![]() ![]() This makes the harder Valhalla Mode a welcome addition for folks who have mastered the original. Some bosses, meanwhile, can be overly tough, though, to be honest, that’s actually more of a plus for old-school folks such as myself. It’s not like Zelda where areas are a canvas for intellectual stimulation or Dark Souls where traversing real estate can be an accomplishment from the simple fact that you survived them. ![]() Instead, those unfilled areas lead to boredom at times as I felt like I was simply going through the motions to get through them. It would be nice if it was used to strategically place more foes or potentially layer in more puzzle opportunities to flesh out the adventuring. On one hand, it helps emphasize that lonely ambiance that I like so much but it also feels like a wasted opportunity. The game’s world, while uniquely beautiful, also has a lot of dead open space where nothing happens. While those games’ deliberate combat mechanics are polished, however, Jotun’s feels a bit awkward, leaving a nagging feeling in the back of my mind that something just doesn’t feel right even as I get used to the gameplay's timing. That’s coming from a guy who actually likes clunky combat mechanics done right as shown by my love for games like Monster Hunter Generations and Dark Souls III. At the top of the list is the clunky feel of the combat. There aren’t many, mind you, but they’re serious enough for me personally to affect my enjoyment of the game. It’s Old School Gaming 101, which should please fans of classic gaming.įor all that Jotun does exceptionally well, however, it also has a few key drawbacks. Taking a boss down requires much observation and trial and error on your part until familiar patterns come out and weaknesses are revealed. The mechanics for defeating them are torn straight out from classic gameplay design, requiring a mix of brains and brawn with snappy reflexes. The game does a great job in showing their scale and strength, including powerful attacks that cause the ground to shake and the skies to tremble. The Jotun bosses are definitely the most memorable part of the game, thanks to their imposing frames and challenging gameplay. The animation is nice and fluid, and is nicely complemented by the game’s art direction, which deftly weaves visual effects with some curated camera work to match what’s going on onscreen. The inclusion of hand-drawn art, meanwhile, provides a distinct charm and liveliness that’s hard to replicate with 3D assets alone. This is enhanced by a solid soundtrack that builds on those emotions while also heightening moments of tension when they do arise in the game. It’s the same lonely yet memorable feeling I used to get when playing games like Super Castlevania or Trine, drawing out the same range of emotions that always seem to pop up when listening to an old, lonely song. I couldn’t help but feel a sense of melancholy and creeping solitude as I walked through the vast expanse of purgatory with only my wits and battle axe to accompany me. One thing that Jotun nails is mood and ambiance. Along the way, you need to earn the blessing of the gods and, ultimately, their favor so you can punch your ticket to glorious Valhalla. Hey, vikings wouldn't have it any other way.Īs Thora, your goal is to reclaim your Viking honor by trudging through Norse purgatory and challenging the formidable “jotun,” a band of elemental giants who possess formidable fighting prowess. Then again, I think I’m still in much better shape than poor Thora, a Viking warrior who dies an ignoble death in “Jotun: Valhalla Edition.” An upgraded release of the original game, the Valhalla Edition brings the action of Jotun to consoles while throwing in an extra mode that makes things tougher for our Norse protagonist. ![]() Today, only the reporter part ended up coming true. ![]()
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