The last Viking-related game we reviewed was Loki, therefore it's with a due sense of trepidation and fear that we find ourselves revisiting the same time period with Viking: Battle for Asgard. To be fair however, Loki was appalling due to reasons mostly unrelated to Viking folklore in general, so with sleeves rolled up, we're going to press on and forget we ever heard about it.
Viking: Battle for Asgard has a rich, interwoven storyline, encompassing some of the most interesting attributes of Danish history, all set in a vibrant world of mythology and sharp swords. It's based around the "Saga of Skarin", a warrior who has been forced to defend his homeland after the invasion of the goddess Hel, who happens to be the daughter of the deity in the game we're trying to forget about.
According to legend, Hel has been banished from the heavenly kingdom of Asgard for defying Odin’s rule, so we'll have to assume she's not the brightest crayon in the box. Due to this banishment, which was her own fault, she sets about trying to release the wolf-god Fenrir, who according to legend will cause the apocalypse - known as Ragnarok - that will destroy Asgard and the Gods. So, not only a bit dim, but fairly violent as well.
Happily however, Freya (goddess of both love and war) is on the side of the poor humans caught up in this epic struggle, and appoints our hero Skarin to stand up to Hel and her various minions.
Viking: Battle for Asgard is being developed by The Creative Assembly, better known for their work on the Total War strategy franchise, which for anyone who has played these titles means large, action-packed outdoor battle scenes. Nobody does large-scale environments quite like Creative, and from what we've seen so far, Viking may well be their best achievement.
We've been promised a high impact, brutal combat engine with intensely physical melee combat, and the ability to dismember enemies with deadly combat moves. This is of course set in a vast, open environment which you will be able to explore at your leisure, taking on quests and moving from zone to zone learning more about the world of Viking mythology. There are even dragons to be tamed, which you can command to attack your enemies, as well as mythical powers you can harness to call upon the powers of the gods in your time of need.
The land of Midgard itself is divided amongst three islands, Niflberg, Galcliff and Isaholm.
Niflberg, with its clear air and crystal waters is Skarin’s home and amongst the last islands of Midgard to be overrun by Hel’s legion. From Brighthelm to Darkwater, the legion’s taint is still beginning to spread across this land as roaming slaver parties prey on the outlying villages.
The storm-lashed settlements of Galcliff huddle for shelter among its mountainous peaks, which conceal useful secrets and hiding places for those in need. The port of Holdenfort is the gateway to the once-mighty city of Caldburg and Hel’s claws are buried deep in both.
Harsh even by Midgard’s standard, the people of Isaholm were respected amongst all men as the bravest and the hardiest of warriors. Now, as winter descends, Hel’s blight infests every corner of this cold-blasted land, twisting its populace to her whim and torturing the very earth itself.
Creative and SEGA have released a new trailer for Viking; Battle for Asgard ahead of the expected release next week. Entitled "Glory of War", it shows some of the amazing detail included in the final release. They've also updated the official site with more information about the characters you'll come across during game play.
We will of course be bringing you a review just as soon as we can get hold of a copy, but in the meantime check out the trailer and screenshots below.
