Athena

Released by SNK for arcades in 1986, this side-scrolling action game follows the goddess Athena, who finds herself lost in a strange world and must fight using her own weapons and items seized from enemies. The system, which allowed players to dramatically change the character's appearance and attack style by switching equipment, brought both surprise and strategic depth to players of the time. Later ported to home consoles, the game played an important role in the evolution of SNK’s action titles, beloved for its character’s unique charm.

Athena, the adventurous princess of the Kingdom of Victory, grows weary of her dull, everyday life. After passing through a door found in a sealed room within the castle, she sets foot into the parallel world of "Fantasy World." To thwart the ambitions of Emperor Dante, who rules over this realm, and return to her own world, she takes up various weapons and embarks on a grueling adventure. Defeating the powerful enemies that block her path with martial arts, Athena pushes forward through a diverse range of lands.