Volgarr the Viking

 Switch
User Score
7.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 19
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 19
  3. Negative: 2 out of 19

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  1. GrahfZeppelin
    Oct 5, 2017
    10
    There are several reasons this game is among the greatest within it's genre. First off; it's enemies are in predetermined locations and rarely deviate from a designated pattern. What this does is allow players to develop a level of cognitive memory in the same vain as classics within the Ghosts'n Goblins and Contra franchises as well as the more recent Demon's/Dark Souls. Basically, youThere are several reasons this game is among the greatest within it's genre. First off; it's enemies are in predetermined locations and rarely deviate from a designated pattern. What this does is allow players to develop a level of cognitive memory in the same vain as classics within the Ghosts'n Goblins and Contra franchises as well as the more recent Demon's/Dark Souls. Basically, you learn as you play and improve with each mistake. eventually you will develop the reflexes required to navigate the later challenges in the game.
    Second. This games weapons are a sword and a spear. unlike the aforementioned Ghosts'n Goblins and Contra this game makes you use the same two weapons throughout. this works, in my opinion, better due to the games level design being built solely around these two weapons. The Spear is especially impressive due to it's many functions (and trick shots when you get the hang of it). It was also very smart for the developers to give the spear the same base strength as the sword so that it can be used as a primary weapon instead of a 'panic' or spamming weapon.
    Third; this game maintains the 'stiff' double jump as seen in Super Ghouls'n Ghost [SNES]. The level design is perfectly catered to this jump standard and despite what you may think, it actually makes things easier when you get used to it as it locks you in almost grid like jumping patterns. This ultimately helps you gauge distances better based on the games design.
    Fourth; The challenge. Although many critics and users will immediately dub this a "Hardcore retro game" it should be noted that it's actually easier than your standard early '90's 16-bit Platformer. Checkpoints can be found in the middle of each stage and before entering the next stage but, you have Infinite lives (unless you play the tougher "hard" difficulty levels). The levels aren't overly long and there is only 6 levels on the main route so with a bit of practice it's not bad at all. Enemies don't even act randomly (except the ghosts but they move very slow) so that is a huge help in the muscle memory department.The only thing I would consider "Hard" for newer players would be the fact that there is no checkpoint directly before to the bosses (like in Mega Man games). I can see this being trouble for some but the bosses have very simplistic patterns that can be learned with some dodging and observing before engaging.
    Overall, being a huge fan of this kind of game, I can honestly say that Crazy Viking Studio's nailed it. I would even go so far as to say it's actually better than most classics found in the arcades or on the SNES.    … Expand
  2. FrankoAmmo
    Jan 2, 2018
    6
    I bought this game for the Switch last week. I decided to quit after completing the first level and beating the first boss (about 35 attempts). I usually have the patience to complete a game even if it is very hard, but I felt it was mostly hard because of the slugglish controls (split second delay when you hit a button) which I personally hate and because there is only 1 checkpoint in theI bought this game for the Switch last week. I decided to quit after completing the first level and beating the first boss (about 35 attempts). I usually have the patience to complete a game even if it is very hard, but I felt it was mostly hard because of the slugglish controls (split second delay when you hit a button) which I personally hate and because there is only 1 checkpoint in the middle of every stage. The first level was well designed and was interesting, but that split second delay was destroying me and I could not continue the game even if I wanted to after all this and especially after reading that you need to finish the game in one go.… Expand
  3. TheAlgerian
    Jun 4, 2018
    10
    Best action-platformer I've ever played.
    Extremely challenging, but entirely fair.
  4. sitebender
    Dec 4, 2019
    6
    Still every bit as stiff and brutal as it's ever been. I like the game, I've completed the PC version, it's just every level takes around an hour to get good enough to complete it when there are two halves to each level with a boss at the end and the only checkpoints are when those stages start. You're not seeing a lot, you're just memorizing everything to be good enough to make it.

Critic Reviews

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Metascore
80

Generally favorable reviews - based on 4 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 3 out of 4
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 4
  3. Negative: 0 out of 4
  1. God is a Geek
    Jan 30, 2018
    70
    The Switch port is great in handheld mode. In fact, that seems to be a trend with many indie releases where they focus on the handheld aspect and the docked output is sub native. Volgarr could look sharper docked but there hasn’t been a patch to address this since launch. On handheld it looks great and plays well. Volgarr in general feels like a recreation of a very old game with some modern mechanics added for a fun experience. It will take you a ton of effort to get the best ending though.
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  2. Nintendo Force Magazine
    Oct 30, 2017
    90
    Volgarr takes patience and passion to master, but those willing to put in the time will be rewarded with arcade action Valhalla, yelling "just one more game!" as they ride into video warrior's heaven. [Issue #30 – November/December 2017, p. 27]
  3. Nintendo Life
    Oct 26, 2017
    80
    Völgarr the Viking is a tough game that will see you die a lot. Many sections will be replayed often as you try to get through, but the game is always fair and whilst the solution to your problem may be tricky, it is at least obvious what needs to be done. A range of enemies and varied level design keeps the action enjoyable and even when you are struggling there are moments to make you smile, whether that's the way a charged spear sends the impaled foe flying off the screen or a Stan Bush-referencing achievement. The limited checkpoints in worlds are not ideal when trying to learn the levels, and there's the odd moment where the stylishly retro visuals just look basic, but there's little else to fault. For those seeking a stern old-school challenge on their Switch, Völgarr the Viking is an excellent choice.
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