumping rhythm to clear the game.