Volgarr the Viking 2, the long-awaited sequel to the cult classic 2013 game, has finally arrived, and it’s every bit as challenging and satisfying as its predecessor. Developed by Crazy Viking Studios and published by Digital Eclipse, this 2D action-platformer takes players on a perilous journey through the treacherous lands of Norse mythology, where they must guide the mighty Viking warrior Volgarr in his quest to vanquish a new evil threatening the realm.
Familiar Gameplay with a Polished Presentation
Volgarr the Viking 2 stays true to the core gameplay that made the original so beloved, offering a challenging mix of precise platforming and unforgiving combat.
Players must navigate through treacherous levels filled with deadly traps and hordes of enemies, using Volgarr’s limited moveset to dispatch foes and reach the end of each stage.
The game’s pixel art has been significantly polished compared to the first instalment, with vibrant colours and detailed environments that pay homage to the classic 16-bit era.
The soundtrack, composed of retro-inspired tunes, perfectly complements the game’s old-school aesthetic and adds to the immersive Norse atmosphere.
Challenging but fair
Volgarr the Viking 2 is not for the faint of heart. It’s a game that demands precision, patience, and a willingness to learn from your mistakes.
One hit from an enemy is enough to strip Volgarr of his current power-up, while a second hit will result in an instant death.
However, the game’s difficulty, while punishing, is never unfair. Enemy placements and trap locations are carefully designed to be challenging but surmountable with practice and skill.
The game’s level design encourages players to take things slowly, learn enemy patterns, and find the optimal path through each stage.
Accessibility Options for a Wider Audience
One of the most notable additions in Volgarr the Viking 2 is the inclusion of accessibility options, aimed at making the game more approachable for a wider audience.
The most significant feature is “Undead Mode,” which activates after a certain number of continues are used. In this mode, Volgarr becomes a zombie, effectively becoming invincible to enemy attacks.
While Undead Mode helps alleviate the game’s punishing difficulty, it also removes some of the challenge associated with combat encounters.
The game’s emphasis on perfection and satisfying gameplay is somewhat undermined by this mode, as players no longer need to worry about enemy encounters.
Additionally, the game features midlevel checkpoints, an endless number of continues, and a practice mode that allows players to replay completed levels.
These features help mitigate the frustration of repeatedly starting from the beginning of a long stage after a single mistake.
Rewarding Progression and Mastery
Despite its challenging nature, Volgarr the Viking 2 offers a deeply rewarding gameplay loop. As players progress through the game, they’ll unlock new power-ups and abilities that significantly enhance Volgarr’s combat prowess.
These upgrades, combined with the player’s growing skill and familiarity with the game’s mechanics, create a satisfying sense of progression.
The game’s true ending is locked behind a strict condition: players can only use one continue before their opportunity to get it goes away.
This encourages players to master the game’s mechanics and levels, as a single mistake can cost them their chance at the ultimate challenge.
A Love Letter to Old-School Platformers
Volgarr the Viking 2 is a game that doesn’t care about the contemporary gaming landscape. It’s a pure, unapologetic love letter to the challenging action platformers of the past, with a focus on tight controls, precise platforming, and unforgiving combat.
While the game may not appeal to everyone due to its niche appeal and lack of innovation within the genre, it’s a must-play for fans of old-school gaming.
The game’s strengths lie in its execution of classic gameplay elements, with a level of polish and accessibility that surpasses many of its progenitors.
Conclusion
Volgarr the Viking 2 is a brutally rewarding sequel that stays true to the spirit of the original while introducing a few key improvements.
Its challenging gameplay, polished presentation, and rewarding progression make it a must-play for fans of old-school action platformers.
While the game’s accessibility options may not appeal to everyone, they help make the experience more approachable for a wider audience.
If you’re looking for a game that will test your skills, push your limits, and provide a deeply satisfying sense of accomplishment upon victory, Volgarr the Viking 2 is the game for you. Strap on your sword and shield, and prepare to face the challenges of Midgard head-on.
