HERCULES: The Legendary Journey for the Nintendo 64 is a spin-off based on the popular television show, and has now become an action game with puzzle and role-playing game inflections (which means that Herc is not just muscles but also brain). The game is a platformer with characters and levels rendered in full 3D, containing locations straight out of the show. There are 12 levels to traverse, from Greece all the way to the top of Mount Olympus. You can play as one of three characters: Hercules, Serena, and Iolaus. Each one has unique abilities that help solve different puzzles, meaning that the player cannot always rely on the strength of Hercules to get through the game. The levels are littered with people to talk to and quests to accomplish, as well as items to find. And just so Ares knows Herc means business, you've got four magic attacks that can summon the forces of rock, fire, lightning, and ice to your side. If that isn't enough, you've got the individual strengths of Serena and Iolaus on your side too. Fans of the show will appreciate that the game also incorporates the stylized humor and anachronistic characters--tie-dyed togas, anyone?--that has been a hallmark for the series.
