Volgarr the Viking II does not simply evoke nostalgia for the ’80s and ’90s action-platformers but goes full throttle into them, with an oh-so-punishing hardcore experience as rewarding as it is. Fans of games that demand precision, skill, and a tinge of masochism should find a new obsession in Volgarr the Viking II Review.
Volgarr the Viking II – A Classic
It’s evident from the first minutes of playing that Volgarr the Viking II will not offer players leniency. This game is a strict throwback to yesteryears of platformers, focusing on brutal challenge and responsive control. It took a time machine from the ’90s into the modern gaming scene, and therein lies the reason it’s so refreshingly different.
Volgarr, the titular Viking warrior, gets on a no-nonsense quest to defeat a hostile force threatening his kingdom. There is no profound lore or a complex narrative here—just you, your enemies, and the relentless challenge ahead. Volgarr, the Viking II, keeps things simple and allows gameplay in the limelight instead of modern games filled with breathable storylines and character development instances.
Gameplay: Tough but Fair
Volgarr the Viking II is very much a case of “tough but fair.” If there is one defining feature that is most unmistakable about this game, it would be difficulty. Levels are lush with deadly traps, relentless enemies, and punishing platforming sections. Volgarr can take up to six hits if fully geared with the right equipment; otherwise, it is one and done. This makes the experience exhilarating, as if you must count every move and that any mistake might be your last.
Where it is hard, it’s undoubtedly complex; however, it’s never unfair. Every level in Volgarr the Viking II is immaculately designed: enemies and obstacles are placed at those exact spots that will give a hard time but won’t make gameplay impossible. After all, success in Volgarr the Viking II isn’t about luck—it’s about mastering the game mechanics, learning from mistakes, and performing moves precisely.
The Thrill of Mastery
The most rewarding thing about Volgarr, the Viking II, is the mastery of it. There are only a few abilities in his repertoire, so you’ll learn pretty quickly what Volgarr should do—when to jump, attack, and dodge. By the time you’re through to the final boss, Volgarr will feel like an extension of your body, responding effortlessly to your commands.
This makes up for some of the game’s greatest strengths. There are no convoluted combos to remember, no skill trees to tinker with—just pure, unadulterated action platforming. While this cannot appeal to everyone, this is precisely what makes Volgarr the Viking II unique.
Undead Mode
One of the very few concessions Volgarr the Viking II makes to modern gaming sensibilities is its “undead mode,” an accessibility feature that kicks in after you’ve died a certain number of times. This would make Volgarr invincible and able to take all attacks but death from a fall into a pit or related hazard.
While this mode makes the game more approachable to a broader audience, at the same time, it feels a bit undermining, especially to some of what makes Volgarr the Viking II so compelling. The thrill of overcoming impossible odds is lost when you’re no longer at risk of dying from enemy attacks. To some, there could be a perception of an “undead mode” as the “wrong” way to play, stripping away what most consider the defining challenge of the game. For some others, though, it was a more than welcome option that made the game more enjoyable.
A Game for a Niche Audience
Following that, Volgarr the Viking II only tries to appeal to some, and that’s just fine. It’s a game targeted at a particular player who hungers for a bygone era when brutal, ultra-challenging platformers would see every victory clawed from the jaws of defeat and every loss becoming a lesson learned. If you’re looking for a game that’s really looking forward to testing your skills and pushing you to the limit, then Volgarr the Viking II is a sure must-play.
But if you’re into games with deeper plotlines, game mechanics that change things, or even modern conveniences like frequent checkpoints and difficulty settings, Volgarr the Viking II isn’t a game for you. It is unapologetic for knowing what it is and wants to be as a game. Surely, this blog on Volgarr the Viking II review you help you understand better.
Summary
Volgarr, the Viking II, is a game that shatters most modern gaming sensibilities in all the right ways. It is brutal, unforgiving, and gratifying, though somewhat tarnished for those with the patience and skill to make their way through it. It’s got to be everyone who enjoys a good challenge and loves old-school action.
If you’re up for filling Volgarr’s boots, then strap in for a white-knuckle, gut-wrenching experience like no other. Remember: in Volgarr the Viking II, every victory’s earned, and every defeat is a chance to learn. If you liked this Volgarr the Viking II review and want to keep reading more, click here.
