I was perusing the PS Plus Extra library one day while watching URC highlights and came across Vikings – Wolves of Midgard. This, while watching a YouTube video of “Ragnar, son of Snyman” catching a rugby ball in his one hand like it was a tennis ball. So, I thought, why not. Let’s give it a try.
What is Vikings about?
At its core, it’s a hack-and-slash action RPG, not unlike Diablo, though set in Norse mythology. It was released back in 2017 so it’s almost 10 years old. How does it play?
There are five character classes blessed by Norse deities to pick from. For example:
- Odin—a master of magic and wisdom, wielding arcane power.
- Loki—a trickster with unparalleled skill in dual-wielding weapons.
- Skathi—a swift and deadly bow-wielder, striking from a distance.
- Thor—the brute-force warrior, armed with a colossal hammer in both hands. If a problem can’t be solved, hit it harder.
The Norse Gods bestow their gifts on the player in exchange for blood offerings. The game’s currency for levelling up your character.
It’s set in Midgard and you play as a warrior or shieldmaiden. None of that body type 1 or 2 nonsense! You become the chief of the Ulfung Village after saving your own village from a raid of Jötnar (giants). They raid is orchestrated by a powerful Jötunn called Grimnir. The story develops from there but in the end you need to prevent Ragnarok by defeating Grimnir.
Your village shops can be upgraded so that the blacksmith, armourer, etc. can craft superior items as well as imbue your weapons and armour with runes that adds critical damage, life-steal, extra blood dropping from enemies and more.
Is it any good?
As stated, it’s a hack-and-slash game. You’ll fight against wolves, trolls, fire and frost giants, knights and other Vikings.
Combat isn’t especially hard, especially as I chose the tank class. But you’re able to roll away from heavy attacks if needed. Health is regained by charms that can be refilled at various health fountains littered across the map. There’s also a generous amount of checkpoints should the worst happen.
Survive the elements
There are ample worlds to explore and many of them have hostile environments. You can freeze to death on the icy plains unless you warm up next to a fire. Or be poisoned in the swamp areas if you linger there to long.
There’s a Fury System the player can activate if they build up a big enough combo (kind of like a rage meter). It enhances your strength, speed, or defensive capabilities which is very handy for tight spots or boss fights.
Like most hack-and-slash games, it can become repetitive. Especially as they recycle some enemies over and over and the AI isn’t that smart.
The loot system, and the unlocking of new abilities, kept me engaged enough though to do a lot of side quests to level up. You need this as the enemy’s level lot quicker than yours. I’d recommend being at least level 30 near the end of the game.
Vikings – Wolves of Midgard verdict
I’m a sucker for indie titles. They’re cheaper than Bobby Kotick’s socks and sixteen times more reliable than Todd Howard’s spin doctor. While not as polished as a Diablo game, you can sense the love and care that went into Vikings – Wolves of Midgard.
It’s hectic at times, and a lot of fun with beautiful environments to explore. It made me feel like R.G. Snyman taking on a four piece Portuguese combo while laughing at the pain and suffering I inflict on my enemies.
8/10
I like beer. All of the beer. Also I took a selfie with a emu once and didn't die.