Volgarr the Viking 2 is a daring homage to classic action-platformers of the ’80s and ’90s. Developed by Kristofor Dürrschmidt, the game invites players into a world of brutal difficulty, precise mechanics and unforgiving gameplay that demands perfection.
Released in 2013, this 2D action-platformer was a tribute to the classic 16-bit Sega Genesis games combining brutally challenging mechanics with fair gameplay.
Players loved the first game’s balanced difficulty, which made it satisfying to conquer its many challenges. Fast forward to 2024 and the sequel, Volgarr the Viking 2 is here.
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Volgarr the Viking 2 keeps the original’s core mechanics allowing players to control Volgarr, a mighty Norse warrior on a mission to hack and slash through hordes of enemies.
The combat and platforming mechanics will feel familiar to those who played the first game, with Volgarr wielding weapons granted by the gods of Asgard like swords and spears, while progressing from the left side of the screen to the right.
The game encourages players to master a limited yet satisfying moveset, where precise timing and creative problem-solving are essential for survival.
Volgarr the Viking 2 impresses with creative enemy design that pushes players to think critically about their combat strategies.
Enemies are not just obstacles but puzzles in themselves often requiring specific strategies to defeat. Draugrs are foes that react differently based on where they are hit. While a high strike will vanquish them instantly, a low strike causes their torso to detach, creating a still-dangerous threat.
Some enemies have shields that protect their upper bodies, forcing players to aim for their lower half. The game leverages Volgarr’s spear-throwing mechanic ingeniously, allowing it to be used as both a weapon and a platform-building tool, a clever nod to the game’s puzzle-platforming elements.
The tiered power-up system from the first game returns in the sequel, enhancing Volgarr’s combat capabilities while also acting as a shield against enemy attacks.
Starting with no gear, players collect upgrades from treasure chests that grant them boots, a flaming sword, a belt and finally, a helmet, each providing additional strength and protection.
This system adds a risk-versus-reward dynamic, as players must decide whether to explore more dangerous areas for upgrades or proceed cautiously with what they have.
These power-ups protect against damage and enhance combat abilities like a shockwave-producing ground pound and increased attack power with the sword, rewarding skillful play and strategic decision-making.
Volgarr the Viking 2 features improved graphics that build on the retro charm of the original while adding more detail to its world.
The levels are more expansive allowing for a greater sense of exploration and discovery. The environmental design is visually appealing with richly detailed backgrounds.
Volgarr the Viking 2 is crafted with a love for old-school arcade games. The narrative is simple. You play as Volgarr, a Viking warrior-turned-king on a quest to defeat a hostile force.
This minimalist approach to storytelling is intentional, harkening back to an era where gameplay took center stage over narrative depth.
Unlike other retro-inspired games that often employ a tongue-in-cheek tone, Volgarr the Viking 2 is entirely earnest. It feels like a lost relic from the past with a presentation that revels in nostalgia without any modern irony.
Kristofor Dürrschmidt, the game’s developer aimed to compete with games from 1994. The result is a game that feels both nostalgic and fresh.
Volgarr the Viking 2 demands precision and skill, as Volgarr can suffer a maximum of six hits before dying. Gear and power-ups are crucial, granting unique bonuses like a flame sword that increases damage and range.
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The game masterfully balances punishment and reward. Players gain extra abilities based on performance, but one mistake can strip them away.
Despite its difficulty Volgarr the Viking II is fair. There are solutions to every problem and success depends entirely on the player’s skill. Whether it’s avoiding enemy attacks or navigating complex platforming sections, the game offers a clear path to victory without relying on cheap tricks or unfair mechanics.
Mastering Volgarr’s limited moveset feels incredibly rewarding. The game’s simple controls and precise platforming require players to understand enemy patterns, time their attacks perfectly and execute maneuvers with precision.
Volgarr the Viking II doesn’t have the universal appeal of other challenging games like Dark Souls or Celeste. Its focus on combat and traversal is the entire package with little emphasis on story, exploration or mini-games.
This might not suit players seeking more depth or variety in their gaming experience. The game doesn’t push the envelope or innovate in major ways.
The game’s accessibility features deserve mention particularly the “undead mode.” If players die a certain number of times, Volgarr becomes invincible, only vulnerable to platforming-related deaths.
This mode allows players to experience the game without the difficulty but at the cost of receiving a less satisfying ending.
While undead mode offers a way to see the game through, it undermines the core strengths of Volgarr the Viking 2 such as the emphasis on perfection and challenge.
Dying in Volgarr the Viking 2 is heavily penalized, as players have a limited number of lives before they are forced to use continues, which send them back to the beginning of a level.
This old-school approach to lives and continues might appeal to some retro game enthusiasts, but for many, it proves more frustrating than fun especially given the game’s punishing difficulty.
After six continues, players automatically transform into Zombie Volgarr, a mode that makes them invincible but locks them into the worst possible ending. This transformation feels more like a punishment than a benefit.
Players who prefer a challenging experience might find the forced invincibility unsatisfying, as it strips away the strategic combat elements that are central to the game’s appeal.
While Volgarr the Viking 2 includes a Practice Mode, which allows players to replay levels they’ve completed, it lacks flexibility, preventing players from selecting specific checkpoints or boss fights to practice.
This design choice limits opportunities for players to refine their skills in specific areas that are giving them trouble.
The mandatory progression through levels to access Practice Mode detracts from its utility as a tool for mastering difficult sections before attempting to achieve the game’s better endings.
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