A few days ago I wrote a story speculating that the recently discovered Viking: Battle for Asgard was actually a tentative name for an all new Thor game from Sega. And while I still feel that speculation was appropriate and warranted (after all, "Viking" is still quite a lame name) it turns out that isn’t the case.
Viking is actually an all new IP based on Norse folklore. Despite the fact that Asgard is currently the most vogue setting for a game since feudal Japan, this one looks like it might be able to carve out its own niche.
It doesn’t take much knowledge about the project to see that it draws heavily from the God of War games. It doesn’t really even seem like they are running from that notion.
"Leave a bloody trail of dismembered foes as you master an involving and addictive combat style with destructive mythical powers and abilities," says the games press release. "Explore vast and visually stunning open-world environments whilst slaying your enemies with a huge array of devastating and brutal combat moves. Tame mighty dragons and unleash their rain of fire, laying waste to the enemy hordes that stand in your way."
Whilst? I guess even the PR guys are getting into character for this one.
The Kratos similarities continue in the next paragraph of the release.
"The task of stopping Hel [the main antagonist] and defending the future of mankind falls to Skarin, a promising but deeply flawed young warrior, ignorant of the true reason for his favour with the Gods…"
Just to sum that up for you: it’s an action slash ‘em up that includes mythical powers that is set in the mythology of an ancient civilization, featuring inter-god drama, and a deeply flawed protagonist.
Ok so we’ve established that it’s heavily influenced by God of War, but realistically, who on this earth is going to complain about that?
Word has it that Viking will be on display at this week’s Leipzig Games Conference so we’ll be back to bring more details and impressions soon.
