When I first played Volgarr the Viking 2 at Guerrilla Collective 2024, I struggled to beat the first level. Determined to improve, I eagerly awaited the full game release on my Nintendo Switch. Once I got my hands on it, I discovered that Crazy Viking Studios and Digital Eclipse had thoughtfully considered players like me when designing the game’s difficulty. Volgarr the Viking 2 equips players with ample tools to master the game over time, allowing me to overcome my initial challenges with some practice and perseverance.
Volgarr the Viking 2 introduces two innovative features to enhance player experience. First, the Undead Mode makes the 2D platformer more accessible for less-skilled players. Second, the game rewards skilled players with power-ups that increase Volgarr’s strength as they perform better. These elements made the challenges in Volgarr the Viking 2 more engaging and enjoyable, rather than exhausting.
While Volgarr the Viking 2 retains some of the challenging elements characteristic of its retro design, it manages to stand out as a remarkable homage to the toughest platformers of the past. Despite usually losing interest in difficult games over time, I found myself increasingly engaged with Volgarr the Viking 2. Its old-school approach may present some frustrations, but its overall execution keeps players coming back for more.
Just like you remember
Volgarr the Viking 2 will resonate with fans of its 2014 predecessor. This challenging 2D platformer follows a Viking on a quest to defeat an evil lich with assistance from Valkyries. The story is straightforward, emphasizing survival and gold collection. Its gameplay strikes a balance between the classic titles Rastan and Ghosts ‘n Goblins, offering a nostalgic yet fresh experience for players.
Volgarr, a large and slow-moving character, demands methodical gameplay in Volgarr the Viking 2. Each action, whether attacking, jumping, dodge rolling, or throwing a spear, must be carefully planned, reminiscent of the classic game Rastan. Despite his imposing Viking physique, Volgarr is surprisingly fragile. One hit from an enemy removes his current power-up, similar to the mechanics in Ghosts ‘n Goblins, and a subsequent hit results in death. Attempting to brute-force your way through the game will lead to frequent deaths.
To successfully complete Volgarr the Viking 2, it’s crucial to adopt a methodical approach. Take your time to learn enemy patterns, determining the optimal moments to attack or evade. Play conservatively by using spears for Volgarr to jump on instead of making risky leaps across large pits. Always seek out power-ups, as they provide significant advantages. Despite being a decade since the original Volgarr the Viking was released, this sequel retains all the charm and appeal of its predecessor, offering a nostalgic and enjoyable experience.
The presentation and approachability of Volgarr the Viking 2 have significantly improved. The pixel art is more polished compared to the original, giving it a refined look. The soundtrack features retro-inspired tunes that evoke the nostalgia of an NES cartridge. Volgarr the Viking 2 captures the essence of old-school gaming while skillfully avoiding the pitfalls often associated with classic games.
Old-school difficulty, modernized
I had an in-depth discussion with the developers of Volgarr the Viking 2 about their strategies for making this notoriously challenging game more accessible. Their efforts have largely succeeded. Key enhancements include midlevel checkpoints, unlimited continues, and a practice mode unlocked after completing a level. However, the standout addition is Undead Mode. In this mode, after using a certain number of continues, Volgarr transforms into a zombie, significantly increasing his resilience so he doesn’t die from just one or two hits.
In my first playthrough, I activated Undead Mode and found it quite useful, despite it leading to the game’s worst ending. This mode provided the necessary information to improve my performance in subsequent runs of each level. However, it doesn’t account for some of the platforming challenges. For instance, falling into an endless pit in Undead Mode still results in Volgarr losing a life and being sent back to the last checkpoint.
In this game, even a single mistake can set you back significantly, despite the Undead Mode that’s designed to prevent such setbacks. This challenge becomes particularly apparent in the second level, where underwater sections alter the platforming physics, and in the fifth level, where Volgarr must navigate very narrow platforms that can inflict damage. Although these obstacles can be quite frustrating, the option for unlimited continues ultimately allows players to push through and overcome these difficulties, making the experience more manageable.
Undead Mode is a valuable feature in Volgarr the Viking 2, but the game’s true brilliance shines through when you appreciate the impact of power-ups on Volgarr’s strength. As Volgarr collects these power-ups, he becomes significantly more powerful, enhancing gameplay and offering a rewarding experience. Although losing these power-ups can happen quickly, the game effectively balances its difficulty, encouraging players to master its mechanics and enjoy the satisfaction of improvement.
If you’re a fan of challenging old-school 2D platformers, or even if you’re just looking to try something new, Volgarr the Viking 2 might be worth your time. I haven’t reached its true ending yet, as the game allows only one continue before the opportunity for that ending expires. Despite this, I’m considering continuing my playthrough to achieve it. This modern iteration of the classic platforming formula is designed to be accessible with enough dedication, making it an engaging experience for both seasoned players and newcomers alike.
Volgarr the Viking 2 is available now on PC, PlayStation 4, PS5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Nintendo Switch.