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GODS
From the manual:
The Story
A city lost in legend
An unconquered warrior seeking reward
A challenge laid down by the Gods
The greatest prize of all - Immortality
4 great events combine to bring forth a burning legend.
Re-live that legend
Who would have thought that a man would be so foolish or so daring as to accept a challenge laid down by the Gods? And yet one came forward to claim the right to test his skills and strengths against a city so legendary its name alone struck fear in the hearts of all who heard it spoken.
Firstly, let us talk of this city.
None can be sure that the city even exists for no-one has ever seen it. It was built by the Gods, a plaything, great temples, hidden underworlds, fiendish labyrinths and soaring towers. It is a city stolen by the forces of darkness, the abode of nightmare hosts, the dwelling of fearsome killers, the dominion of four great guardians.
Secondly who is the hero?
Has anyone matched him in battle? No. Has he ever turned aside from his sole quest? Never. Is he not therefore a hero among heroes? Undoubtedly.
In his travels our warrior has become skilled in all the weapons of war; he is strong and he is unflinching, what of all the prizes of the world does he seek? He wishes to join those fickle masters of the human race - the Gods themselves.
Thirdly I shall recount the challenge of the Gods
Were the Gods only joking when they laid down their challenge? Uncaring and unthinking on Mount Olympus they thought that no-one would hear their rash words:
Any man may earn through skill and courage a single favour of the Gods if he will face the fear of the ancient city and slay the four great guardians who have stolen our citadel from us.
Through their contempt for man did they not bring about their own undoing? For never before had such an untames reward been offered to the mortals. But who from the ranks of man would face destruction at such odds? Surely none.
Only one.
Finally, what did the hero ask of the Gods?
Immortality breeds contempt and the Gods, so long uncaring for the events of man, know nothing of the exploits of our hero. He stands before them showing neither fear nor disdain and asks the Gods that shall he return, fulfilling completely their quest, he will join them as an equal and a brother.
The horror, the impertinence the mistake realized too late, the gateway lies open to their domain where no mortal man ever trod before.
But the word of the Gods may not be broken and only the hope of the hero's failure comforts them as the warrior departs for the city of legends, preparing to carve one more story on its walls...
Review
When Gods was released for the Amiga/ST in 1991, it was instantly regarded as one of the most polished platform games around, and one of the Bitmap Brothers finest games.
Set in a mythical city over four levels, (each consisting of three 'worlds') the player takes control of a warrior capable of jumping, throwing weapons climbing ladders and picking up and carrying items to aid him in his quest for immortality, a reward from the gods should he succeed. Typically an item or items are required to be carried from point A to point B, often resulting in the reward of the world key and access to the next world. Sounds simple? Gods is anything but a simple platform game.
Firstly finding the required items isn't always easy, some head scratching moments are usually in order before the solution presents itself. Secondly, the numerous levels in Gods are inhabited by all sorts of weird and wonderful monsters. These are not dumb clones either. The Gods monsters are blessed with some of the most sophisticated A.I anyone had seen in 1991. They can even dodge your attacks and figure out a better strategy for attacking you, (very impressive). (This intelligence can be turned to your advantage though) As if that wasn't enough already, the game itself also monitors your progress and alters the difficulty level accordingly to suit your skills. Complete a world convincingly with a lot of lives and energy, and the chances are that you wont find it quite so easy on the next world.
The graphics are also truly wonderful. The main character is represented by a muscle-bound hero who is very well animated and moves responsively. The monsters are also very well designed and are beautifully realised, ranging from strange ape like creatures who walk on their hands, to flying fiends who defy classification! Backgrounds are typically Greek looking in design suiting the theme of the game perfectly and are always gorgeous.
Sound effects are also used brilliantly in Gods. Platforms slamming shut in the distance, (as a result of a lever) grinding traps, screaming monsters, creaking doors and the swoosh of weapons as they fly through the air towards their victims are all just some of the aural treats to be experienced. There is no in game music, but there is an excellent intro tune that you will return to listen to again and again.
Gods is the sort of game that you will return to over and over to discover the hidden features and areas (of which there are plenty) or maybe just to beat an old highscore. A true classic among platform games that will be enjoyed by anyone with even the slightest interest in the genre. This game is simply one of the Bitmap Brothers greatest ever, and is not to be missed.