Athena (USA)

In the NES game Athena, players embody Princess Athena, a determined young woman who finds herself trapped in a dangerous world after opening the "Door of Victory." Athena's primary goal is to traverse eight distinct worlds, each with its own theme such as the Forest, Cave, Sea, Sky, and Hell, to confront and defeat the demon lord Dante, who has transformed her kingdom into a desolate wasteland.

The gameplay of Athena is a blend of side-scrolling action and adventure. Initially, Athena can only attack by kicking. However, as she progresses through the levels, she can discover and utilize a variety of weapons and armor. Weapons include swords, bows, hammers, and magical spells like fireballs, each possessing unique power and attack range. Players can also equip helmets, shields, and other types of armor to enhance their defensive capabilities. These items are often found by breaking blocks or defeating enemies.

Each world in Athena is divided into several smaller areas and culminates in a challenging boss battle. Enemies range from small creatures to gigantic monsters, each with its own attack patterns. Players need to collect health recovery items (hearts) and power-ups to survive. The game also features secret areas and hidden items that encourage exploration. Athena is renowned for its high difficulty, demanding patience and skill to complete.