Metascore
76

Generally favorable reviews - based on 26 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 26
  2. Negative: 0 out of 26
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  1. Rune immerses players into an intricate game world! What more could a fan ask for? I got sucked in and wouldn't let go for two straight days of playing; and we're talking 'my girlfriend wants to dump me 'cause I prefer my PC to sex' playing time.
  2. Not a collapsing ruin, and although it can be entertaining, it is missing the strong foundation needed to capture one's long-term interest.
  3. Despite good graphics and excellent sound, Rune falls short of its potential due to various flaws, glitches, and a lack of variation over the long haul. Rune is a prime example of not being able to judge a game by it's pretty exterior.
  4. Antagonist
    90
    Although you may find yourself feeling bored with the repetitiveness of the game at some points, you'll certainly have a good time getting there.
  5. CheckOut
    70
    Its unique melee-based combat sets it apart from the usual guns-'n'-grenades blood sports, but a lack of variety in the single-player game means that it never becomes quite as addictive as it could.
  6. CNET Gamecenter
    90
    Any game that lets you lop off the head of your enemy and then use it as a weapon has our vote.
  7. Too long and uninspiring to hold your attention. The game would have been far more entertaining with half as many levels. More can be better...but only if it's good.
  8. Daily Radar
    50
    Poor AI, routine melee combat and unimaginative gameplay consign Rune to the hellish abode of the bored.
  9. As far as multiplayer goes, Rune comes with seven deathmatch levels that, much like the single player version, quickly become monotonous. (Oh look. We’re back here again.)
  10. Its stunning graphics put most other third person games to shame, the ferocious hand-to-hand combat makes for a more visceral experience than is usual in this rather stale genre, and the heavy dose of Norse mythology provides an interesting and unique setting for the game.
  11. The level design is fantastic with an eye not just on good looks, but good gameplay as well.
  12. If you can get through a slow start and endure the troubles with bothersome levers, there is a lot of hack and slash fun to be had. The combat system is not quite the innovation that it has been made out to be, but it is smooth and responsive and quite fun to play with.
  13. Rune kicks butt. It's easily the best hack n' slash game out there, chock full of bladed mayhem.
  14. 70
    Rune will satisfy your axe-swinging, lever-pulling, zombie beheading urges, just don't expect anything too deep.
  15. Not overly fun and addictive, but it's still pretty cool
  16. The simplistic combat isn't always fun, but the awesome environments make up for it.
  17. This simplistic melee combat system combined with weak enemy artificial intelligence makes Rune an ultimately shallow and repetitious experience.
  18. 90
    When it comes carnage, Rune doesn't skimp. The game ships with the disclaimer that it's "not a game for the meek, slow or anyone under 17 years old." This is not an understatement.
  19. Without a well-developed plot to lure you on and with redundant combat exercises to challenge and improve your ability, this is one Action title that may be best to pass on.
  20. A brawny game without a huge emphasis on brains - although Viking warriors toward the end of the game are challenging enough. There's a lot of visceral, visual enjoyment here.
  21. A surreal Viking-inspired experience that turns itself into is a somewhat simple hack 'n slash action game, but a very, very fun one, at that.
  22. If you like wall-to-wall bloody action in cool locales with some interesting puzzles and lots to do, Rune may be what you're looking for.
  23. Norse mythology provides plenty of story and imagery to this 3D action game.
  24. 80
    A fun little title that adds a bit of creativity to the monotonous action/shooter genre, but it does get repetitive and it has its share of frustrating moments.
  25. PC Gamer
    67
    Offers a lot of game time for your money, but not much stimulation. [Jan 2001, p.142]
  26. Though the game starts out a little slowly, with crabs and goblins as your primary foes, the action picks up after a few levels and soon, the creatures you're fighting will alternately frighten and excite you.
User Score
7.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 78 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 47 out of 78
  2. Negative: 7 out of 78
  1. Sep 18, 2012
    7
    Rune is just a decent action game. There is nothing special about it. The graphics are average, so is the fighting system. The above doesn'tRune is just a decent action game. There is nothing special about it. The graphics are average, so is the fighting system. The above doesn't mean the game does not provide entertainment.
    See more here http://youtu.be/Z_sQuWbFkOQ
    Full Review »
  2. JakasS.
    Dec 14, 2005
    10
    The game is a blast. The visuals are amazing and the story really well thought out. Multiplayer is phenomenal.
  3. Nucleus
    Sep 10, 2005
    7
    Reeks of averageness all around. Overly simplified arcade-like controls and player movement, very stupid enemy AI, basic visuals and simple Reeks of averageness all around. Overly simplified arcade-like controls and player movement, very stupid enemy AI, basic visuals and simple "pull the lever"-puzzles. It didn't keep me insterested for long. Full Review »