I recently played Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island, armed with my cursory knowledge of the Greek gods and a love of cozy games with lore. Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island, developed by Polygon Treehouse and published by Whitethorn Games, dives headfirst into the tales of Zeus, Hera, Poseidon, and their divine kin, offering players a chance to explore the sun-drenched island where the gods now reside. Players solve puzzles and seek treasures while encountering charming portrayals of the gods. I was briefly nervous when the first screen instructed me to plug in a controller to play, but fortunately, precision controller skills were not required. I was quickly pulled into the story as I explored, met the gods, and discovered lore in every nook and cranny of Ambrosia Island.

A Modern Odyssey: Story and Setting

In Mythwrecked, you play Alex, a modern-day backpacker whose vacation takes an unexpected turn when she finds herself shipwrecked on Ambrosia Island. The island is a hidden sanctuary where the gods of Greek mythology reside in obscurity. These aren’t the gods as Alex knows from the legends, though. Time has taken its toll, and the gods of Ambrosia Island are grappling with memory loss and identity crises. Alex quickly finds herself trying to assist and befriend the gods, hopefully restoring their sense of self.

In a game filled with characters from classical mythology, I appreciate that Alex brings a contemporary sensibility to the story. The game offers numerous references to well-known myths and legends. As Alex interacts with the gods, however, she brings a modern perspective, and the story thoughtfully takes shape. Mythwrecked is a warm cozy blanket of classical lore for those familiar with Greek mythology. For newcomers to the lore, the game offers a lovely introduction and highlights of the pantheon’s adventures.

Ambrosia Island is vibrant and inviting, with a warm, sunny daytime palette filled with oranges and yellows. At night the island transforms with blues and purples. There are sun-kissed beaches and ancient ruins, with gorgeous statues and hidden grottos. Exploring the island is a joy, with intriguing landmarks to discover. The soundtrack is pleasant and mellow, adding to the relaxed feel of the island.

Discover the Mystery: Gameplay and Mechanics

At its core, Mythwrecked is a treasure hunt adventure game. Alex must explore the island, interact with the gods, and solve puzzles to uncover the secrets of Ambrosia Island. The gameplay loop is centered around exploration, conversation, and item collection. Yes, that means a lot of ‘fetch quests’, which are integral to the storyline. I know not everyone is a fan of fetch quests. It can help to know beforehand that a game’s fetch quests are important to the storytelling and not meaningless busywork. You’ll spend significant time traversing the island, searching for clues, and talking to the various characters you encounter.

The treasure hunt aspect of the game is particularly well done. The puzzles require you to decipher clues, utilize items found throughout the island, and draw upon your knowledge of Greek mythology. Don’t worry! If all these characters and stories are new to you, the lore to solve puzzles is available to reference via your inventory or speaking to characters. Piecing together the fragments of information and uncovering hidden treasures makes each discovery feel rewarding.

Interacting with the gods is a highlight of the gameplay experience. The dialogue is engaging and informative, bringing the characters to life with distinct personalities. Building relationships with the gods is crucial to progressing through the story, as they offer clues, items, and essential insights for solving puzzles and uncovering the island’s secrets. The game encourages you to interact with these characters, learn their stories, and understand their unique perspectives. I particularly enjoyed the dramatic reactions of the characters upon arriving at a breakthrough in the story.

Little Quibbles: Control and Camera Issues

My minor quibbles with Mythwrecked are in the game controls and camera perspectives. While the game is available on multiple platforms (Xbox, Nintendo Switch, and Steam), I was playing the game on my PC via Steam, where I had hoped to use keyboard and mouse controls. I was immediately prompted to connect a controller to play, and I couldn’t find the keyboard key binds without using a controller. I couldn’t find an option to set the keyboard as my primary control (and get keyboard queues in the interface) or get the game to function without a controller. I borrowed an Xbox controller from my kids to play. Luckily precision controller skills were not required to proceed through the game. Using a controller in play sessions longer than an hour can be hard on my hands. (I utilize a KBM setup that accommodates my hand issues, which is why that’s my game control preference.)

The camera perspective also presents some challenges, particularly for folks who are easily disoriented by camera perspectives that differ from the game map. The fixed camera angles can sometimes obscure important details or make it difficult to navigate tight spaces. I commented multiple times while playing that I wished I had control over the camera. Areas with switchback stairs or tight corners sometimes led to some mild frustration.

For players like me who struggle with spatial awareness, the absence of a compass or other directional aid compounds these issues. I would orient myself on the map, then when I exited the map the camera perspective would be completely different, causing me to go in and out of the map frequently to get myself headed in the right direction. Implementing a compass (or the option of one) or allowing a bit of camera control could greatly enhance the player’s experience.

While not game-breaking, these control and camera issues create unnecessary friction in what is otherwise a smooth and engaging gameplay experience. Addressing these issues would improve the game’s accessibility and playability.

Shiny Things

• Beautiful art style with a relaxing soundtrack
• Engaging story interacting with Greek gods and lore
• Good game pacing and treasure hunt mechanics

Not So Shiny Things

• Fixed camera perspectives can be challenging at times
• Stronger keyboard support would be nice for the PC version

Final Verdict: A Worthy Expedition

Mythwrecked: Ambrosia Island is a charming and engaging adventure that blends classical mythology with a modern sensibility. The game’s vibrant world, witty dialogue, and clever puzzles create a captivating experience that will appeal to fans of adventure games and Greek mythology alike. The treasure hunt mechanics are well-implemented, providing a satisfying sense of discovery and accomplishment.

I very much enjoyed my expedition into the world of Greek mythology. The game’s strengths far outweigh its weaknesses, making it easy to recommend to those seeking a lighthearted and engaging adventure. The relaxed feel of the welcoming art style, comfortable but engaging game pacing, and soothing soundtrack lend themselves to a delightful play experience. Are you ready to embark on a unique treasure hunt with a cast of quirky gods? If so, Ambrosia Island awaits!

Game key was provided for review purposes

Full Playthrough VODs