Volgarr the Viking: Video Game
I would like to amend a previous statement of mine. Instead of “indie games are the future,” I’m now saying that indie games are a portal into the golden age of video games. Enter Volgarr the Viking, a game that has been played by many, but only paid for by an astounding 4% of those who played it. I am ashamed to say I am part of that majority, as I only got this game as a freebie from Xbox Live Games with Gold. I can say with all honesty that I am sure this game, though not a financial success, is going to get tons of attention for Crazy Viking Studios.
As one who grew up in the 90’s, back when developers made games for fun, I can appreciate the extreme difficulty of this game. You can only get hit a maximum of three times (four with the rare hammer power-up, but usually less) and when you do die, you have to start the level over. Stages are swarming with enemies and you’ll find yourself constantly attacking while platforming to progress even the slightest bit. The less you are hit, the better as equipment power-ups leap from your body with any damage taken.
The enemies are reflections of the levels they’re on: lizard men in the jungle, fish men in the water fortress, etc.. Bosses are very thematically appropriate and usually some enhanced version of the enemies of the levels. Their difficulty is not to be taken lightly, but as in games of the past, they are very pattern based. If you learn the pattern, you can beat the enemy. The final boss is so 90’s arcade it’s both hilarious and awesome.
If you like a challenge and the feeling of accomplishment that comes with overcoming unforgiving difficulty, then this is the game for you. Avoid it at all cost if you are easily frustrated by constant trial and error. I really enjoyed this game.
Jonathan Thomas Jones is a speculative fiction author and founder of geekhavenreviews.com. He has been passionate about all things geek for his entire life. See more about him at jonathanthomasjones.com and follow him on twitter @jtgloryjones.
