To all of the courageous souls who’ve ventured into the world of Volgarr the Viking: I swear, I don’t hate you! In actual fact, I like you! I do know the sport is difficult, and I perceive the frustration that comes with every defeat.
Nevertheless, there’s a technique to this insanity. I need to take you thru a number of the design decisions that make Volgarr the Viking II not only a recreation, however a studying expertise that hones abilities that I hope shall be relevant in your actual life.
Embracing the Problem
From the outset, our objective with Volgarr the Viking II was to create an expertise harking back to basic arcade and platform video games – titles that demanded precision, timing, and perseverance. Rising up in a army household and serving within the army myself, I consider within the worth of a hard-earned victory – the sort that leaves you with a way of accomplishment.
Studying By way of Failure
One of many core design philosophies behind the Volgarr the Viking collection is that failure is a stepping stone to success. Every loss of life is a lesson, every impediment a possibility to refine your abilities. The sport’s problem is just not meant to punish, however to show.
By going through powerful, pattern-based enemies mixed with static handcrafted degree designs, gamers develop a deeper understanding of recreation mechanics, be taught to strategize, and enhance their reflexes. That is an precise train that trains psychological acuity and connection to real-world motor abilities. There’s a certain quantity of pleasure that comes from overcoming challenges, feeling good and understanding you’ll be able to take no matter is thrown at you.
Deliberate Design Selections
I actually wished gamers to not simply see this philosophy within the design of Volgarr the Viking II, however perceive it by enjoying it. At first look, a number of the challenges within the recreation would possibly really feel like they’re troublesome for problem’s sake, however each side has been meticulously crafted to problem gamers whereas fostering their development. Let me drill down on some examples:
Controls: I wished to make the controls easy to know, however in addition they needed to really feel tight, responsive, and predictable. That’s the important thing to giving gamers the power to execute actions with precision. Mastering these controls is rewarding in its personal proper, but additionally helps develop abilities that gamers can apply to different motion video games as nicely.
Sample Recognition: Enemies and traps comply with set patterns. Recognizing and memorizing these patterns hones your observational abilities and enhances your capability to anticipate and react. That’s not only a good ability for gaming – that’s an awesome ability for all times.
Restricted Assets: Well being and lives are restricted; weapons, armor, and power-ups might be misplaced. By encouraging cautious planning and useful resource administration, I need to train gamers to be strategic, weighing dangers and advantages earlier than performing.
No Hand-holding: There are not any extreme tutorials or hints in Volgarr the Viking II. That’s so gamers will be taught by doing – exploring and experimenting, fostering a way of curiosity and independence. It’s about trusting the participant’s intelligence and skill to be taught by expertise. All the things a participant must find out about beat the sport is completed earlier than they encounter their very first enemy. As they play, they are going to learn to use these abilities on the proper instances – and that’s extremely rewarding.
Punishing however Truthful: I freely acknowledge that Volgarr the Viking II is hard, however I additionally consider that it’s honest. Each problem might be overcome with the correct strategy; totally different gamers might take a unique period of time to find it, however they are going to get there. I at all times need success to really feel deserved and motivating; failures are inevitable, however I by no means need the participant to really feel that the sport is dishonest them.
You’ve noticed the widespread thread by now: Volgarr the Viking II goals to construct a extra resilient and decided gamer, but additionally give them abilities that may assist them when there’s not a controller of their arms. The perseverance required to deal with our recreation can translate to a larger sense of confidence in going through challenges each in gaming and in life. The repeated cycle of making an attempt, failing, and ultimately succeeding builds a mindset geared in direction of steady enchancment and resilience – and that may be utilized to something. I’ve discovered this to be true in my life and, by my video games, I hope to encourage others to find that in themselves, too.
A Group of Warriors
Lastly, we designed Volgarr the Viking II with the hope of fostering a group of gamers who help and encourage one another. Sharing methods, triumphs, and even frustrations can create a bond amongst gamers, making the journey much less lonely and extra rewarding. Collectively, you type a tribe of modern-day Vikings, conquering not simply the sport, however the limitations to your individual potential.
So, to all our gamers: On the finish of the day, video video games are presupposed to be enjoyable, and I significantly hope you discover enjoyment in Volgarr the Viking II. But additionally know that the problem is intentional and crafted with care. I don’t hate you; quite the opposite, I consider in you. Embrace the issue, be taught from it, and let Volgarr the Viking II be the forge wherein your gaming abilities are sharpened to perfection. Skål!
Kristofor Durrschmidt is the CEO and co-founder of Loopy Viking Studios, in addition to the previous artistic director of Digital Eclipse’s Bothell studio. Along with the unique Volgarr the Viking, which is celebrating ten years as an indie hit, Kris has labored on over 30games in his profession for practically each main writer akin to Activision-Blizzard , Sega, Nintendo, THQ, Disney, Konami, Capcom, SNK, and extra.
Volgarr the Viking II is accessible for Xbox One and Xbox Sequence X|S. Get each video games within the franchise with the Volgarr the Viking I & II Bundle. For extra info on the sport, try the official web site.
Volgarr the Viking II
Digital Eclipse
$19.99
$15.99
The Return of the (Vi)king
Greater than a decade after Volgarr the Viking’s chaotic, difficult debut, the barbarian king’s story continues in an uncompromising new type.
Volgarr the Viking II is a hardcore, 2D action-platformer the place precision is every part and one false transfer can spell a brutal loss of life. Gamers of the unique recreation will really feel proper at dwelling on this relentless voyage, even with the addition of latest power-ups, new types of magic, new enemy sorts, and a chest-thumping new soundtrack.
Whereas the sequel delivers the identical unforgiving Nineteen Eighties-arcade degree of problem as the unique, Volgarr the Viking II additionally (mercifully, begrudgingly) gives trendy quality-of-life choices akin to checkpoints, save states, and an undead mode. You resolve how punishing your quest must be – however now anybody generally is a viking!
With new and bigger worlds impressed by Norse mythology, a number of endings, and quite a lot of ruthless bosses to beat, Volgarr the Viking II expands and improves on the unique in each manner. Draw your sword, don your helmet, and chop your manner by this violent viking journey!
