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 really like you! I do know the sport is difficult, and I perceive the frustration that comes with every defeat.
Nonetheless, there’s a technique to this insanity. I need to take you thru a few of the design decisions that make Volgarr the Viking II not only a sport, however a studying expertise that hones abilities that I hope might be relevant in your actual life.
Embracing the Problem
From the outset, our aim with Volgarr the Viking II was to create an expertise paying homage to basic arcade and platform video games – titles that demanded precision, timing, and perseverance. Rising up in a navy household and serving within the navy myself, I imagine within the worth of a hard-earned victory – the type that leaves you with a way of accomplishment.
Studying Via Failure
One of many core design philosophies behind the Volgarr the Viking collection 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 shouldn’t be meant to punish, however to show.
By dealing with powerful, pattern-based enemies mixed with static handcrafted stage designs, gamers develop a deeper understanding of sport mechanics, study 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 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, a few of the challenges within the sport may 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 grasp, however in addition they needed to really feel tight, responsive, and predictable. That’s the important thing to giving gamers the flexibility 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 properly.
Sample Recognition: Enemies and traps comply with set patterns. Recognizing and memorizing these patterns hones your observational abilities and enhances your capacity to anticipate and react. That’s not only a good talent for gaming – that’s a terrific 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 need to educate gamers to be strategic, weighing dangers and advantages earlier than appearing.
No Hand-holding: There are not any extreme tutorials or hints in Volgarr the Viking II. That’s so gamers will study by doing – exploring and experimenting, fostering a way of curiosity and independence. It’s about trusting the participant’s intelligence and skill to study by way of expertise. The whole lot a participant must find out about tips on how to beat the sport is achieved earlier than they encounter their very first enemy. As they play, they are going to discover ways 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 truthful. Each problem might be overcome with the appropriate strategy; totally different gamers could take a distinct 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 frequent 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 sport can translate to a higher sense of confidence in dealing with challenges each in gaming and in life. The repeated cycle of attempting, failing, and finally succeeding builds a mindset geared in the 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 way 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 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 kind 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 alleged to be enjoyable, and I tremendously 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 imagine in you. Embrace the issue, study 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 inventive 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 reminiscent of Activision-Blizzard , Sega, Nintendo, THQ, Disney, Konami, Capcom, SNK, and extra.
Volgarr the Viking II is accessible for Xbox One and Xbox Collection 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 kind.
Volgarr the Viking II is a hardcore, 2D action-platformer the place precision is every thing and one false transfer can spell a brutal dying. Gamers of the unique sport 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 stage of problem as the unique, Volgarr the Viking II additionally (mercifully, begrudgingly) presents fashionable quality-of-life choices reminiscent of checkpoints, save states, and an undead mode. You resolve how punishing your quest must be – however now anybody could be 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 method. Draw your sword, don your helmet, and chop your method by way of this violent viking journey!
