bit-tech Shopping: Sega Viking: Battle for Asgard (XB360)

• 1080i (HDTV)
• 1080p (HDTV)
• 720p (HDTV)

Rating: 8

Time with product:

Strengths: Variety of gameplay, additional moves

Weaknesses: Last boss battle!! (you've been warned)

Summary: With the exception of the last boss battle (which really, really sucks), I loved this game. In addition the hack & slash others have mentioned there are elements of exploration, stealth, strategy and a number of moves that you learn as the game goes on (and actually use to great effect unlike many games). I guess it could be played straight through as a hack & slash, but then you miss out on the variety of gameplay this game really offers.

Rating: 6

Time with product: 2 Months

Strengths: fast and fun gameplay

Weaknesses: repetitive

Summary: I never enjoyed hack-n-slash games as I always felt they get boring after a few hours of play. The Viking concept was different so I gave the game a shot. After 9 hours or so of button mashing the game was over. The game gets very repetitive and there is really nothing exciting that happens. If you are mildly interested in this game I suggest a rental.

Rating: 4

Time with product: 1 Months

Strengths: +Size of battles (looks epic)+Graphics +Gore/Blood+Decent length

Weaknesses: -Repetition-Sound/Music -Not much to explore-Lack of variety -Story -Camera-Generic Villains

Summary: Viking: Battle for Asgard looks impressive in the screenshots, but looks can be deceiving. In Battle for Asgard players assume the role of Skarin. Skarin has the task of freeing his comrades from the enemies and then fighting the enemies, rinse and repeat. The size of the lands Skarin explores is massive. The large-scale battles certainly felt epic. Graphics look good, especially in those large-scale battle confrontations. The problem with Viking is repetition. Gamers can expect to play the same type of quest/mission over and over. Combat is basic and despite upgrades, becomes less engaging as the gamers progress. The story in the game is told through cut scenes and just is not interesting. Sound was also disappointing as there was not much in the game. Lands are massive but there is very little to do other than explore. There are no multiplayer modes in Viking so there is very little replay value. Viking: Battle for Asgard is worth a rental but not much more.

Rating: 8

Time with product: 3

Strengths: Addictive gameplay, good voice acting, enjoyable action

Weaknesses: Some graphical issues, repetitive gameplay

Summary: Viking: Battle For Asgard is a hack-and-slash action game set in Norse times, playing as Skarin the Viking. The gameplay is pure hack-and-slash, dispatching wave after wave of enemies with a simple button press or two. The voice acting is well done, though the sounds and music are a bit on the weaker side. The game looks good, though there's occasional issues with graphical hiccups. The gameplay doesn't deviate much from the hack-and-slash, though it does it well. Overall, it's a good action title.