Ellenica, according to its developer, is an Ultima-inspired CRPG for the SEGA Mega Drive (the SEGA Genesis, in North America) with a few Skyrim vibes and a tactical combat system inspired by the old SSI games.

The game’s UI — menus, map, and the like — are somewhat atypical of other Mega Drive titles, and this is where the influence of Skyrim can be felt. Quests are fully tracked, and there is support for designating an active quest and having this then be tracked in the in-game map.

The broad strokes of the game’s story, as explained on its Facebook page, involve Zeus appointing a mere mortal — and then one experiencing a number of trials in life — to rekindle the faith of the ancient Greek people in the gods of Olympus. Around two thirds of the game, per the developer, is comprised of actions and decision points that will tip the balance of belief either in favour of the Olympian gods, or in favour of the Minoan mother goddess. Too, Ellenica borrows Ultima 4’s concept of a game without a final, ultimate evil to defeat.

There isn’t a playable version of Ellenica available yet, although a project entry has been created for the game here at the Codex. For the latest developments, you’d do well to follow the developer on Twitter, or follow the game’s page on Facebook.