Athena

Step into a challenging platforming adventure with Athena, released in 1986 by SNK. As the titular character, players navigate through diverse and perilous worlds, battling an array of enemies from comical pears to formidable golems. Beginning with only her bare feet, Athena can acquire numerous weapons, armor, and powerful upgrades throughout her quest—including wings for flight and a temporary transformation into a giant, armored warrior wielding a fiery sword. The game’s design incorporates destructible stone blocks concealing secrets and items, interconnected by ladders and other traversal methods. A two-player cooperative mode allows friends to face the trials together. Completing a hidden level called "World of Labyrinth" unlocks a unique opportunity: collecting an angel's harp grants permanent item preservation upon death. Athena’s gameplay is known for its difficulty, even on easier settings, and rewards perseverance with increasingly powerful abilities and exploration of its intricate world. The main character would later appear in SNK’s The King of Fighters series.