Apollo, also known as Apollon, is one of the twelve Olympians in both Greek and Roman mythology. He was originally associated with arts, such as music and poetry, but was later transfigured into the god of the sun, overshadowing Helios. He is the son of Zeus, the king of gods, and Leto, a mortal woman. He is also the twin brother of Artemis. After his birth, the jealous Hera sent the deadly serpent, Python, to assassinate his mother, but the infant Apollo, equipped with a bow and arrows lent by Hephaetsus, successfully killed the creature before it could cause any harm.
While reaching adulthood, Hermes gave him the first lyre (which he later gave to his son or ward, Orpheus, who "mastered" the lyre) in exchange for the caduceus, and Apollo became the master of musical instruments. Many mortals and even gods challenged him in a musical contest, but their skills were no match for his. While appearing in many tales, he had numerous lovers, females and males, many who often met tragic fates or had terrible lives. Among others are Daphne, Cassandra and Hyacinthus. Aside from arts, Apollo is also considered as the god of archery, prophecy and medicine, while at the same time, serves as the leader of the Muses.
Apollo is one of the demons exclusive to the updated version of Megami Tensei II. His stats and skills resemble Ahura Mazda's.
Persona 2: Innocent Sin
Apollo appears as Tatsuya Suou's ultimate Persona in Persona 2: Innocent Sin, once the Red Eagle Mask is successfully collected. He excels at Fire and Nuclear-based spells and is immune against those elements, including the elements Light and Dark. The skill Nova Kaiser can be chained to perform the Grand Cross Fusion Spell along with the other main characters' Personas. His main weaknesses are water and ice.
Reverse Apollo
"I can sense it... You and your other you. I'm your shadow... Though visible, I cannot be dismissed. However..."
—Shadow Tatsuya
"I can. The sun is irreplaceable because it is singular... I shall incinerate you with my dark flame, and make the power of light mine!"
—Reverse Apollo, Persona 2: Innocent Sin
When the party reaches the end of the Leo Temple, they encounter Tatsuya's Shadow Self who wields this Persona. If Tatsuya is equipped with Apollo, after Shadow Tatsuya is defeated it will merge with its Reverse, gaining immunity to Nuclear and Darkness.
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment
Apollo returns as Tatsuya Suou's ultimate Persona in Eternal Punishment. Following the events from Innocent Sin, as Tatsuya is the only one who retained the memories created in Innocent Sin, he is able to retain Apollo as his Persona and starts out with Apollo upon joining the party. His appearance is slightly altered and his combat skills remain the same, except that his immunity against Darkess is absent and his Mutation skill is upgraded from Freidyne to Heat Kaiser. He's still able to perform fusion spells, such as the Dragon Cross together with other main characters' Personas.
If the player has save information from Innocent Sin, and they have this Persona, its stats will be transferred over. However, this was cut from the US version, since for PSX only Eternal Punishment was localized, and for PSP only Innocent Sin was localized.
"True, it is the destiny of a shadow to vanish into darkness. The time has come for my bright flame to bring about a true dawn!" (Upon fighting Reverse Apollo)
"My other self... The light of day now shines upon the vast lands within thee... No works of darkness shall bar our path..." (Upon defeating Reverse Apollo)
"My brother... It seems that you have let the sunlight awaken your soul. Not even the dwellers of the dark can stop us now!"
Deals 500 or 250 non-elemental damage to all enemies.
Gallery
Apollo in Megami Tensei II
Apollo as he appears in the Persona 2 duology
Persona 2: Innocent Sin promotional artwork
Persona 2: Innocent Sin promotional artwork
Persona 2: Eternal Punishment novel cover
Reverse Apollo
Apollo and Reverse Apollo in Persona 2: Innocent Sin
Trivia
Apollo's Persona design is reminiscent of the classic circus ringmaster who usually wears flamboyant red coat and tall boots. Ringmaster functions like a manager or director in the circus performance, like Tatsuya Suou and Apollo who are leading his party and Muses respectively.
In Eternal Punishment, like the other characters, Apollo has a voicemail that can be heard if the EX Dungeon is completed with S rank. He is also the only Persona to have one. "I am thou, thou are I! The one from the sea of electrons! Necessity of the modern world, the extremely useful answering machine!"
Apollo and Hyperion, the ultimate Persona of Tatsuya's brother Katsuya are visually similar to each other, sharing several similar design points while retaining the color schemes of their owners.
Apollo is one of the only Personas in the original Persona games to level up, being level 53 in Innocent Sin and level 62 in Eternal Punsihment. The others are the signature Personas of the original game's characters.
