Do you find modern games too easy, with their abundant checkpoints and simple streamlined level design? Do you remember those nail-biting platform games that chewed up your coins like a blender, where death was only one good hit away and the levels had an abundance of pitfalls and spikes? Topped off with huge bosses? Then look no further.
Volgarr the Viking is very simple to control and requires a lot of memorization and some luck since it’s a retro-style platform game that’s inspired by old arcade games. The hero can throw spears, cut things with his sword, roll, and double jump. Every now and then you’ll find treasure chests with power-ups, which provide the player with a shield that blocks projectiles and can take one hit. Naturally, there is an achievement for getting through a world without taking any hits. A true challenge for hardheaded and thick-skinned players, whom like to die a lot, yet feel they achieved progress with each mistake.
The goal of Volgarr is very simple.
Navigate the fiendishly-designed level and fend off anything in your way, while collecting riches. To prevent the game from being too frustrating there are checkpoints every now and then. After all, a platform game is all about reflexes, timing, and memorization. The levels will press the players to the max.
Big bad bosses.
The in-game sound feels a bit muffled and downplayed. This is a good thing since it takes a long time before it gets on the nerves. While the music is fitting, it is a forgettable affair. The overall style is a cross between Golden Axe and a Conan movie. In this regard, they truly captured the feel of an old-school game. The is some music as well, however, I found it quite forgettable, it’s just there.
The environments are nicely drawn and set up in a style that makes all the important elements stand out. It also captures that retro feel.
Is it enjoyable? Hell yeah. Is it hard and frustrating? Indeed. But then again, this is why I enjoy such games. It’s all about improving your gaming skills and learning from your mistakes. Volgarr the Viking throws no punches and will leave you oddly satisfied yet horribly brutalized at the same time. And that is quite the achievement. If you want to check out Volgarr the Viking, you can find it on Steam!
Njål Sand is a Norwegian Cosplayer with opinions on video games, and a passionate for creating content on YouTube about living in Norway, and gaming!