#TheBattleofOlympus

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Episode 36
The Battle of Olympus is an amazing, yet underrated games for the NES! It's a side scrolling action RPG with light Metroidvania elements. If you like Zelda 2, Faxanadu, or Castlevania 2: Simon's Quest, then you should definitely check this one out!
Battle of Olympus has a flavorful Ancient Greek theme, and it does an impressive job of incorporating myths and legends into the game. So how did a tiny Japanese studio make such a big game? In today's episode we'll find out, then we'll dive deep into the gameplay where we'll learn:
* How to find EVERY item and UPGRADE!
* The location of ALL FIVE hidden Ambrosias, so you can max out your HP!
* The FAST way to earn the Olives you need to buy items and upgrades!
* A SECRET Trick to skip the first TWO Fragments of Love!
* The best ways to travel across Ancient Greece - How all the locations are connected!
* Where to find EVERY HIDDEN Spring of Recovery so you'll never be far from a refill!
* The path through CONFUSING MAZES in Crete and Phyrigia!
* Strategies for defeating EVERY BOSS, even HADES himself... AND MORE!
Thanks for watching!
"Copyright Disclaimer Under Section 107 of the Copyright Act 1976, allowance is made for "fair use" for purposes such as criticism, comment, news reporting, teaching, scholarship, and research. Fair use is a use permitted by copyright statute that might otherwise be infringing. Non-profit, educational or personal use tips the balance in favor of fair use."

[@geovaughan8261]

The fact that a game like this was made by only 3 people amazes me. There's a special place in my heart for works of love like this.

[@user-fw1un2cw7v]

“Its basically Zelda 3...” -Kid on the school bus October 1989

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Ha! That kid wasn't too far off, though - this game has lots of Zelda in its DNA

[@Turbotef]

@@UCanBeatVideoGames The commercials at the time made it seem like that too. When I got and beat the game in 1990, I actually though I was playing a Zelda offshoot sequel along with The Gaurdian Legend. Too bad that marketing didn't work out better.

[@MrLukeStump]

This is like the spin off for Zelda 2

[@hamm0155]

Yeah, I thought it was Zelda 3 after seeing the commercials and asking for it for my birthday. Great game though!

[@MrLukeStump]

like they were going to stick with the Zelda 2 theme.

[@encryptedprinter3289]

The history you provide is just as wonderful as the walkthrough itself. Keep on being awesome UCBV!!

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Thank you!!

[@bransonbenson9520]

I agree wholeheartedly

[@XyphonXero]

I will be honest here, the descriptive information on development ie... where it came from, how it got started and other interesting articles of note that the general public typically would not be aware of unless it was being studied is why I watch you. I still feel it was a lost calling of mine.

[@battosaijenkins946]

@@UCanBeatVideoGames Hey man I love these! Any chance you can tangent from Nintendo games and start doing full in-depth reviews on amazing 80s games like the Space Quest series, Kings Quest, and Police Quest? That would be exhaustive but so cool! 👍👍

[@keypongchiah2657]

The battle of Olympus is a Japanese game developed by Broderbund and Imaginer. This game Broderbund's Kid Icarus is by Nintendo partner. The classic game Castlevania Clone name (River City Ransom), Mega MAN and Ninja Gaiden.

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

I loved this game when I was younger it's criminally underrated. Thanks for giving it the love and respect it deserves

[@brittislove]

How did it appeal to you? I tried it because of all the hype and felt really underwhelmed. I only rented it and had it for 5 days and was like... ehhh... makes me wanna play Zelda 2 What did you enjoy?

[@duffyjohnson77]

@@brittislove I love Zelda II and have played it many times, but Battle of Olympus is so much better. The story, colors, graphics, creatures and music are all superior.

[@OroborOSX11]

I don’t understand why this game wasn’t more highly regarded. It honestly is one of the best looking and most polished NES games. The tile set and graphics work is phenomenal, the controls seem tight and responsive, and the music is really good.

[@HallyVee]

Indeed, just noticing there is barely any of the flicker and slow down common elsewhere.

[@celam1244]

It's a really great game! I can see how without a detailed walkthrough it's fucking impossible though. It's just not fun for most people I guess.

[@sonnieandjacob]

I beat this when I was 8 with my brothers hints but I had a lot of fond memories of this one

[@RagnaRantz]

Oh dude absolutely-this & a game called Guardian Legend (oh well…he just brought it up) These 2 games were the most immersive I had ever gotten from these games; & I couldn’t find it again till…hell long time. Maybe even Demon’s Souls I dunno Tough games that took actual time & thinking-loved this

[@michaelthem3]

Indeed, it is a very veryyy hidden jewel of the NES, one of the games I love the most, still to this point.

[@iwir3d]

This game is a hidden gem. I loved it as a kid, it brings chills to me thinking about it to this day. Tears to my eyes how it brought our family together each playing certain parts. It took my cousins, brother, even grandma to beat this game back in the 90's. I want to see them do a sequel to this game so bad...

[@apmeehan]

Which of you was the first to defeat the Lamia? 😅

[@apmeehan]

1:24:10 "One last time, we'll pass through Argolis. Past the setting sun." This is the kind of colour that I love that you bring to your commentary. And is part of why I enjoyed watching this entire video beginning to end. Thank you for making it.

[@malkmut2189]

Battle of Olympus, Adventure of Link, and Simon's Quest were the three that really got me into gaming. I've always remembered Zelda and Castlevania and, a decade later, I bought an NES from Funco Land hoping to play BoO again. Except I had forgotten what it was called. I bought Rygar the same day and was convinced for about 5 minutes that it was the right game, but I came to my senses. Too much red and orange in Argool. I bought Blaster Master, figuring that my memories were maybe just warped from playing that. Of course not. It took probably about a year before I figured out the Battle of Olympus title. I got a cart and it all came rushing back: The music in the starting forest area, farming snake skins, riding the dolphin across the sea, finding the hidden doors. I got pretty far, but never did finish it. This is going to be a great watch. Thank you!

[@TheDumontShow]

Oh snap, I had requested this. You actually seen it. Finally someone with expert gaming skill tackle this game. I could never beat this game for the life of me. Ever since I was a kid. Still to this day due to not knowing where to go. Man, I'm on the verge of tears that you did this. Wow. You got a subscriber for life, bro

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Thank you so much, Dickens! I found my old passwords for this game from when I was a kid, but this is one I have no idea how I was able to figure it out with almost no Nintendo Power coverage, and no internet to look stuff up. I must have spent a ton of time with this one back then, I definitely remember grinding for Salamander skins to get that shield.

[@DragonKingX78]

I remember this one, I did manage to beat it.

[@robertlevy4613]

Great game isn’t it?

[@Ieatpaste23]

What would piss me off about this game was you'd FINALLY get enough money to get the item, but die just before you get to place to buy it.

[@docsigma]

When I was a kid, I vividly remember a commercial for both The Guardian Legend and The Battle of Olympus. I remember finding it strange that there would be a commercial for two seemingly unrelated games at once! At the time I didn’t know they were from the same publisher!

[@awfpunisher]

I remember it. Whenever I see this game it pops in my head. I remember one part in particular where the announcer loudly proclaims "BATTLE OF OLYMPUS". I did not remember the Guardian Legend part tho.

[@robertlevy4613]

This game is criminally underrated. This is my third comment in 2 years I keep coming back to this video cause this game is amazing.

[@Spazilton1]

Guardian Legend one of the most underrated games on the NES.

[@cueball981]

My next favorite NES game behind Metroid!

[@robertkrieger8124]

Yeah! Love to see him do this one.

[@Feralwolf444]

@@robertkrieger8124 Guardian Legend is amazing. Unfortunately, I don't know how well he could do a walk-thru of that game since many aspects of it use RNG(one of the first games to do that, which is what makes it so epic).

[@cueball981]

@@Feralwolf444 and don't forget the music is awesome!

[@phubans]

The Guardian Legend is a toss-up with Crystalis as my favorite NES game of all time.

[@craighaas1216]

I love how buff he looks at the end, like a Simon Belmont-type character. The whole game he looked like a pip squeak lol.

[@joshuachristian5443]

I bought that game in the summer of 89. Saw a comercial that advertised Guardian Legend and Battle of Olympus and was sold! Loved that game.

[@sovrinn16]

Fun fact on Phyrigia; Phyrigian scale is one of the Greek modes in music, and is the scale you'd naturally play if you played the white keys on a piano from E up to the next E. The musician on this game was clearly a music dork like me, because the music that plays in this region uses Phyrigian scale, which is rarely used on its own.

[@Prodmullefc]

That's actually really interesting. Thanks for pointing that out, friend.

[@senseicorey9979]

Is this the best intro on KZbin? Might be

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Thank you!!! 😁

[@robertlevy4613]

Yes

[@unclereaper33]

You keep bringing me back to my mid twenties. I don't ever want to leave there. Great game choice

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

😁

[@chriscripplercruz1833]

I love the extra effort you out into this video by using columns from a ancient Greek structure for the outside of the screen

[@luciahaskins3170]

I went through this game yesterday after watching this video. I haven't played it in some 25~30 years. Beating it again was as fantastic as back then.

[@BombsOverIran]

I bet you could do an hour on the landing sequence in Top Gun for NES. And I’d watch that

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Thanks Jeremy!

[@adventureoflinkmk2]

And if UCBVG does, someone needs to send the video to James Rolfe, stat

[@anthonyiodice]

Follow the directions! It literally tells you what to do

[@sivanicon]

If they had achievements 1% of people would have the “land your plane for the first time” achievement. m.kzbin.info/www/bejne/joSacqmjfaaebNE

[@heroinmom153]

Just finished the game according to this guide. This channel is just awesome. I had this game as a kid and never got very far. I just beat it on Mesen and the feeling of a 30 year completion is very, very satisfying. The history that was presented before the gameplay got me interested in playing it again. It's very well done.

[@thejapanesejesuscom]

Love your videos. The history before the walkthrough makes this my favorite video game channel in years.

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

😁 Thank you!

[@cueball981]

I sent this to my brother. This was one of the games he wrote up the walk-through for Nintendo when he was a GPC. Man, this brings back memories!

[@jimd4609]

What is a GPC?

[@cueball981]

@@jimd4609 Game Play Counselor

[@JAGtheTrekkieGEMINI1701]

Beat this Game *as a KID!* in 1989... Those were THE Days! ✌️

[@Rokabur]

So, since the team of Infinity was made up of only 3 people, could this be considered a VERY early indie game?

[@Prodmullefc]

It also goes to show how rudimentary games can be pulled together with very small teams. I know a lot of guys who are slaving away making games in their spare time that they've been working on for years. If a handful of them got together and promised to work on all of their games until they were complete, they'd probably be able to complete them. At all let alone faster, and they'd probably be better too since it would be more than just one guy working at it and overlooking problems other people would notice.

[@phubans]

@@Prodmullefc Can confirm. I'm working on 50 games with a team of only four other people.

[@RoninCatholic]

My "team" consists of me, a sole composer, and 5~ people who can give feedback on feel and conveyance when I have a demo in need of testing.

[@pfergusovegas]

My all time favorite NES game. I've beat it several times. Thanks for the trip down memory lane!

[@JO-cj2dv]

My brother had skipped school one day just to stay home and play this. My mother came home from work and found him sitting in our room on the nes. She pulled the nes from its plugs and then threw it in the pool. We got up in the middle of the night and fished it out of the deep end and place it in the shed. 3 days later, we plugged it back in and it worked. Good ole NES...

[@runitback5066]

My god your brother would've had an early visit from the toothfairy😄 Talk about a close call lol.

[@nobuyukinyuu]

Great intro, man. I always thought this game's history alone deserved it more attention. I had no idea that Infinity was still around, and the president is still programming no less! That should be a bit of inspiration for any game developer.

[@Corsina]

This was one of my favorite games. Bought it when it came out. Still have the cartridge. (Wish I still had all my old games! lol) Thanks for your videos. Love them!

[@patrickhanlon932]

When you said "ocarina" I cheered!

[@trevnerdhubbabubba6230]

Everyone who grew up in the 80s and 90s should be subscribed to your channel! Always love seeing this every Saturday morning!

[@Pezmage1]

Completely missed this one when I was younger and have only watched speedruns of it, really excited to see it explained through 100%!

[@phubans]

I was lucky enough to have this one as a kid but I never managed to beat it. I think I got as far as Crete? Last year I started re-collecting all my lost NES games and I made pretty good progress on this one but I need to go back and beat it for real this time! Thanks so much for covering these amazing games with such depth. You're my favorite KZbin channel right now!

[@MartB-tx5lb]

The nostalgia level is incredible, man. Thanks for creating this channel! 👊

[@michaelthem3]

I just love how this game is amazing in accomplishing a lot of things others could just imagine at the time, but is not so well known and praised as it should be. Thanks for bringing this video together.

[@ullatec1807]

Absolutely LOVED this game when I was a kid! The music is still replays in my head from time to time. Huge thank you for this!

[@damian6631]

Bless Infinity! I had no idea the creation team was so small. So much respect.

[@scootmcgee42069]

It’s so fun to watch even if you (me) have never played or heard of the game before.

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Thanks, Jeff! That's a great compliment.

[@fightingfortruth9806]

Had this game as a kid and absolutely adored it. One of the most underrated games in the NES.

[@Lional]

Thank you for doing this one especially! This was my favorite game back in the day. It really got me interested in Greek mythology, and every chance I had I would try to buy a book about them. The music just brings me back lol. I remember my mom sitting behind me on the couch, watching me play and trying to help me out with the puzzles lol

[@misteree9]

This was the game I wanted you to cover the most. Thank you so much. Keep up the great work.

[@Equusvelox1828]

Me too. I played this game one year ago, and it gave me a lot of struggle. However I could beat it and I'm happy about it. It is actually a really good game!

[@Luef25]

I remember wanting to play this when I was kid, but never got the chance. Another great choice this week.

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Thanks, Johnny!

[@FarewellSweetPrince]

"What if I told you..." ahhhh Inject it right into my veins. Your catchphrase can never leave. It's my fave part of every video.

[@matthagen67]

The Battle of Olympus ( = my childhood's "God of War") and Crystalis need Remakes/Remasters!!

[@Seraphicat]

Someone is actually working on a remake to Battle of Olympus. So far, it's looking pretty nice.

[@dragoneye6229]

Don't tease me with a good time. I'd love to see Crystalis remade.

[@misteree9]

@@Seraphicat where did you see the remake? What system is it for?

[@Maderyne]

This was a game that took me several weeks to beat, as I learned the layout of the pathways. You just made it look so easy. Well played and thanks for giving me back a bit of memories!

[@colinbaker7614]

Discovered your channel a few weeks ago and I absolutely love it. I now anxiously await each new vid. Keep it up, the content is amazing.

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Thanks Colin!

[@humorouserrectis5791]

This was my first Nintendo game I ever bought and It always beat me, now with this video…time for revenge!

[@poughkeepsieblue]

I like how you have physical copies of a lot of games I still do. I'm not a collector, but I won't ever part with my classic NES collection from when I was a kid, and I always give a chuckle knowing I still own a lot of these amazing games, and two classic NES systems, that are still functional. I like your channel a lot, as I was raised by these games. They were my Saturday morning cartoons, my fairy tales, and my grandparents stories, all rolled into one. I know how it feels to be a child from this era, and I'm glad to see you doing it right.

[@spompofleks]

I played this day and night. every day. I remmember how happy i was when i actually find 2nd hearth. You see i found 1st and 3rd heart but i never found 2nd one. Untill i equiped white orb and press select at random for a door to pop out :)

[@--------RR007----------]

Awesome! I just found this channel and immediately thought, I hope he has a Battle of Olympus video. You do. Such a great game!

[@SevenYearSacrifice]

I enjoy this channel immensely. The pacing is perfect for playing along and beating these games side by side with you. Thanks for playing video games with me. 💜

[@paulbowman1039]

I love how you slide the adorable doggo in the thumbnails

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Thanks, Paul - He's a really good boy!

[@billhutchinson7831]

Somehow missed this game as a kid. I can tell it's hard, you got hit way more than usual. Thanks for all these videos, they're awesome!

[@CeltadzManicure]

That was an awesome video! I enjoyed your commentaries and strategies. Battle of Olympus was one of my favorite old-school NES games back when I was a kid. Keep up the good work.

[@bransonbenson9520]

I look forward to Saturdays like a little kid watching my favorite cartoons..thanks for another one!!

[@raskbell]

Artemis actually makes sense to give the moon pearl, as the moon is one of her symbols. She was often associated with Selene, the goddess of the moon. Apollo instead symbolized by the sun as he is often associated with Helios, the god of the sun.

[@lolnahnvm208]

Hey, I'm having a really bad time and your voice calms me down so much. Thank you for making these.

[@PetesbasementComicBookTalkShow]

I’ve been waiting and hoping for this episode!

[@billsutton8313]

I love playing these old classic games...and The Battle Of Olympus is one of my favorites. Thanks for the great vids.

[@bmcgrath8892]

Love, love, love these videos! They really bring me back to my childhood! If you take requests of any kind, I would highly recommend running through Star Tropics!

[@albertotequida6964]

Thank you for this one! This game brings great memories of my early teen years. I always loved greek mithology, so when I saw this at my local rental, I had to try it. Man, it took me a long time to finish it, as you said in another comment, I had no maps, no tips and tricks from NP. It was so satisfying to finally finish it, although I didn't get the 100%, I didn't even had the Bracelet of Power, so I took damage every time I used the lightning.

[@Jermanaut]

I've never played or heard of this game, but wanted to check it out and see what I was missing. Seeing how nicely done and complex this game is, amazes me that 3 people made this adventure possible. Every video I watch is both interesting and helpful to me and I look forward to seeing more in the future. Great vid!

[@seanfeld-]

One of my favorites as a kid. I think we actually called the NES hotline to find out where to go at one point. But we did beat it.

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

I don't know how I beat this one as a kid, but I found my old passwords for this game which actually worked, so I'm sure I did it somehow. Very cool game

[@jcmick8430]

There was a Nintendo hotline?!

[@Rikmach]

"What do Gods need Olive for?" Same thing as everyone else, they're delicious (Seriously, though, they were an item often sacrificed to the gods)

[@alvinforde9288]

Nice playthrough & commentary. Absolute classic....this game brings back old memories. One of my favorite games to play in my childhood.

[@earlthepearl6414]

Fantastic video! Battle Of Olympus is a great game. I will now eagerly begin waiting for next weeks video!!!! Thumbs up from this guy!

[@ApeBrainGames]

I just requested this and you made it! So happy about this one. This game confused the hell out of me as a kid

[@Questorps7]

Wow just played this for the first time and couldn’t have beat it without this guide. Thanks for the history too. Great video walkthrough.

[@robertlevy4613]

I love this game so much and the guide was so good I’m watching the video again.

[@davidoliver9802]

Fantastic insight into this game and awesome work you have done ,great research. MANY THANKS

[@mmblsa]

This one is so well done! Awesome job

[@legionarybooks13]

Battle of Olympus and Faxanadu, my two favourite "quest" games from the NES! 😊

[@corjonbett]

The enemy outside of Crete is Talos, the robot/Golem

[@adrian29459]

Thank you for covering this game, one of my favourites as a kid and I eventually did beat it after months of work. I keep requesting Mike Matei to give this one a shot as he loves Zelda II but he's never given it a chance. I'm glad you can show the game the appreciation and love it deserves. You've got a new subscriber

[@pskry]

Just discovered this gem of a channel. Thank you for the great binge worthy content, instant sub!

[@RobBreatheInTheAir]

Another awesome watch as always

[@anthonyreid666]

Thanks for all the good games you play on your channel dude really awesome man

[@angrytheclown801]

I just love the idea of the normally chill Hades looking at this random girl and saying "Hey Persephone! You were asking for some art to spruce up the place! Watch this!" Bam, statue.

[@sokignano]

I absolutely love this series! Please never stop!

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

Thanks, Brian! Got a lot more games to cover - I think I have over 100 on my list now - I might have to take a break for a week at some point, but I'm definitely not stopping anytime soon!!

[@RSK412]

Your vids are amazing. Long format with excellent explanations. 10/10

[@crimsondeath84]

I used to own my this game when my mother bought it for me in 1992. I haven’t been able to play much of it since and I would always get confused on how to progress through the game. Also I normally get annoyed by commentary on playthroughs because it’s mainly incoherent rambling but you actually helped out in a major way and the next time I play it, I’ll finally be able to beat it thanks to you.

[@Angry_Primate]

Sadly I never even heard of the battle of Olympus. I would love to see you play Guardian Legend as well as a rather obscure favorite of mine the magic of scheherazade.

[@todzulu6]

Very happy to see this playthru, thank you very much

[@shanebaxter269]

I remember beating this as a kid, I rented it so many times.

[@chrisd6287]

How in the hell did you beat this as a kid?? Omg

[@shanebaxter269]

@@chrisd6287 nindendo hint hotline! I ran up a huge long distance bill.

[@hfield07]

this channel is doing god's work. pulled out a few of these over the last month that i got further than previously with your help.

[@BobbyBriscoeBeats]

Yay a new video from my new favorite channel!

[@1koolkat76]

Thanks for reviewing this game. It brought back good memories. I enjoyed playing this game.

[@KarmaJolt]

24:22 LMAO I remember. ALSO! Arcadia is the name of the bar I go to in Portland, ME and I would recommend it to anyone who might be visiting. Real cool place with arcade machines and pinball and skeeball and great cocktails.

[@UCanBeatVideoGames]

That sounds awesome. If im ever in Portland, I'll have to check it out!

[@jasonwhitehouse429]

Really enjoyed this weeks episode as always I look forward to the next you never disappoint

[@mintydog06]

It's great watching your videos, showing me all of my childhood games and how to 100% them, showing all the things I missed. I did have Battle of Olympus on the NES (I'm from the UK but don't know how popular it was), and I remember enjoying it but don't think I ever completed it. Also your dog deserves some treats.

[@robertanderson2898]

69 olives..... Trojan Pitcher? "....grind on those worms." (Hee hee). I just adore the colors and detail in this game (the music too of course). The Garden section where you fight Ladon (50:40) is wonderful. Oh, and the sunrise at the ending too. Glad I hung onto this game!

[@svartedauden3566]

this game was tough. thanks for sharing!

[@tenalpoen]

Anyone who played it knows this is actually one of the best games for the NES, but most people never heard of it back then.

[@mtscott44]

Awesome content man. This game is amazing. Getting back into it 20years later...

[@ctaalc2]

A game I was never able to beat but loved renting. Great video!

[@marso0075]

You Rock! I had a feeling this game would be featured, it is so damn hard. Looking forward to watching this one!

[@Ratralsis]

Another game on this channel that I played this with my dad when I was like 5-6 years old. I became so interested in mythology that he bought me these giant books on the subject. He used to bring it up when other parents would say that games weren't educational, as in, maybe this game doesn't teach a lot on its own, but it led to a lot of reading and learning for fun. Good times. With no guides, it took an extremely long time for us to finish the game, though, haha.

[@edpistemic]

Oh man! The nostalgia is strong :) I really like your format and would love to see you tackle Robowarrior - another favourite from my childhood which was also far too difficult for me to ever complete.

[@EMM-dd1vs]

You might have to let me borrow this. I never heard of this game. Looks fun. Great video as always!

[@keithknight6745]

I literally was looking for the long play of this game the other day and now you make this video. After watching your Zelda 2 video immediately thought of this game.