Husband-and-wife team remake classic NES platformer
Some video games are simply classics, but others hold a special place in the hearts of their creators. Such is the case with The Battle of Olympus, the side-scrolling platformer that captivated players on the NES back in 1988. Now, this beloved 8-bit memory is set to receive a major overhaul, with the original husband-and-wife team set to bring it back to life for modern audiences.
The story behind the remake is just as charming as the game itself. The development was born from a romantic partnership, with programmer Yukio Horimoto and artist Reiko Oshida (now also Horimoto) working together to craft the original experience. As Horimoto explained, their shared passion for Greek myths and legends heavily influenced the game’s concept and mood.
“We fell in love and wanted to make our game together,” Horimoto shared. “We talked about the game concept for a long time, and our mood influenced it.”
Beyond the rich mythology, the game drew significant inspiration from other legendary titles. Horimoto noted that the gameplay mechanics, such as the player’s attacking, ducking, and jumping motions, were heavily influenced by the design principles of The Legend of Zelda 2. They aimed to create a game that felt familiar yet fresh, weaving ancient lore with classic adventure gameplay.
The forthcoming remake is positioned as a truly handcrafted experience. The development team, now operating under their reformed Infinity Co, plans to personally recreate the pixel art and refine the code, ensuring that the modern PC experience preserves the spirit, atmosphere, and challenge of the original NES classic.
This tradition of developer couples reviving gaming history is not unique. Years ago, founders Ken and Roberta Williams returned to game development to create a modern version of Colossal Cave Adventure, demonstrating a shared commitment to bringing old ideas into new forms.
Horimoto and Oshida have continued their journey in game development, having directed fashion model simulations. With the remake of The Battle of Olympus slated for Steam early access in January 2027, it appears this monumental project will be their final major game product, a fitting tribute to their shared creative legacy.
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