Volgarr the Viking II review

Volgarr the Viking II review

As a seasoned gamer who grew up in the era of coin-operated arcades and home consoles with no save functions, I found myself reminiscing fondly upon the days when games were truly challenging – a time before accessibility options and endless respawns. So, imagine my delight when I stumbled upon Volgarr the Viking II! This retro gem is an unapologetic throwback to the days of Ghosts’ n Goblins, where one wrong move could spell doom for your pixelated hero.


In simpler terms, it’s accurate to note that video games from three decades ago were generally harder than modern ones. Back then, it was common for games to be challenging, either due to the demand for more coins at arcades or to extend gameplay time. Now, with features like adjustable difficulty levels and accessibility options, many games can be completed easily by anyone, or might not even have a failure state. If you’re someone who enjoys a challenge and being punished for mistakes, then the game Volgarr the Viking II is perfect for you as it’s designed to test your skills and potentially bruise your ego.

In terms of old-school gaming, there’s hardly anything more authentically retro than Volgarr the Viking II. From the intricate pixel art to its overall design philosophy, it harks back to classics like Ghosts ‘n Goblins. This is a fast-paced action platformer where one false move can spell your demise. Overcoming even a single level requires a great deal of practice and precision, with mastering your moveset being the crucial initial step in your quest.

In addition to the standard jump and sword slash moves, Volgarr also possesses a more strategic set of skills. One such skill is hurling a javelin that not only pierces zombies and skeletons but can be stuck into walls for extra platforming. He’s capable of performing a double jump with a spin to inflict damage on any obstacles in his path, and he has a useful yet tricky dodge roll to evade enemies. Mastering these abilities will require patience and practice, but they’ll prove invaluable over time.

Volgarr the Viking II review

In a nutshell, what makes Volgarr the Viking feel quite vintage is its platforming mechanic, where once you jump, there’s no option for mid-air movement. So, if you’re considering playing this game, be aware that it requires careful planning and observation before making your leap, as there’s no room for error in mid-flight.

In Volgarr the Viking II, having a solid set of moves is crucial for success, but with some persistence and practice, you’ll find that acquiring power-ups can significantly improve your gameplay. Each power-up you pick up grants you an extra ability (like a shockwave when you plunge your sword or a flaming weapon dealing double damage). Moreover, these power-ups also provide an additional life before you perish. Receiving damage causes you to lose your most recently acquired power-up. Therefore, if you can accumulate enough of them, you’ll essentially have extra health reserves to help you survive longer in the game.

As a dedicated fan, I must say that every level in Volgarr the Viking II presents a fresh challenge, packed with novel traps and formidable foes. At first glance, this may seem intimidating, but there’s nothing quite like that thrill when you suddenly grasp how to navigate these perils using your sharp reflexes, agile jumps, and strategic slashes, coupled with a bit of wisdom gained along the way.

Volgarr the Viking II review

As a passionate gamer, Volgarr the Viking II has captured my attention, yet I must confess that I encountered several challenges during my playthrough. The game seems to be intentionally cryptic, reminiscent of retro-style games, but this lack of clear guidance was somewhat frustrating. It took me quite some time to decipher the function of power-ups, and I found myself pondering over how they enhanced my skills.

The zombie mode concept sounds intriguing initially, yet in reality, I never found it appealing even after grasping its workings. Once Volgarr has utilized enough continues, he transforms into a zombie, rendering him invulnerable to damage. However, if he falls into a pit, he can still perish. In all other combat situations, you’ll never lose a power-up or succumb to enemy attacks. Unfortunately, I couldn’t locate any option to deactivate this feature if one wishes to play the game as intended. You simply must improve your skills for the next playthrough. If this were an optional feature, it could provide an engaging way to play the game when you’re finding it challenging. But when you appreciate the combat and repeatedly replay boss fights, only to have them become effortless, it becomes frustrating.

In Volgarr the Viking II, there’s a nostalgic throwback to the challenging era of gaming, yet the game’s failure to clearly explain essential mechanics turned my playtime into an enjoyable-yet-frustrating experience. The battle and platforming aspects are generally great, along with the sense of achievement from conquering a level, but the presence of overly frustrating elements made it less satisfying.

Read More

2024-08-05 16:17