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Beautiful Princess Athena is mysteriously transported to a strange and hostile world run by the evil Dark Overlord. He wants Athena to play a part in a macabre game and do battle with all his revolting minions. Enraged by this, Athena vows to destroy everything in her path before finally tracking down the Overlord to take her revenge...

The world is comprised of six different scrolling levels, inhabited by all manner of hostile, disgusting creatures. Baton-wielding peanut men advance, demons close in, maniac apples fly through the air and vicious armadillos swing into action as Athena tries to progress.

At the start of her quest, Athena is unarmed and kicks to death any hostiles she meets. Weapons can be found and used, but first Athena has to destroy those attackers who carry offensive objects. Extra weaponry includes a baton, sword, bow and arrows and a yo-yo, all highly useful as they help ensure Athena's survival against enemies who knock down her life energy on contact. If all energy is lost, one of Athena's three lives shuffles off to join the choir invisible. Athena has little time for botanical delights, turning only to the life-giving plants which she stomps on to release their collectable energy-restoring hearts.

Much of the land is constructed of giant rocks and blocks which are destroyed either by kicking or smashing them with a weapon. When they break, some reveal useful objects to be added to Athena's arsenal. Among these are extra leaping powers, a helmet (for head-butting and breaking suspended rocks), flying ability, and a great long pink weapon which is swung around to injure the enemy.

Each level is graded by two exits, one guarded by a huge sentinel (who yields an enormous points bonus when killed), and an unguarded one for cowards and those unworried about a high score. Throughout the quest, a timer ticks down, and unless Athena leaves a level before it expires, she loses a life. Successfully leaving a level resets the timer.

When a game ends, Athena has the opportunity to restart from where she left off - a useful option which helps her reach the Overlord on level six.

I've never seen the arcade version of Athena, and if the Commodore conversion is any guide I'm pleased to have missed it!

Strolling around the landscapes, knocking hell out of the locals, and smashing clay bricks to find weapons which enable you to knock hell out of more locals and smash even more clay bricks is hardly what I would term productive, even in the computer game world.

After admiring the ads and the inlay card, the white pixel princess who appears on screen in somewhat of a disappointment, even though she's nicely animated.

As an arcade conversion, Athena may be accurate, but as a game on its own it's disappointing.

Imagine's current trend of high quality arcade conversions continues with this latest addition to the series.

Athena isn't much to look at, but is a highly enjoyable game to play. The main sprites and backdrops are pretty poor, and so is the soundtrack, but the gameplay (and that's the most important thing) is great.

The going is tough from the outset, and it takes a fair amount of practice before the first level is cleared. But, as they say, the tough get going and perseverence reaps its own rewards. If you enjoy the odd beat-'em-up every now and then, try this out - you could surprise yourself.

Athena is a laugh a minute! The scenario is really obscure, with the oddest-looking attackers imaginable. Some of the big fatties and baton-wielding toughnut teddies are totally ridiculous!

The best bit is when Athena gets hold of a yo-yo - it looks just like a lawn mower. The game itself provides a lot of fun and should keep those who enjoy it bashing away for quite some time - there's certainly plenty of game to battle through.

I've no doubt that many won't find Athena appealing, but if you've got a sense of humour and enjoy an arcade adventure with a bit of violence, take a look.

Presentation 78%
Thoughtful screen layout and handy restart option.

Graphics 75%
Unusual backdrops, with highly detailed and nicely animated monochromatic sprites.

Sound 69%
Very monotonous soundtrack, but the title tune is very pleasant.

Hookability 76%
Easy enough to pick up and play, although progressing past the first level takes plenty of practice.

Lastability 70%
The six tough levels give plenty of scope for long-term play - if you enjoy it.

Overall 76%
A tough, but enjoyable, arcade adventure which has its moments.