Volgarr the Viking 2 Review: A Less Challenging Sequel
Volgarr the Viking 2 continues the retro-hardcore adventure from the first game. Here is our Witted Review of Volgarr the Viking 2.
The release of Volgarr the Viking 2 has fans of the original game excited and eager to see how the sequel stacks up. After a decade since the first game, this sequel promises to deliver a fresh experience while staying true to the core elements that made the original so beloved. This review will explore the new features, improvements, and challenges that come with Volgarr the Viking 2. Welcome to the Witted Review.
Volgarr the Viking 2 – Witted Review
When approaching a review of Volgarr the Viking 2, it’s important to consider the context of the original game. The first Volgarr the Viking drew inspiration from classic games like Ghouls ‘n Ghosts and Rastan.
It was known for its tough, skill-based design. The sequel follows in the same vein. It remains a challenging game but introduces several changes that make it accessible to players of varying skill levels.
A Little Bit More Noob Friendly
One significant update in the sequel is the addition of mid-tier checkpoints. Unlike the original, where players had to start from the beginning of a level if they died, Volgarr the Viking 2 allows players to save their progress at intermediate points.
This change addresses a major complaint from the original game without compromising the overall difficulty. Players will still experience the tough gameplay the series is known for but will benefit from a more forgiving save system, in other words, more noob friendly.
Zombie Volgarr Seems Forgiving But Actually Frustrating
The sequel also introduces a new feature called Zombie Volgarr. This mode allows players to continue progressing even after losing all their lives and continues. While this can make the game easier and more accessible, it is one feature that actually makes the game frustrating to play.
Zombie Mode offers no real rewards and can lead to an unsatisfying experience for those looking for the full challenge. The worst part is that once you are in the Zombie Volgarr mode, there’s no way to revert back to normal Volgarr unless you delete your progress and start over.
Larger Levels With Same Old Repetitive Music
In terms of presentation, Volgarr the Viking 2 maintains the pixelated art style that fans of the original will appreciate. The levels are much larger and more intricate, enhancing the visual experience.
The music in the sequel remains similar to the original game. However classic and nostalgic it is, it can become repetitive, especially during frequent deaths, which we have repeated, a lot.
The sound effects, particularly for power-ups, have been improved and offer a more satisfying audio experience.
Controls Work Well Across Platforms
We have tested Volgarr the Viking 2 on various platforms, including the Steam Deck. We’re pleased to report that it performs well and smoothly across all of them.
The game runs at 60 FPS without requiring any adjustments to settings, ensuring a seamless experience for players on different devices.
Witted Review Score for Volgarr the Viking 2
Playing Volgarr the Viking 2 is a lot of fun, especially if you enjoyed the first game, as it offers a nostalgic and similar experience. For the first 15 hours or so, the game remains engaging and intriguing as you continuously learn new strategies to defeat enemies.
However, the new Zombie Volgarr feature doesn’t enhance the game. While it provides a chance to continue and explore what’s next, the god mode, where you can’t die, detracts from the focus of the game. It turns the experience into mindless slashing, diminishing the authentic hardcore challenge.
Based on our gameplay, our Witted Review Score for Volgarr the Viking 2 is 6/10. While it may not capture the authenticity of the original, it’s still enjoyable to play. It’s not bad, but it would benefit from an option to disable the Zombie mode.
