To all of the courageous souls who’ve ventured into the world of Volgarr the Viking: I swear, I don’t hate you! In truth, I like you! I do know the sport is difficult, and I perceive the frustration that comes with every defeat.
Nonetheless, there’s a way to this insanity. I wish to take you thru among the design selections that make Volgarr the Viking II not only a recreation, however a studying expertise that hones abilities that I hope will probably 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 imagine 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 sequence is that failure is a stepping stone to success. Every dying is a lesson, every impediment a chance to refine your abilities. The sport’s problem will not be meant to punish, however to show.
By going through robust, 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 satisfaction that comes from overcoming challenges, feeling good and figuring out you possibly can 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, among the challenges within the recreation would possibly really feel like they’re tough for problem’s sake, however each facet has been meticulously crafted to problem gamers whereas fostering their progress. 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 in addition helps develop abilities that gamers can apply to different motion video games as properly.
Sample Recognition: Enemies and traps comply with set patterns. Recognizing and memorizing these patterns hones your observational abilities and enhances your skill to anticipate and react. That’s not only a good talent for gaming – that’s an incredible talent 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 wish to train gamers to be strategic, weighing dangers and advantages earlier than appearing.
No Hand-holding: There aren’t 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 means of expertise. Every little thing a participant must find out about the right way to beat the sport is completed earlier than they encounter their very first enemy. As they play, they may learn to use these abilities on the proper occasions – and that’s extremely rewarding.
Punishing however Honest: I freely acknowledge that Volgarr the Viking II is hard, however I additionally imagine that it’s honest. Each problem might be overcome with the correct method; totally different gamers might take a unique period of time to find it, however they may get there. I all the time 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 frequent thread by now: Volgarr the Viking II goals to construct a extra resilient and decided gamer, but in addition give them abilities that may assist them when there’s not a controller of their palms. The perseverance required to deal with our recreation can translate to a higher sense of confidence in going through challenges each in gaming and in life. The repeated cycle of attempting, failing, and finally 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 means of my video games, I hope to encourage others to find that in themselves, too.
A Neighborhood of Warriors
Lastly, we designed Volgarr the Viking II with the hope of fostering a group of gamers who assist 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 obstacles to your personal potential.
So, to all our gamers: On the finish of the day, video video games are alleged to be enjoyable, and I tremendously hope you discover enjoyment in Volgarr the Viking II. But in addition know that the problem is intentional and crafted with care. I don’t hate you; quite the opposite, I imagine in you. Embrace the issue, be taught from it, and let Volgarr the Viking II be the forge through which 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 almost each main writer reminiscent of 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 the whole lot and one false transfer can spell a brutal dying. Gamers of the unique recreation will really feel proper at house on this relentless voyage, even with the addition of recent power-ups, new types of magic, new enemy varieties, and a chest-thumping new soundtrack.
Whereas the sequel delivers the identical unforgiving Eighties-arcade degree of problem as the unique, Volgarr the Viking II additionally (mercifully, begrudgingly) gives trendy quality-of-life choices reminiscent of checkpoints, save states, and an undead mode. You resolve how punishing your quest ought to be – however now anybody could be a viking!
With new and bigger worlds impressed by Norse mythology, a number of endings, and a wide range of ruthless bosses to beat, Volgarr the Viking II expands and improves on the unique in each method. Draw your sword, don your helmet, and chop your method by means of this violent viking journey!
