Vikings: Wolves of Midgard Released, Reviews

Vikings: Wolves of Midgard, the action RPG based on Norse mythology from Games Farm and Kalypso Media, has been released across PC and console platforms. The game will set you back $39.99, or your regional equivalent, and is available on Steam, GOG, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One. Here's the launch trailer, which they're calling a "Release Trailer Featurette":



And a few words about the game:
Vikings – Wolves of Midgard will transport you to the Shores of Midgard, a world based upon the mythology and history of the Vikings. Battle the fearsome Jotan, hordes of terrifying undead monstrosities and other myriad beasts of Ragnarok, either on your own or by teaming up with a friend via the online co-op multiplayer mode. Master mighty weapons, including sword and shield, two-handed hammers, dual-wielded axes and swift bows. Earn blood in battle to offer in tribute to the Gods in order to acquire and enhance devastating Spell Powers and other special unlockables. As well as the regular story mode (and New Game+), players can also test their mettle in the ‘Trials of the Gods’ – a special challenge mode that rewards the best warriors with special equipment and runes.

Features of Vikings – Wolves of Midgard:
  • Fantasy Meets Nordic Mythology: Travel the realms of earthly Midgard, freezing Niflheim and boiling Balheim, either as a fierce Viking warrior or merciless shieldmaiden.
  • The Deadly Fimbulwinter: Withstand the deathly colds and protect yourself from exposure to nature’s wrath in order to survive.
  • Tribute to the Gods: Collect blood from fallen enemies and sacrifice it at the altar to gain gifts from the Gods to enhance your powers.
  • Berserker Rage: Let your anger take hold by activating Rage Mode to overwhelm your enemies in bloodthirsty combat.
  • The art of combat: Perfect your skills with each weapon to unlock their true potential, including swords, bows and spell-powered canes.
  • The Power of the Gods: Make the abilities of the Gods your own by equipping power-infused amulets, like the Talismans of Thor or Loki. Put your new skills to the test by competing in the Trials of the Gods to earn further rewards.
  • Teamwork: Team up with a friend and journey to the Shores of Midgard together in an epic two player online co-op mode. Choose between four difficulty levels to suit your skills and talents. Do you dare attempt the unrelenting hardcore mode?
  • The Clan of Wolves: Restore and rebuild your village and lead your clan to glory. Upgrade buildings such as weaponsmith, armourer, runesmith, and mead hall to unlock more content and better equipment.
  • Legendary Weapons: Gather the scattered fragments of mythical weapons and armors to take on the most fearsome creatures of the realms.
  • A Class of its Own: Become even more powerful in the next life by attempting New Game+, and push your Viking warrior or shieldmaiden to their limit.
  • Destructible Environments: Utilise your surroundings by burying your foes under falling rocks or pushing them off high cliffs.

The Metacritic page for the game is currently barren, but I've managed to dig up a couple of reviews. The general impressions seem to be middling across the board, leaning towards the game being enjoyable despite its shortcomings. Take a look:

CGMagazine 7.5/10:

It’s hard to jump into a genre that’s defined by one game. Though many titles have come and created great experiences, Diablo is the king, and long it shall rule. Somehow though, Games Farm and Kalypso managed to carve out a title that is its own. It’s unfortunate that the messy story and somewhat exploitable controls take away from what essentially is high octane, macho bloodfest, but that doesn’t make Vikings – Wolves of Midgard unenjoyable. In fact, I’d argue that even its flaws add to its charm. There’s something beautifully chaotic about every facet of this game, and in that way it’s a success. I’d really like to see a more polished sequel, because for a first step in a completely different direction for both publisher and developer, Vikings – Wolves of Midgard is pretty enjoyable.

MMORPG.com 7/10:

Vikings: Wolves of Midgard is a game that can suck you in for a while. The more you gear up your Viking, the more you want to head out into the field to smash some giants or wolves around. The game will throw you (and a friend, if you so wish) into a frenzied action with only hazards to briefly slow you in your carnage. All of it is spiced with humor and loud yells of thickly accented voices, offering their kills to the glory of Asgard. There are some minor technical problems, but nothing that can spoil your game session. So, if you like action RPGs and / or have always wanted to dive into a Viking adventure, this game is for you.

Invision Community 6/10:

Vikings – Wolves of Midgard gets a 6/10, its beginning is both great and long-winded, with some horrible main protagonist voice acting but great secondary voice acting. The theme is too common nowadays, bordering on the overuse of Zombies a few years ago with a Viking game in almost every genre getting released in the past 2 years. Vikings doesn’t bring anything new to the table, it just coats the genre with some dull paint. Thankfully the foundations to the game are strong, but at a full price you might feel ripped off. Fans of Diablo style games should enjoy Vikings, but should not expect that quality of game.

Site Editors thoughts- Since I also got a code, it’s only fair I throw in my thoughts, in short, the game is ok, the environmental elements are unique and add an element you need to be wary of during your battles. The levelling system is easy to learn and understand, and you are able to choose two desired skills sets for your character. Upgrading the town is done through resources collected through your playtime as well as Blood that is given at the alter to level your character up.

As a Fan of Top Down RPG Hack ‘n’ Slash Games I enjoyed myself in the game, even though I do see areas that can be improved upon via patches and DLC, which I hope will come in time.