Jotun

 PC
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 117 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 54 out of 117
  2. Mixed: 46 out of 117
  3. Negative: 17 out of 117
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  1. Claytality
    Feb 19, 2018
    8
    Jotun is a great game but has a steep learning curve. The hero does not attack or move as quickly as expected, so the first few hours of play were adjusting to the controls. However, once adjusted, the game is fun and rewarding.

    Boss fights constitute the main gameplay of Jotun and they are very well designed. You must learn each bosses' patterns and adjust your play accordingly. It    Jotun is a great game but has a steep learning curve. The hero does not attack or move as quickly as expected, so the first few hours of play were adjusting to the controls. However, once adjusted, the game is fun and rewarding.

    Boss fights constitute the main gameplay of Jotun and they are very well designed. You must learn each bosses' patterns and adjust your play accordingly. It is very hard at first but becomes so rewarding when you start earning achievements that you initially thought impossible. A combination of 2 special abilities makes every fight much easier. The game is perfect for speed running.

    Main game took 6 hours, but replaying bosses for achievements took 17 hours. Highly recommended, only worth $5 due to length.    … Expand
  2. Alseiz
    Jul 9, 2017
    4
    nice artstyle and compelling story, also good voiceacting but boring music, slow paced fights and terrible movement, User Inferace is confusing as well as the map which fails to give a sense to where you are and where you are going
  3. Brainstrain
    Dec 12, 2019
    7
    Jotun is a fun romp through Norse myth. Bosses are impressively animated and have some fun mechanics. For most of the game I thought the challenge struck a perfect balance - most bosses took a few tries, but nothing was too frustrating. Unfortunately the last boss is ridiculously hard, and it hurt my enjoyment of the game a lot.

    The hand-drawn environments are nice in some places, and    Jotun is a fun romp through Norse myth. Bosses are impressively animated and have some fun mechanics. For most of the game I thought the challenge struck a perfect balance - most bosses took a few tries, but nothing was too frustrating. Unfortunately the last boss is ridiculously hard, and it hurt my enjoyment of the game a lot.

    The hand-drawn environments are nice in some places, and ugly in others. Getting around the maps can be tedious, and some are quite large. It's a good but not great game - wait for a sale.    … Expand
  4. S3XU4LH34L1NG
    Mar 12, 2021
    7
    Fantastic voice acting, great artstyle and plus points for retelling some of the norse mythology. It's a chill easy going game but with challenging bosses that kinda remind me of demon souls. Sadly the clunky controls and the strangely low walking speed suck. Care - it's a nice game but extremly short 3,5 h for me for 100%. Would not recommend if it costs more then 5 bucks. Would Ratatorsk again.
  5. Mykwon
    Jul 14, 2017
    2
    Best mehh game of 2015.
    Special award for the most useless map ever seen in a game.

    .................................................................
  6. Mefun
    Sep 30, 2017
    0
    Qualified artstyle, nice music, that's all. This game sucks with right-click to perform the strong attack, every time u right click, u must wait a century for the attack to finish.
  7. baalmahdi
    Oct 3, 2015
    8
    Absolutely Charming and Wonderful experience. I want deeper story, and more lovable main character, but the overall experience is worth te full price of the game. The animation is unique and fantastic, the music and sound is good, the game-play is little slow but smooth, and the Boss fights are memorable.
  8. will824
    Jan 10, 2017
    10
    Jotun is a fantastic game, with beautifully draw graphics and an amazingly interesting story. It is one of those games you can say its not only about fun but learning as well.

    It is a relatively short game but that is not a negative point. The challenge is average and it provides insight and tactic combat. I would love RPGs creators to take ideas used in Jotun, like the graphics and    Jotun is a fantastic game, with beautifully draw graphics and an amazingly interesting story. It is one of those games you can say its not only about fun but learning as well.

    It is a relatively short game but that is not a negative point. The challenge is average and it provides insight and tactic combat.

    I would love RPGs creators to take ideas used in Jotun, like the graphics and animations. This is one of the art that I keep missing from recent titles. A cartoon animation fits this game wonderfully.

    By means if you enjoy hand drawn graphics and action/adventure games, Jotun is one of those titles that you would remember for some time.    … Expand
  9. MarcioCavalcant
    May 17, 2019
    6
    Amazing art and soundtrack, but as far as gameplay and mechanics go, this game is terrible. The story is interesting, thus why I don't think it deserves a red grade. But it's a medium quality game because of the gameplay and mechanics, It's really sad because I love norse mythology!
  10. Vicente_ao
    Apr 13, 2016
    9
    Jotun es un juego bien hecho. Bien logrado.
    Ambientado en la mitología escandinava (mi favorita), nos cuenta la historia de Thora, una vikinga que muere ahogada, sin honor, pero que los Dioses le dan una oportunidad de impresionarlos y para eso ella debe enfrentarse a los poderosos Jotun (Gigantes). El juego es corto, deberás pasar 2 etapas por "mundo" y luego enfrentarte al Jotun jefe de    Jotun es un juego bien hecho. Bien logrado.
    Ambientado en la mitología escandinava (mi favorita), nos cuenta la historia de Thora, una vikinga que muere ahogada, sin honor, pero que los Dioses le dan una oportunidad de impresionarlos y para eso ella debe enfrentarse a los poderosos Jotun (Gigantes). El juego es corto, deberás pasar 2 etapas por "mundo" y luego enfrentarte al Jotun jefe de la zona, a excepción del primer jefe que solo tiene 1 etapa. Las etapas en general no tienen enemigos, pero si puedes encontrar ciertos peligros que te pueden matar, como asaltos de gigantescos monstruos, o verte en un entorno totalmente hostil. La finalidad de recorrer estas etapas es la de encontrar la Runa que permitirá abrir la puerta para poder enfrentarte al Jotun y además se enfoca en poder explorar la zona para encontrar bendiciones de los Dioses (poderes) y las manzanas de Idunn que te aumentarán la vida total.
    Ahora bien, los escenarios poseen puzzles simples, pero entretenidos y el apartado visual del juego junto con la Música van muy a tono, entregándo una gran experiencia para el jugador. El otro punto fuerte (y que tenía que serlo) es la de los jotun, tanto su diseño como la forma en la que tendrás que combatirlos es simplemente épica, aunque la mecánica de pelea es super simple, deberás esforzarte bastante para poder derrotarlos (hubo un Jotun en particular que me costó muchísimo). Una vez que hayas derrotado a los 5 Jotun, deberás verte cara a cara contra un Dios y así ganarte tu lugar en el valhalla y que tambíen es una pelea un tanto exigente, hasta que pude finalmente dar con la mejor forma de encararlo.
    En resumen, es un juego entretenido, corto, enfocado en explorar y enfrentar Bosses, con un bello apartado visual, excelente animación y música, además los personajes hablan en un idioma escandinavo (no reconozco cual es), pero que debo recomendar principalmente a quienes conozcan un poco de la mitología nórdica, porque si no sabes nada de nada, muchas cosas no signifcarán nada para ti, en cambio yo por ejemplo disfrute DEMASIADO, ver plasmado a una especie de Surt el jotun de fuego por ejepmplo, o ser atacado por la serpiente Jörmundgander, o ver Ratatösk y a Níðhöggr, recorrer el Yggdrasil, pasearme por Niðavellir o por Muspelheim. Realmente los disfrute a concho, espero que sigan saliendo más juegos ambientados en esta tan rica mitología.
    Que mejoraria? bueno obviamente hubiese sido mejor haber tenido 10 bosses y no 5, por decir algo, uno queda con ganas de más y mucho más, ese sería el aspecto negativo que le daría al juego.

    8.8/10    … Expand
  11. Broyax
    Jan 18, 2020
    0
    La jolie petite daubé indé que voilà ! elle est mimi avec ses 16 couleurs et il paraît même que c'est dessiné "à la main"... et roulé sous les aisselles aussi. Et ça se "voit". Putain que c'est moche et affreux et... moche. C'est la "quintessence" du jeu indépendant, quoi !

    En 2D donc, en 16 couleurs (voire beaucoup moins) et sa petite bonne femme qu'on dirige dans ce euh... quoi déjà    La jolie petite daubé indé que voilà ! elle est mimi avec ses 16 couleurs et il paraît même que c'est dessiné "à la main"... et roulé sous les aisselles aussi. Et ça se "voit". Putain que c'est moche et affreux et... moche. C'est la "quintessence" du jeu indépendant, quoi !

    En 2D donc, en 16 couleurs (voire beaucoup moins) et sa petite bonne femme qu'on dirige dans ce euh... quoi déjà ? ah oui, un jeu très frais, il paraît. On tape sur des ennemis et on meurt, on ressuscite, on s'ennuie, on se fait chier, on avance sur un fond vert, un fond marron et ainsi de suite... (attention, pas de jeu de mot avec marron, on reste digne devant un tél étron. Quand même).

    Bon voilà, enfin... "bon", façon de parler parce que c'est tout sauf "bon" en fait. Même que c'est tout le contraire, cette misérable daube sous une couche de peinture viking en solde chez Ikéa.    … Expand
  12. JinReview
    Jun 27, 2017
    8
    Engulfed in Norse mythology, Jotun is an action-adventure game with a hand-drawn visual style. This art style is something that makes Jotun feel more unique but the overall art in the game isn’t very coherent as the large characters look completely different from the small characters and backgrounds. That aside I really enjoyed Jotun’s visual take of these mythical Norse worlds. The soundEngulfed in Norse mythology, Jotun is an action-adventure game with a hand-drawn visual style. This art style is something that makes Jotun feel more unique but the overall art in the game isn’t very coherent as the large characters look completely different from the small characters and backgrounds. That aside I really enjoyed Jotun’s visual take of these mythical Norse worlds. The sound design is very immersive, not only due to the quality of the sound effects or music, but because the team took a step further and delivered fantastic narration in Icelandic.

    Jotun’s gameplay is divided between action and adventure, because in order to reach and fight each stage boss, the Jotun, you first need to explore the multiple levels. These levels do not only greatly reward you for exploring, due to the hidden God Powers and Golden Apples that are not required to finish the game but are highly recommended, but the levels also prepare you for your fight with the Jotun, introducing the new different mechanics and hazards that then will be used by the bosses. And even though most of the levels have a lot of enemies for you to fight, the Jotuns are where the action really takes place with these massive creatures having unique themes and attacks and truly taking a lot of effort and time to defeat. Sometimes the game can feel a little bit punishing as you can die from the simplest mistake, forcing you to replay the last five minutes, requiring the player to learn and master each Jotun and finally defeating him feels so rewarding.

    In terms the plot there isn’t much to speak of. The story in Jotun is simple but it gains strength due to all of the mystery surrounding why the main character is in this strange place performing these godly tasks. I really enjoyed the sections of the game that explored more into the Norse mythology, for example when the game tells you the story of how the first gods and the first giants were born and how our world was created.

    • Final thoughts

    Take caution as Jotun is a very challenging game and demands a strong will from the player, exploring the levels requires patience and fighting the Jotuns proves to be a real feat. Dying for a bad dodge and being forced to replay this long fights from the start is a bit too punishing but of course without this challenge the game would be really simple. Jotun is an immersive and gorgeous game, a must play for all of those who like Norse mythology and a great challenge.    … Expand
  13. kikopaff
    Nov 30, 2018
    7
    Set in Norse mythology, Jotun spans sprawling regions of various weather types, landscapes, and architecture. You play as Thora, a Viking warrior who dies an inglorious death and gets a second chance to prove her might to the gods and enter Valhalla, the equivalent of Norse heaven. In your quest to achieve the thumbs up from the gods, you search for hidden runes across the game to awakenSet in Norse mythology, Jotun spans sprawling regions of various weather types, landscapes, and architecture. You play as Thora, a Viking warrior who dies an inglorious death and gets a second chance to prove her might to the gods and enter Valhalla, the equivalent of Norse heaven. In your quest to achieve the thumbs up from the gods, you search for hidden runes across the game to awaken the five Jotuns, giant Norse elementals, in which you battle for glory. If you enjoy Norse mythology or mediums that implement this rich history, then Jotun will feel like your childhood dream coming to life. Voiceovers are spoken in Icelandic, allowing your experience as Thora to feel richly authentic and vibrant.

    Navigating through Jotun is an absolutely gorgeous expedition. You enter Yggdrasil, the connector of the nine worlds, aka the nine zones, in which you spend your journey exploring. The hand-drawn animations are incredibly detailed, from Thora’s cloak waving behind as you run around, to the top-down view of the environment below. Every detail is executed with finesse and is seamlessly attractive to watch; like little screen shakes as Thora smashes her axe to the ground or subtle flashes when a Jotun receives damage. Each of the nine worlds feels distinct and unique, able to hold its own beauty. I enjoyed running through lush twigs and giant mushrooms, or carefully tiptoeing around glowing red cracks that bubbled with lava underneath. There is always something new to discover in Jotun‘s rich world and is worth staring at with awe. These subtle details also stress urgency when highly stressful situations arise; like a shadow looming from the thin ice below and suddenly, a giant sea serpent smashes through the ice. Shadows are also cleverly used throughout Jotun to indicate safe zones or the size and width of the Jotun’s attack, making combat especially easier to plan. As you wander around, I notice that Thora is very small in scale in comparison to the rest of her world. This reminds me that there is a universe far bigger than ourselves. It’s refreshing to be able to surrender your control to the forces of nature. Plus, Jotun does a great job of adding the David versus Goliath element throughout your gameplay.

    But despite its attention to visual detail and its smooth animations, I struggled with Jotun‘s lack of clear level objectives. Yes, searching for the hidden runes are made known thanks to the early narration in the game, but even as I marvel at the world around me, each zone feels slow and unmotivating. This could be due to a very obtuse map, which took me a couple of zones to figure out what each legend means and where my location corresponds with the map’s design. I spent most of Jotun aimlessly running around trying to find a landmark that would indicate some vague idea of my whereabouts. Thankfully, you can explore each of the nine worlds in any order you choose, so I was able to leave and enter as I pleased. It made my exploration feel a little less repetitive, and if one zone felt too tedious, I could easily access another zone. One of the major landmarks to locate are statues dedicated to different Norse gods, and when discovered, you gain a special ability or a ‘blessing’ to use in your brawls against the Jotuns. There are also golden apples lying around that when consumed, extends your health bar. Despite such bait for upgrades, Jotun feels like a sluggish tenth round of hide-and-seek and takes some time to get used to.

    Jotun is a visual masterpiece, flaunting its fluidity through humble hand-drawn animations and sweeping palettes. Its combat is one of the most exciting I’ve played through, leaving me with memorable victories and a sense of pride that’s sure to last. Jotun poetically combines the rich and ancient history of Norse mythology and the creativity of somehow allowing this mythology to be your own. Despite some issues with pacing and an unclear map, Jotun offers players a satisfying journey, a call to impress the gods and enter Valhalla for yourself – an achievement worth dying for.    … Expand
  14. Blindman
    Feb 7, 2020
    7
    Would have liked a map that shows where you are. The added confusion of this not being there didn't really add to the game.
  15. Leviax
    Nov 23, 2018
    8
    Очень красивая вручную нарисованная игра. Хорошая атмосфера и неплохое звуковое сопровождение.
  16. GoiabaSunshine
    Jan 17, 2019
    4
    Jotun is a game that contains an amazing art style, with good music and an interesting plot. And that's about it. You play as Thora, a viking, in a world of giants, everything seens huge and you look insignificant, specially at boss encounters. However, the art style ins't interesting enough to supress the boring gameplay featured in Jotun.

    The gameplay consists in you going through    Jotun is a game that contains an amazing art style, with good music and an interesting plot. And that's about it. You play as Thora, a viking, in a world of giants, everything seens huge and you look insignificant, specially at boss encounters. However, the art style ins't interesting enough to supress the boring gameplay featured in Jotun.

    The gameplay consists in you going through diferent stages, and finding a rune, optionally you can find an health increasing item and an active god power. The problem is that these stages are so empty that you'll find yourself running around like a freaking idiot without having any action. There is a level called Vethrfolnir's Roost, where all you do is running around and occasionally you'll be attacked by some bird. That's it, you just gotta run. Every time you find 2 runes you can fight a boss and these giant guys are supposed to be the strong point of this game. They are quite epic too fight, but some fights are so chaotic that you end up losing yourself, and that happened plenty times in my gameplay.

    There are many games that try to be a piece of art instead of focusing in it's gameplay, and sometimes it actually works, but Jotun ins't one of those times. You'll find yourself either hating or loving this one, but most likely, hating.    … Expand
  17. Tomicsavo
    Jan 31, 2020
    4
    It's a tough game, bosses aren't easy to beat. In addition, most maps are only about running. Couldn't turn myself off, otherwise it's fine.
  18. apokalipto
    Aug 21, 2023
    8
    Very good game. I enjoyed playing this game a lot. I strongly recommend this.
  19. FirstSpawn
    May 26, 2021
    7
    + Красивая, мультяшная графика и приятный саунд.
    - Игре просто не хватает масштаба и глубины проработки.
  20. Topoide
    Feb 18, 2022
    7
    buena dificultad, buenas mecánicas aunque le faltan muchas cosas, es un juego muy corto.
  21. RoboyITA
    Jun 11, 2023
    7
    Bello è bello, boss di grande impatto, altalenante nel giocare le parti di perlustrazione un po' labirintiche, perla artigianale come tale qualche parte grezza. Avventura da vivere nella sua durezza (si anche nella difficoltà ... attualmente rimandato il boss finale, ero senza tutti i poteri e non lo sapevo, riperlustrare le zone per l'ennessima volta no ... quindi chissà) .
  22. Istio
    May 13, 2022
    7
    good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good
  23. Animus_V0x
    Nov 10, 2022
    9
    Kinda short but I loved the story-telling and the atmosphere of this game in its original version.
    Fighting the gods can be harsh, but in the end, I still had memorable fights, an interesting game play and good memories with this one.
    Yes, the map isn't perfect but it's kinda obvious you have to learn how to use it and understand it. Use your brain and sense of observation and you get it...
  24. hoviadko123
    Oct 19, 2022
    6
    I really like art style in this game. Bosses looks cool.
    But areas, where you search for runes to unlock next boss feel pretty empty and lifeless. As for combat, it's very very slow and clunky, which is very annoying especially in later boss fights.
    This game is worth to buy only if it's on sale.

Awards & Rankings

75
#75 Best PC Game of 2015
12
#12 Most Shared PC Game of 2015

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
79

Generally favorable reviews - based on 28 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 23 out of 28
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 28
  3. Negative: 0 out of 28
  1. Meristation
    Oct 26, 2016
    80
    Awesome visuals and simple but effective combat mechanics for a game that impresses with its gigantic bosses.
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  2. Game Debate
    Oct 16, 2016
    75
    Ultimately, there's nothing in Jotun that would have even been hailed as original if you'd seen it in Mickey Mouse: Castle of Illusion, but fun is timeless.
    Read full review
  3. Eurogamer Italy
    Jan 27, 2016
    80
    Jotun is a little indie gem: the combat system is very simple yet rewarding, the visuals are inspired and the fascinating narrative finds its place naturally within the gameplay.
    Read full review
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