ARION

Released in 1986 by ASCII for the PC-8801, *Arion* is a command-based adventure game adapted from the classic anime film directed by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko. The game is notable for its innovative use of digitized animation cels, which brought the film’s distinct Greek mythology-inspired aesthetics directly to the PC monitor. Players follow the journey of the titular hero as he navigates intricate puzzles and tactical combat, requiring careful observation—such as waiting for specific environmental clues to appear—to progress. This title stands as a significant example of 1980s interactive storytelling, successfully bridging the gap between grand cinematic animation and home computer entertainment.

Arion is a young boy living a peaceful life in Thrace with his mother until the god Hades arrives and manipulates him into embarking on a perilous quest to defeat Zeus, the king of Olympus. This journey serves as a trap that draws Arion into the heart of an endless power struggle among the gods. Alongside companions like the young Seneca and the mysterious girl Resphina, Arion must confront the truth behind his own origins and his tragic fate. Based on the 1986 animated film by Yoshikazu Yasuhiko, this adventure game offers a unique, character-driven retelling of Greek mythology.