Volgarr the Viking II Review: A challenging retro-inspired action-platformer.
Table of Contents
Volgarr the Viking II Review
Volgarr the Viking II doesn’t concern itself with the contemporary gaming landscape. In a time where games often come with multiple difficulty settings and forgiving checkpoints, Volgarr the Viking II harks back to an era where the protagonist dies from a single hit, and repeated deaths send you back to the start of a lengthy level. This approach is a deliberate throwback to the unforgiving nature of ’80s and ’90s action-platformers, a stark contrast to the more accessible designs of modern games like Dark Souls, which, despite their difficulty, offer various ways to ease the challenge.
Volgarr the Viking II stands out not only because of its retro aesthetics and sound but also because of its gameplay mechanics. It reverently captures the spirit of classic action-platformers, making it both brilliant and a tough sell in today’s gaming market.
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A Journey Back in Time
Volgarr the Viking II stars Volgarr, a Viking warrior-turned-king on a mission to defeat a hostile force. The narrative is minimal, serving as a backdrop to the gameplay. This simplicity is by design, harkening back to an era when storylines were straightforward and the focus was squarely on gameplay.
In contrast to other retro-inspired games like Streets of Rage 4, which often take a tongue-in-cheek approach to their presentation, Volgarr the Viking II is completely earnest. The game feels like a long-lost classic, a relic from decades past, compelling players with its “one more try” mentality.
Gameplay Mechanics: Brutal Yet Fair
The Basics
Volgarr the Viking II’s gameplay is unapologetically tough. The protagonist, Volgarr, can suffer a maximum of six hits before dying, with his durability determined by the gear the player collects. Each piece of gear often grants unique bonuses. For instance, a flame sword increases damage against foes and boosts the range of Volgarr’s attack. However, much like the power-ups in Mario games, taking damage results in losing these upgrades one by one. If Volgarr is left with no gear, he will die from a single hit.
This approach creates a delicate balance between punishment and reward. The game grants players extra abilities based on performance but is quick to take them away. This makes for a gameplay experience that is both terrifying and exhilarating. Spending a few minutes fully geared-up makes players wonder how long their luck will last.
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Mastery and Precision
Despite its difficulty, Volgarr the Viking II is surprisingly fair. Rarely does a death feel like it was due to something beyond the player’s control. Solutions exist for every problem, ways to avoid every enemy attack, and paths through every platforming challenge. The game’s demand for perfection can lead to frustration, but also to deeply satisfying moments. Completing a level never feels like a matter of luck; it feels like a testament to the player’s skill and mastery of the game’s mechanics.
The controls are simple yet precise, which makes mastering them incredibly rewarding. Understanding the exact range of an enemy’s attack, the perfect timing for a midair strike, or when to launch a spear, creates a seamless and satisfying gameplay loop. With only a handful of abilities at his disposal, Volgarr becomes an extension of the player’s own capabilities. There are no complex combos or unnecessary action-RPG elements, just pure, challenging platforming.
Visuals and Sound: A Nostalgic Treat
Volgarr the Viking II’s visuals and sound design are crafted with a reverence for classic games. The pixel art style and chiptune soundtrack could easily be mistaken for a game from the ’90s. The graphics are detailed and vibrant, with each level offering a distinct aesthetic. From lush forests to fiery volcanoes, the environments are varied and meticulously designed.
The sound design complements the visual style perfectly. The music is intense and motivating, keeping players engaged and in the right mindset to tackle the game’s challenges. The sound effects are crisp and satisfying, from the clanging of swords to the triumphant fanfare of level completion.
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Level Design: A Test of Skill
The level design in Volgarr the Viking II is another area where the game shines. Each level is a meticulously crafted test of skill, designed to challenge the player in different ways. The game doesn’t hold your hand; instead, it expects you to learn from your mistakes and improve with each attempt.
Checkpoints and Progression
Checkpoints are strategically placed, offering a fair balance between challenge and progression. While dying will often send you back to the start of the level, the checkpoints ensure that you don’t lose too much progress. This design choice keeps the gameplay loop tight and engaging, encouraging players to keep pushing forward.
Enemy Design
Enemies in Volgarr the Viking II are varied and require different strategies to defeat. From basic grunts to formidable bosses, each enemy type presents a unique challenge. Learning their patterns and weaknesses is crucial to success. Boss fights, in particular, are intense and rewarding, demanding precise timing and strategy.
Accessibility: A Double-Edged Sword
Volgarr the Viking II’s most notable accessibility feature is “undead mode.” When Volgarr dies a certain number of times, he becomes essentially invincible, only vulnerable to environmental hazards like pits or lava. This mode is a significant departure from the game’s usual difficulty, making it much easier to progress.
However, undead mode feels like an inelegant solution to the accessibility question. While it allows more players to experience the game, it undermines many of the game’s strengths, such as the emphasis on precision and mastery. The transition from near-instant death to invulnerability is jarring and feels like there was a middle ground that was overlooked.
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Replayability and Longevity
Volgarr the Viking II is a game that can be completed in a few hours, but its replayability is where it truly shines. The game’s challenging nature and the satisfaction of mastering its mechanics encourage repeated playthroughs. Additionally, the leaderboard system adds a competitive element, pushing players to improve their times and scores.
For those who enjoy a tough but fair challenge, Volgarr the Viking II offers endless replay value. Each playthrough becomes an opportunity to refine skills, discover new strategies, and achieve a higher level of mastery.
Conclusion: A Love Letter to Classic Gaming
Volgarr the Viking II is not a game that will win awards for innovation. It won’t astound with its visuals or surprise with its narrative. But for those who appreciate the era of tough, uncompromising action-platformers, it is a lovingly crafted homage that surpasses many of its progenitors. It’s a game that demands and rewards skill, offering a pure and satisfying gameplay experience.
Pros
- Tight and satisfying controls
- No-frills gameplay experience
- Strong encounter and level design
Cons
- An awkwardly implemented easy mode
- A lack of innovation within its genre
FAQs
Q: What platforms is Volgarr the Viking II available on?
A: Volgarr the Viking II is available on PC, Xbox One, Xbox Series X|S, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, and Nintendo Switch.
Q: How long does it take to complete Volgarr the Viking II?
A: The game can be completed in a few hours, but its challenging nature and replayability can extend the playtime significantly.
Q: What is undead mode in Volgarr the Viking II?
A: Undead mode is an accessibility feature that makes Volgarr invincible after dying a certain number of times. It allows players to progress through the game without fear of dying from enemy attacks, though environmental hazards can still kill Volgarr.
Q: Is Volgarr the Viking II suitable for casual gamers?
A: Volgarr the Viking II is designed for players who enjoy challenging games. Casual gamers may find the difficulty level daunting, but undead mode provides an option for those looking for a less punishing experience.
Q: Does Volgarr the Viking II have a multiplayer mode?
A: No, Volgarr the Viking II is a single-player game.
Q: Who developed Volgarr the Viking II?
A: The game was developed by Digital Eclipse and Crazy Viking Studios, and published by Digital Eclipse.
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Q: Does Volgarr the Viking II have any downloadable content (DLC)?
A: As of its release, Volgarr the Viking II does not have any DLC. However, future updates or expansions have not been ruled out by the developers.
Q: How does the difficulty in Volgarr the Viking II compare to the original game?
A: Volgarr the Viking II maintains the same level of difficulty as the original game. It’s a challenging experience that requires precision and mastery, though undead mode offers a less punishing option for players who need it.
Q: What makes Volgarr the Viking II different from other retro-inspired games?
A: Volgarr the Viking II stands out due to its earnest approach to retro game design. It doesn’t rely on irony or modern concessions, instead offering a pure and challenging experience that pays homage to classic action-platformers.
Q: Are there any significant changes or improvements in Volgarr the Viking II compared to the first game?
A: While Volgarr the Viking II stays true to the core gameplay of the original, it features improved graphics, more varied level design, and additional accessibility options such as undead mode.
Q: Is Volgarr the Viking II worth buying?
A: If you enjoy challenging, retro-inspired action-platformers and appreciate games that demand precision and mastery, Volgarr the Viking II is definitely worth buying. Its tight controls, satisfying gameplay, and nostalgic appeal make it a standout title for fans of the genre.