The Legacy of Apollyon: More Than Just a Villain

[@VenomousHero993]

Hey guys. This is my first ever video essay and I know I got plenty of room to improve so please leave any suggestions you have here in the comments and I'll be sure to take all the advice into consideration for my future video essays. I also plan on making a few more videos about Apollyon as I feel like there is so much more to dive into with her character and I want to make videos that go into even more detail. Expect a few more gameplay videos soon before the next video essay drops. I really hope you guys enjoyed the video and are looking forward to more!

[@jamessimpson3337]

I think the thing I love most about Apollyon is that she still wins and proves her ideology correct despite her death. Even if unintentionally, Astrea being introduced and having a shallow understanding of Apollyon’s ideology while emulating her visually is so perfect.

[@VenomousHero993]

Same here. Every time I boot up multiplayer, I'm reminded that this war was Apollyon's doing. Every match, every hero skin, all of it cuz of HER

[@jamessimpson3337]

@@VenomousHero993 Year 3 was definitely my favorite year for that theme because of it being the year where all of the factions decided to bring out the warriors they kept off the front lines due to them being something of a last resort for them. It’s just so good

[@actjokinglyric830]

Apollyon has always been one of my favorite characters in gaming just because of how badass she is, while the cutscene where she picks up the orochi is probably just for that cinematic effect the amount of strength she must have to pick them up with one hand and still be able to impale them with her longsword is insane. I think the voice actor did a perfect job on the role.

[@VenomousHero993]

Fr, man. She's an absolute badass MENACE. That's one of my favorite scenes, too. And yes, Cathrine Kidd KILLED it!💯🔥

[@brohammer10]

This video has given me more motivation to actually go through the story mode and find every observable!

[@VenomousHero993]

I'm happy to hear that! You should definitely try and find them all. It'll change the way you view For Honor and its story

[@brohammer10]

@@VenomousHero993 I’m sure it will! I’ll have to find a time to do it :]

[@Wanderer-nw2so]

⁠the observables are my favorite part of every level of the story mode second only to the cutscenes because it either gives you context for why this location exists or Apollyon's musings on the world around her.

[@jadiebb]

I love how her final words just proves she knew that she won

[@el_slender]

Facts my brethren

[@VenomousHero993]

YO Slender! Big fan. I'm glad you agree, homie!🔥

[@magicalsilver7829]

For honor was always full of missed opportunities

[@VenomousHero993]

Yea unfortunately, that's Ubi... A lot of other devs would have this game as a TOP MP game in the market

[@morte2504]

People underestimate the importance of Apollyon's introduction: from the first chapter we are led to believe (and rightfully so) that Blackstone Legion are ruthless 'rules of nature' guys who care little about their own (if Ademar's death being brushed off as shameful at most is anything to go off) And then first cutscene Apollyon shows up in, she saves our lives after we more or less failed our mission

[@VenomousHero993]

Her intro scene says so much without outright TELLING you. Its beautiful work💯🔥

[@mysteriousboss8023]

Awesome video man, this brought back memories, I always thought that apollyon was criminally underrated and its great to see others agree. She was an amazing villian, characters like her are what inspired me to get into writing in the first place lol. Thanks for the vid you've earned my sub.

[@VenomousHero993]

Thank you man! Glad you enjoyed it. I couldn't have said it better myself, I've really gotten into writing recently and its certainly because of characters like her. I can't wait to make more videos like this one and shed light on all of the characters who inspire me to do this!

[@Vulpecula-Enfield]

Apollyon is one of my favorite villains in gaming.

[@XD0739]

Underrated vid keep it up

[@VenomousHero993]

Thank you! 🔥

[@ItsButterBean1020]

NGL I do really love how Apollyon Lowkey wins by defining the setting; she does fall but she’s ensured that all the factions are at each other’s throats and that years of war will follow in her wake. She even inspired the eminent antagonists in the lore rn; the Order of Horkos

[@MyWinterlove]

I'm glad people still make videos on this story modde, loving these essay type videos ❤️

[@VenomousHero993]

Im glad you enjoyed it!🔥 FH story mode is underrated for sure!

[@Wanderer-nw2so]

I've always loved for honor's campaign, I was always intrigued by the concept of a world that is weary of war but is always present no matter how hard they try to fight it is a really interesting one, I really wish they would've kept the campaign's gritty tone in the multiplayer storyline but after year four, it went in a different direction that I don't entirely like, but the story is still good regardless. On my thoughts on Apollyon where do I even start, she understands the knight, viking, and samurai cultures and knows how to use it to her advantage in sparking war, and yet she is very interested in the world and in the observables you can see Apollyon's thoughts on the world around her and how she became who she is and provide context for the story and the world at large without being omnipotent there are still some things that even eludes her deep knowledge. And her presence is easily felt throughout the campaign even outside of her cutscenes and in those she steals the spotlight and always makes an impact, her introduction is a masterclass on how to use one scene to make a memorable villain .

[@VenomousHero993]

Completely agree, brother. It's an incredible concept and unique storyline that I really don't think I've seen elsewhere. It's got so much to think about, and I wish Ubi explored it more and just overall put more care and passion into the game and its lore

[@bob0147]

Love how the viking that Apollyon deems a 'wolf' is cackling at his own executioner, but soon as she enters the scene you can feel as even he's kinda terrified of this lady.

[@VenomousHero993]

Frrr. He doesn't fear his executioner, but even he fears Apollyon even if it's just a little bit

[@wisemysticaltree2039]

Cringe

[@bob0147]

@@wisemysticaltree2039 AAAAAAAAAAUUUUGGGGH

[@lechadeur]

i think the biggest problem the campaign has is that it still has the combat of 2017 and because of that all you remember about the campaign after finishing it is that the gameplay was bad and boring and not that the story was good, if they update the combat to the current one we have i can tell you a lot more people are going to play the campaign and enjoy it

[@VenomousHero993]

Absolutely. I agree that the movesets in the story should evolve with the game since new players would be confused when going into MP, and their character plays VERY different from the story. I also, however, as a day 1 player, like to go back and reminisce on the old movesets as well, so I'm not totally against how it is either

[@MindGobby]

Great video!

[@VenomousHero993]

Thank you! Glad you enjoyed it!

[@theantagonist2960]

Bro, she's my favorite character. When they put warmonger in the game, it was the one time I put money in the game to play as someone.

[@VenomousHero993]

Frrr, she's incredible, and so is WM💯

[@snowdrifter6187]

Im going to forever be miffed by the conq in the cutscene carrying an arming sword.

[@ZacharyDarkes]

The OG Dommy Mommy.

[@Jakthecanadianidiot]

though orochi beating apollyon is kinda weird, i do think that it makes sense, the way she mentions that orochi is a “warrior” and a “wolf” due to not fearing death makes it seem kinda like he had some sorta power, and its also kinda crazy to see that her plan has worked, at the end it seems like no matter what lord warden, the raider, or the orochi warrior do everyone fights, everyone dies and the war continues.

[@ivaneban2121]

well done

[@thewonderfullymadejaraid7015]

If Apollyon and Senator Armstrong teamed up and had a child, I shudder to imagine what kind of villain would be the result.

[@VenomousHero993]

That would be diabolical lmao

[@thewonderfullymadejaraid7015]

@@VenomousHero993 they're literally perfect for each other. They value strength, determination, and will above all else. They both have a code akin to social Darwinism where "the weak will be purged, and the strongest will thrive, free to live as they see fit".

[@VenomousHero993]

They do share a lot in common. And both terrifying in their own ways. A child would be legit insane

[@Crusader_phyco]

Dommy Monger Mommy

[@VenomousHero993]

😩

[@Saltslanger]

Capangin rating 1-10. I have had the game since 2017 and still haven’t played 1 story mission. PvP is all I know . Just started playing warmonger rep 2. Very enjoyable 😊

[@VenomousHero993]

Id give it a solid 7. Lots of great things in there fs. But all the characters play like they did at launch so its a nice view into the past. Feats work well in there. It can be a bit difficult on certain missions and its a bit short. But it gives a good amount of steel and is written pretty well so def check it whenever u want to. Warmonger is incredible have fun with her!

[@dualchamber8014]

Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy Mommy (sorry had to)

[@Crusader_phyco]

It’s ok, I’m a victim to

[@Dreamers_End]

Apollyon is my all time favorite villain she just always had the demeanor about her that just screams superiority and the fact she genuinely thinks her cause is a righteous one, plus her design is actually off the charts in terms of bad assness. Like if you’ve read the lore about her she literally dragged the lawbringer who refused to protect her village when she was a young girl into the street and slaughters him taking his armor and getting it refitted for her body (I’m pretty sure somewhere around the age of 16 is when she donned the armor). Another thing to note is the fact she’s a ex warden turned warlord meaning she has both the stances and all the moves of a warden plus her broken attacks just makes her even cooler since wardens are really reserved and calm warriors from what’s seen in the game and lore. I think another interesting thing about her is definitely the fact that she doesn’t hate “sheep” for being sheep she hates the fact that they pretend that they aren’t sheep (like Daubney in story mode a Warden who served Apollyon for one season then dipped and tried to conjure up a following only for Holden to storm through and make a bitch out of him, he doesn’t even try to fight back). Also can we talk about how Astrea would be a literal disgrace to Apollyon, she doesn’t have the meaningful armor, the steady and battle ready stances of a warden, nor the reserved demeanor Apollyon exuded, her unneeded and edgy brutality, and the fact she literally serves as a big bad brutal murderer that Heathmoor could potentially unite against (thus uniting the factions giving another big chance for peace), she literally is undoing everything Apollyon worked towards just for her edgy dream of being as cool as her. (Also another funny thing is that a literal bot name for warmonger is “edgy wolf mom”). Basically Apollyon is the best thing to ever come out of For Honor but she is seriously and undeservingly neglected in the pursuit of making bands by ubi plus I’m hella pissed they couldn’t even just give us her armor set or have her as a hero skin for warden I fucking hate warmonger.

[@VenomousHero993]

I agree with everything you said (minus hating warmonger). Especially that Astrea would be a disgrace to her. Astrea really didn't understand Apollyon at all. I also 90000% agree that Apollyon deserved to be a heroskin for WARDEN it would have been BADASS to see that early on (before WM). However, I don't dislike WM, but the character certainly isn't anything near Apollyon Edit: I definitely want to explore Astrea further in another video. Explaining even more as to why she would be a disgrace to Apollyon

[@Dreamers_End]

@@VenomousHero993 I still play warmonger since I like her kit and armor I just can’t get over the over the top edginess even though it’s supposed to be like that I’m more of a fan of laid back edginess plus me not liking Astrea for being the polar opposite of what she thinks she is and kinda disgracing Apollyon’s legacy probably plays a big part as well.

[@VenomousHero993]

Yea I totally get ya. Makes sense

[@E621_Rule34]

imo she's overlooked cuz not only is for honor not as popular as other Ubisoft games but the story feels rushed af towards the end

[@VenomousHero993]

Also true. Could have had some more stuff in there and a slightly longer story. Def a factor too

[@33alltheway14]

Dope video

[@VenomousHero993]

Thanks! Glad you enjoyed!🔥

[@nutekzx1203]

i can fix her

[@МигдадСалахов]

I think that Apollyon's philosophy is stupid. Because wars are EXPENSIVE therefore they cannot be constant, that will eventually lead to any kind of peace and that will eventually lead to survival of "the weak". Also if all sheep will be gone what will the remaining wolves eat? Each other?

[@VenomousHero993]

Monetarily, it doesn't matter. The factions continue stealing and pillaging off of each other. I don't think the factions care much at all about money anymore. But it is a point I've yet to explore fully. As for the wolves and sheep. Apollyon's point isn't to just slaughter or be rid of the sheep. It's to bring out the best wolves. As each wolf gets stronger than the last. The weaker wolves would then be considered the sheep. So yes, the wolves will eat each other in that sense. She doesn't simply want to genocide the weak. But to continue to push the limits of humanity's strength through endless conflict that brings out stronger and stronger warriors

[@aguspuig6615]

I miss the original lore for For Honor. A nordic empire that lasted a millenia, its stuff now buried and left to be uncovered? The idea that the Knight faction is just a legion sent to conquer this land, with mentions to a much larger civilisation that sent them still existing... They could do so much cool shit, but instead its ''new character shows up, they have the evil corrupting stone, we will now all fight to uncover the good healing stone''

[@VenomousHero993]

Frr man. Og FH lore is the shit. But now it's just a lazy recycled format that isnt all that deep. Coulda been so much more too

[@amos_fr6070]

There are points about Apollyon that I believed you could have mentioned: - Something I find interesting with Apollyon is that, while an extreme darwinist, in her eyes, she does have some "empathy" and pity for the weaklings. Through the observables she does mention a bunch of times how she pities them because they live a life of fear, how soldiers tend to overlook the suffering on civilians such as famines and being forced to move out of their homes, how they can't be blamed for what they are yet they shouldn't deny being sheeps and not wolves. Apollyon isn't some twirling mustache vilain who go out of her way to massacre villages of innocents, however her main target is those who participate in battle and call themselves soldiers but flee at the first sign of trouble. It's even why she despises the Iron Legion, because their ranks are filled with cowards who won't stand and fight unless things are at their advantages. However it's also important to note that she's a bit of a hypocrite. In the final mission of the Knight's campaign, she attacks Svengard to strike at the provisions of the Vikings, which will obviously cause harm to the poor civilians of Valkenheim. Near the end of the game she mentions how the civilians of Ashfeld fled to her fortress for security due to the Vikings and Samurai approaching, and yet, in the final mission, she mentions how she made sure to seal every exist so that no warrior would be able to flee and that everyone here would either live or die. So it's quite blurry wether she wishes for civilians, aka, sheeps, to lay low and be governed by wolves. Or if she wants some wolves to rise through the civilians. Especially considering that she herself was a civilian who got her own destroyed by a Viking raid because some Lawbringer deemed her village as unworthy of being defended. - In term of influence, we could also talk about how the new "big bad" of the game's lore is currently Astrea, which is essentially a tryhard copy cat of Apollyon. Now it's not clear if Astrea exists because it makes sense in the Lore for some people to idolize Apollyon or if she was simply created because the writters didn't have any new ideas on what a new vilain for the game could be like. But it still is interesting to think how in the multiplayer, which might well be over 30 or 40 years past Apollyon's death, her ideology is still around. A twisted version of it mind you, as Astrea seeks to conquer meanwhile Apollyon only wanted a sort of chaos. But it's still is intriguing.

[@VenomousHero993]

This is great advice. Thank you! I thought about mentioning Astrea but decided against it since I think I could make a whole video on her and how she compares to Apollyon. As for the other stuff. I could have totally mentioned those, all great points. I appreciate the feedback, and I'll be sure to keep this in mind for later videos!

[@ItsButterBean1020]

NGL I do really love how Apollyon Lowkey wins by defining the setting; she does fall but she’s ensured that all the factions are at each other’s throats and that years of war will follow in her wake. She even inspired the eminent antagonists in the lore rn; the Order of Horkos

[@VenomousHero993]

Fr man, she's just incredible. And the story is great cuz of her