Gift from the Gods

About

In this 1985 maze-based platformer you play Orestes navigating a large underground labyrinth to retrieve geometric shapes scattered across 16 interlinked rooms. The goal is to collect and arrange six Euclidean forms in a Guardian chamber to escape while fending off illusion-powered enemies. Each space requires careful exploration as missteps trigger traps or summon hostile spirits. The layout forces constant backtracking between rooms to test shape combinations while managing limited stamina. A separate race against time emerges when your sister Electra becomes a target, her presence in the dungeon adds urgency to your puzzle-solving. What sticks is the layered challenge of balancing exploration with timed objectives. The maze’s shifting obstacles and the need to kill illusion creatures to bypass them create a tense rhythm. While it lacks modern mechanics, its focus on spatial reasoning and resource management feels surprisingly fresh. Though under-recognized, it holds a cult following for its early fusion of platforming and logic puzzles. The need to protect Electra without outright combat deepens the narrative stakes beyond typical 80s arcade titles.

Storyline

Orestes must fulfill his destiny by trial in the Labyrinth beneath the palace and find the solution to the puzzle, or perish in the attempt. The interconnecting chambers were created by the gods to punish errant mortals and hidden in 16 special rooms are objects known as Euclidian shapes, geometric designs based on triangles, circles and squares; six of which, when positioned correctly in the Guardian's chamber reveal the exit and success. This chamber however is home of the Demi-Gods who use their power of illusion to prevent discovery of the shapes - Orestes must be wary of this deceit! To assist our Hero in his search the Gods have revealed the solution to Electra imprisoned beneath the palace, "Find Electra", Orestes is told, "She will lead you to the shapes you need", but without the help of Electra, Orestes must determine which shapes from which rooms must be taken to the Guardian's chamber. Terrifying illusionary creatures by the Demi-Gods will try to sap Orestes' strength.. .he is advised by Zeus "Whenever you feel weak go at once to the Guardian's chamber where your strength will be restored" - If the creatures can be killed their power will temporarily be lost. "Use this fact to your advantage" advises Apollo. Finally Orestes is warned that Clytaemnestra has learned of his task from a soothsayer. She has entered the catacombs to kill Electra, making Orestes task all the more difficult since he must protect his sister - without her he may never solve the puzzle! Orestes enters the darkness from where no human has ever returned. . .