Welcome to the shield-wall. Hold firm your spear and your shield, the time for blood-letting is here. Whether you fight for the Allfather, Óðinn or for the Christ Almighty - now is your time, let forth the ravens of war! Vikingr strives to recreate the dark ages of Northern Europe. Choose to fight for Norðmenn, Engle, Normant, Goídil or the Eastern Rusĭ amongst the cold beauty of new, unforgiving landscapes.
Vikingr, which revolves around battle in the period leading up to the year 1066, when both the Vikings and the Normans invaded England, is probably my favourite game ever. Note: I say game, not mod. It takes the original, native game (Mount & Blade: Warband) and elevates it several levels. Most problems it has (if any) are due to the latter.
Striking is the great atmosphere, in the form of beautifully textured landscapes, with plenty of gloomy, cool and misty woodlands, and of a truly immersive battle experience. It is essential in this game to work together with your team mates, looking out for each other, as the manoeuverability of your character is far more realistic than in the native game. No more whirling around foes at full speed, side-stepping in a crazy fashion as you would see in many lesser games.
Nay, team play is everything; stand together or die alone. And this can lead to most thrilling situations. One of these is the forming of a shield wall, where you and your mates join at the shoulder and raise your shields in a defensive row, while you all knock your shields with your weapons repeatedly, challenging the other side to assault your wall at great cost of life and limb. Vikingr is grim, cool and builds fellowship.
Hurl insults at each other! Nothing beats playing a Saxon, killing your foe and, with the press of a button, yelling “pig filth!” at his corpse, figuratively spitting at it. These moments add levity and matter-of-factness to what can be tense situations.
The developers of Vikingr have an eye for detail, making sure names and gear are historically accurate. Notice for instance the pattern welding on some of the swords. And they are ever working on improving it, with new factions to come.
I give Vikingr a 9 out of 10. If it keeps improving like it does, it might receive the first 10 I’ve ever given for anything.