In a time of legend gone, when video video games had been nonetheless rising from the primordial mists and magic nonetheless flowed via all issues, there have been video games of final energy. These video games didn’t concern themselves with Italian plumbers or unhappy surrogate dads, however with fierce warriors who shirtlessly strode into battle, their muscle tissues on superb show, to chop down their foes with swords and show themselves the strongest and manliest of all. I communicate, after all, of barbarians. And although, in latest a long time, video games centered totally on the heroic exploits of barbarians have been few and much between, we now discover ourselves within the midst of a mini-renaissance of barbarian video games! To cite the 1982 movie Conan the Barbarian, “That’s good. That’s good.”
Earlier than we take a look at these new barbarian video games, allow us to pay our respects to the noble barbarian video games of outdated. In fact, there’s Barbarian for the Amiga, a clumsy platformer that’s nonetheless superior as a result of your sprite is a shirtless, muscular warrior wielding an enormous sword. Then, after all, there’s Barbarian for the Amiga, a preventing recreation that made a good friend and I giggle endlessly as we minimize one another’s heads off repeatedly. (Right here within the U.S. this one was referred to as Demise Sword however it would at all times be Barbarian to me.) If I listing each barbarian recreation of the period, I’ll be right here all day, however different notable ones embody Sword of Sodan (keep away from the Genesis model in any respect prices) and maybe essentially the most legendary of all of them, Rastan, Taito’s tough-as-nails 1987 arcade recreation with a pulse-pounding soundtrack and a barbarian hero to rival the likes of Conan himself. Behold it right here in all its glory.
Along with being arguably essentially the most well-known barbarian recreation of the Eighties, Rastan can be the one whose affect on the 2 brand-new barbarian video games which are giving the style a mini-renaissance is most clear. To start with, there’s Abathor, a side-scrolling motion recreation out there on each present platform. Abathor helps you to and as much as three associates embark on an epic hack-and-slash quest throughout dozens of levels, and whereas at first issues could really feel a bit straightforward and peculiar, relaxation assured that as you progress, the depth ratchets up mightily. To date I’ve made it to the sport’s fourth zone, and I’m actually impressed by the way it’s now beginning to throw fixed surprises at me, all method of latest perils and new conditions which are maintaining me on my toes. If something, I’d urge you NOT to observe the trailer under, as a result of I believe it’s higher to find what the sport has to supply your self. Nevertheless, if you’d like a peek on the recreation’s beautiful pixel artwork and old-school gameplay, look no additional. Abathor is unquestionably a worthy successor to the barbarian video games of outdated.
After which there’s Volgarr the Viking II. Now look, Abathor ain’t precisely a stroll within the park, however Volgarr II, like its 2013 predecessor, leans into the problem of the Eighties video games that impressed it—exhausting. Volgarr could also be a muscular viking warrior however he nonetheless dies in a single hit by default, and enjoying it, you will die, quite a bit. That is the form of recreation that calls for that you just research, memorize, and grasp it, remembering the place enemies spawn and the way they behave in order that you know the way to deal with them and finally emerge from the extent triumphant. Possibly that appears like a chore to you, however let me inform you, my time with Volgarr II has jogged my memory simply how immensely rewarding video games with this type of problem could be.
I can see myself in real-time determining the best way to navigate the challenges it places earlier than me, and creating that form of mastery is immensely satisfying. Additionally, in the event you performed the unique ten years in the past and determined it wasn’t for you, don’t write off this sequel simply but. In each manner that counts, it’s simply as difficult as its predecessor, but it surely additionally offers you just a few extra instruments that simply may provide the encouragement and assist you must succeed—issues like mid-level checkpoints and one useful function I refuse to spoil, it’s so twisted and creative. I nonetheless have an extended technique to go in Volgarr II, however I do know it presents the form of satisfaction I’ve hardly ever skilled from a recreation because the likes of Ninja Gaiden and Tremendous Ghouls ‘n Ghosts had been commonplace. Like Abathor, now you can discover Volgarr II on just about each platform that also will get new video video games.
Okay, so two video games could not appear to be quite a bit, however for a subgenre that has seen so little exercise in so lengthy—particularly robust, side-scrolling hack-and-slash motion video games about barbarians—two nice entries touchdown at proper across the similar time seems like a veritable feast of riches. For individuals like me who’ve been eager for a return to the glory days of Rastan, feast nicely, my associates. Valhalla awaits.
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