Shoot ’em up (shmup) games are a dime a dozen. It would take a lot for me to be interested in one. But Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island is the exact opposite of that: it’s a friend ’em up! Make friends with all the Greek Gods, though they may be having a bit of an identity crisis, in this narrative adventure game. You know you’re intrigued!
Alex is a rookie backpacker taking a break from a stressful modern life. Her trip is interrupted when they end up shipwrecked on Ambrosia Island, a gorgeous place of myth and sunshine. Ambrosio Island also happens to be home to the gods we all know from Greek mythology; that being said, they don’t necessarily know who they are. Some are harder to meet than others, but they’re all there.
Alex will explore the island using an Ambrosidex, basically a Pokédex for the gods. After finding one of the island’s residents, their personal signal can be added to the Abrosidex. Its radar signal helps find the gods’ lost treasures hidden around the island. Returning these momentous can jog their memories, trigger flashbacks, and reveal the story between the island’s curse.
The game is described as a “story sandbox,” meaning it’s non-linear and pretty open when it comes to what the player decides to do first. There are several questions that need answering, like why did the gods lose their memories? Why are they afraid of one another? What on earth is going on? Alex can examine objects and locations, and talk to the characters, to unlock new conversation topics. These topics can be discussed with the gods, though some may be off limits until Alex becomes better friends with them. The island has a day/night cycle, and some locations and puzzles can only be accessed at certain times of day.
The developer, Polygon Treehouse, promises that Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island is an adventure game for all gamers, thanks to its non-violent gameplay, accessible controls, and universal themes. It’s meant to be a bit challenging, with help offered when players need it. The story weaves together friendship, family, and community. The game just went up on Steam and can be added to wish lists now.
