Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods (1991). Play online

Summary

Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods builds on its predecessor to deliver a richer god‑game experience. The SNES edition adds dozens of new spells, a sharper sprite palette and richer sound, while an upgrade system lets you tailor your demigod’s abilities. Powers are split into six elemental categories—earth, water, wind, fire, plants and people—tied to a global manna meter that grows with population.

Over 1,000 maps test your mastery, and each successful conquest grants experience points to improve a spell’s range, accuracy or manna cost. Controlling a large swath of land can summon indestructible Greek legends such as the Colossus or Medusa, while hero transformations let you channel iconic figures. An expansion disk, The Challenge Games, adds another 500 maps and a set of Japanese‑mythology‑styled challenges.

Critics praised the title for its smoother controls and steep, varied difficulty, reflected in an 82 % score from Super Gamer. The combination of strategic resource management and spectacular divine devastation makes it a standout entry in the early 1990s god‑game canon.

Storyline

In Populous II: Trials of the Olympian Gods you play as a demigod, one of Zeus’s countless offspring with mortal women. Your quest is to earn a place among the gods by battling the Greek pantheon deity by deity. Each level pits you against a powerful god, and you must use the raw power of the universe at your fingertips to overcome them. After defeating the lesser deities, the final showdown is against Zeus himself, who promises a seat on Olympus if you survive. Success grants you entry into the Pantheon, completing your ascent from mortal to immortal ruler.