10 Games That Do Norse Mythology Right
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VOICE OVER: Riccardo Tucci
WRITTEN BY: Johnny Reynolds
Valhalla looks down proudly on these video games! For this video, we'll be looking at games filled with all the daring Vikings, powerful Gods, and terrifying creatures straight out of myth. Our list includes “Röki” (2020), “Vikings: Wolves of Midgard” (2017), “Assassin's Creed Valhalla” (2020), “Hellblade: Senua's Sacrifice” (2017), “God of War” (2018) and more!
Script written by Johnny Reynolds
Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re looking at 10 Games That Do Norse Mythology Right.
For this video, we’ll be looking at games filled with all the daring Vikings, powerful Gods, and terrifying creatures straight out of myth.
Which game do you think best showcases Norse mythology? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
Despite Norse Mythology generally being pretty dark, “Oddmar” is brightly-colored with a quirky sense of humor. The puzzle-platformer follows the titular lazy Viking after he finds out he isn’t worthy of a place in Valhalla. But with despair comes a quest as his entire village is kidnapped by the mischievous Loki. Armed with a magical mushroom that gives him incredible abilities, Oddmar travels through wonderfully drawn Norse worlds like Jotunheim and Helheim. But he must summon all his courage against mythical enemies like trolls, a kraken, and even Loki himself. “Oddmar” shows the lengths Vikings will go to for a spot in Valhalla, just in a delightful storybook format.
Not every Norse Mythology game is set centuries ago in a faraway land. “Röki” is a point-and-click adventure title that follows Tove, a girl trying to rescue her younger brother. Her quest leads her deep into an enchanted forest with ancient ruins and remarkable creatures. Players solve puzzles and piece together forgotten folklore to uncover the mystery behind these strange remnants of the Norse world. The cel-shaded style and friendly creatures may project safety, but there are dangers lying in wait. It’s the game’s writing and characterization of Tove that fuels the mystery, sending players down a rabbit hole of Norse myth and legend.
Imagine a Midgard abandoned by the Norse pantheon, plagued now with humans infected by a malevolent force. Such is the world of “ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree.” The story follows Estra, the daughter of a once-great warrior. In order to protect the world tree, Yggdrasil, Estra travels through treacherous lands solving puzzles and combating dangerous foes. Player choice is a heavy focus as Estra doesn’t need to solve every conflict with violence. But if you so choose, you’ll be treated to fantastic rhythm-based combat with an addictive score; a blend of synth and period-specific instruments. Appearances from popular Norse figures like Freya, Loki, and Jörmungandr the World Serpent just add to the already engaging story.
If you know anything about Vikings, you know they’re extremely passionate about their deities. “Wolves of Midgard” follows a Viking chieftain who builds up their clan and village by exploring Nordic locales and battling through hordes of monsters. The more you fight, the more pleased the Gods will be as collecting blood for altar sacrifices will grant you more power. Similar to “Diablo,” there are plenty of treacherous beasts from Norse lore to take on. It never quite reaches the heights of its predecessor. But it's nonetheless a fun, action-filled quest through Norse mythology.
Norse mythology has become a popular focus over the last few years. But Human Head Studios’ PC title proved how incredible a setting it is back in 2000. “Rune” follows Ragnar, a young Viking warrior and member of the Order that protects runestones created by Odin. But with the Order massacred by Loki, who seeks to bring on Ragnarok, Ragnar is the only one who can stop him. The player travels through Helheim and Midgard fighting dwarves, goblins, and the undead all while amassing more power to stop the conniving God. “Rune” has become an action-adventure classic, which is why it was re-released with new features and content in 2012.
In order to enter Valhalla, Vikings must prove themselves by dying in battle. But after suffering an inglorious death, Thora must impress the Gods by defeating giant elemental creatures. While initially armed only with an axe, players can unlock various God Powers such as Thor’s Hammer and Freya’s Speed. But what makes “Jotun” remarkable is its presentation. The hand-drawn art style lovingly showcases the worlds and creatures, especially during its intimidating boss battles. And its Icelandic narration makes it feel more like a piece of folklore that’s being passed down to the player.
“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” is the latest game to jump on the Nordic train. And while the gameplay falls into some of the common pitfalls of open world design, “Valhalla” has an authentic Viking story at its core. Eivor and her fellow raiders travel to England in search of new land and capture it as ferociously as possible. But there is also a religious conflict between the Vikings and English. The Norse Gods demand brutality and Vikings often perform sacrifices in order to earn favor. Similar to “Odyssey,” which featured a handful of incredible Greek creatures, “Valhalla” gives players just enough of Norse myth to give it a fantastical twist.
Stoic Studio has solidified itself as a fantastic tactical RPG developer through its “Banner Saga” series. In addition to wonderful gameplay, the series is known for its engaging world inspired by Norse myth. The plot sees the return of the Dredge, an ancient race that seeks to kill all humans and the Giant-like Varl. Players control two factions of Vikings and Varl as they combat the Dredge before the two storylines converge into one. The series has been praised for its focus on player choice as well as its gorgeous art style, which was inspired by the likes of Ralph Bakshi, Don Bluth, and Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty.”
This 2017 action-adventure title from Ninja Theory explores the darkest aspects of Norse lore. Players control the Pict warrior Senua as she ventures into Helheim in search of her dead lover. Standing in her way are warped versions of Northmen, the fire giant Surt, the spirit of illusions Valravn, and Hela herself. Not only is the game bursting with twisted Norse imagery, but it was also praised for its depiction of mental illness. Senua, who believes she is cursed, suffers from psychosis. The voices in her head, called the “Furies,” speak to the player throughout as Senua is haunted by an evil entity known as the “Darkness.” Its sound design, writing, and Melina Juergens’ performance earned it some well-deserved awards with a sequel on the way.
Sony Santa Monica had already explored Greek mythology as deeply as it could. And lucky for all of us, the team then set its sights on the Norse realms. While hiding from his past, Kratos travels with his son Atreus to fulfill his wife’s dying wish. But Midgard is filled with dangerous foes like Draugr, Trolls, Dragons, and the unkillable God Baldur. Every location adds a piece of lore whether it be a Dwarf King’s lair or the aftermath of an epic battle. The supporting characters are also wonderful, such as Mimir, who often tells tales about the Aesir and their many legendary conflicts. The Norse realms provide an excellent setting for the heartfelt story, masterfully navigating the strained relationship between a damaged God and his eager son.
10 Games That Do Norse Mythology Right
Welcome to MojoPlays, and today we’re looking at 10 Games That Do Norse Mythology Right.
For this video, we’ll be looking at games filled with all the daring Vikings, powerful Gods, and terrifying creatures straight out of myth.
Which game do you think best showcases Norse mythology? Be sure to let us know in the comments below.
“Oddmar” (2018)
Despite Norse Mythology generally being pretty dark, “Oddmar” is brightly-colored with a quirky sense of humor. The puzzle-platformer follows the titular lazy Viking after he finds out he isn’t worthy of a place in Valhalla. But with despair comes a quest as his entire village is kidnapped by the mischievous Loki. Armed with a magical mushroom that gives him incredible abilities, Oddmar travels through wonderfully drawn Norse worlds like Jotunheim and Helheim. But he must summon all his courage against mythical enemies like trolls, a kraken, and even Loki himself. “Oddmar” shows the lengths Vikings will go to for a spot in Valhalla, just in a delightful storybook format.
“Röki” (2020)
Not every Norse Mythology game is set centuries ago in a faraway land. “Röki” is a point-and-click adventure title that follows Tove, a girl trying to rescue her younger brother. Her quest leads her deep into an enchanted forest with ancient ruins and remarkable creatures. Players solve puzzles and piece together forgotten folklore to uncover the mystery behind these strange remnants of the Norse world. The cel-shaded style and friendly creatures may project safety, but there are dangers lying in wait. It’s the game’s writing and characterization of Tove that fuels the mystery, sending players down a rabbit hole of Norse myth and legend.
“ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree” (2019)
Imagine a Midgard abandoned by the Norse pantheon, plagued now with humans infected by a malevolent force. Such is the world of “ATONE: Heart of the Elder Tree.” The story follows Estra, the daughter of a once-great warrior. In order to protect the world tree, Yggdrasil, Estra travels through treacherous lands solving puzzles and combating dangerous foes. Player choice is a heavy focus as Estra doesn’t need to solve every conflict with violence. But if you so choose, you’ll be treated to fantastic rhythm-based combat with an addictive score; a blend of synth and period-specific instruments. Appearances from popular Norse figures like Freya, Loki, and Jörmungandr the World Serpent just add to the already engaging story.
“Vikings: Wolves of Midgard” (2017)
If you know anything about Vikings, you know they’re extremely passionate about their deities. “Wolves of Midgard” follows a Viking chieftain who builds up their clan and village by exploring Nordic locales and battling through hordes of monsters. The more you fight, the more pleased the Gods will be as collecting blood for altar sacrifices will grant you more power. Similar to “Diablo,” there are plenty of treacherous beasts from Norse lore to take on. It never quite reaches the heights of its predecessor. But it's nonetheless a fun, action-filled quest through Norse mythology.
“Rune” (2000)
Norse mythology has become a popular focus over the last few years. But Human Head Studios’ PC title proved how incredible a setting it is back in 2000. “Rune” follows Ragnar, a young Viking warrior and member of the Order that protects runestones created by Odin. But with the Order massacred by Loki, who seeks to bring on Ragnarok, Ragnar is the only one who can stop him. The player travels through Helheim and Midgard fighting dwarves, goblins, and the undead all while amassing more power to stop the conniving God. “Rune” has become an action-adventure classic, which is why it was re-released with new features and content in 2012.
“Jotun” (2015)
In order to enter Valhalla, Vikings must prove themselves by dying in battle. But after suffering an inglorious death, Thora must impress the Gods by defeating giant elemental creatures. While initially armed only with an axe, players can unlock various God Powers such as Thor’s Hammer and Freya’s Speed. But what makes “Jotun” remarkable is its presentation. The hand-drawn art style lovingly showcases the worlds and creatures, especially during its intimidating boss battles. And its Icelandic narration makes it feel more like a piece of folklore that’s being passed down to the player.
“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” (2020)
“Assassin’s Creed Valhalla” is the latest game to jump on the Nordic train. And while the gameplay falls into some of the common pitfalls of open world design, “Valhalla” has an authentic Viking story at its core. Eivor and her fellow raiders travel to England in search of new land and capture it as ferociously as possible. But there is also a religious conflict between the Vikings and English. The Norse Gods demand brutality and Vikings often perform sacrifices in order to earn favor. Similar to “Odyssey,” which featured a handful of incredible Greek creatures, “Valhalla” gives players just enough of Norse myth to give it a fantastical twist.
“The Banner Saga” series (2014-)
Stoic Studio has solidified itself as a fantastic tactical RPG developer through its “Banner Saga” series. In addition to wonderful gameplay, the series is known for its engaging world inspired by Norse myth. The plot sees the return of the Dredge, an ancient race that seeks to kill all humans and the Giant-like Varl. Players control two factions of Vikings and Varl as they combat the Dredge before the two storylines converge into one. The series has been praised for its focus on player choice as well as its gorgeous art style, which was inspired by the likes of Ralph Bakshi, Don Bluth, and Disney’s “Sleeping Beauty.”
“Hellblade: Senua’s Sacrifice” (2017)
This 2017 action-adventure title from Ninja Theory explores the darkest aspects of Norse lore. Players control the Pict warrior Senua as she ventures into Helheim in search of her dead lover. Standing in her way are warped versions of Northmen, the fire giant Surt, the spirit of illusions Valravn, and Hela herself. Not only is the game bursting with twisted Norse imagery, but it was also praised for its depiction of mental illness. Senua, who believes she is cursed, suffers from psychosis. The voices in her head, called the “Furies,” speak to the player throughout as Senua is haunted by an evil entity known as the “Darkness.” Its sound design, writing, and Melina Juergens’ performance earned it some well-deserved awards with a sequel on the way.
“God of War” (2018)
Sony Santa Monica had already explored Greek mythology as deeply as it could. And lucky for all of us, the team then set its sights on the Norse realms. While hiding from his past, Kratos travels with his son Atreus to fulfill his wife’s dying wish. But Midgard is filled with dangerous foes like Draugr, Trolls, Dragons, and the unkillable God Baldur. Every location adds a piece of lore whether it be a Dwarf King’s lair or the aftermath of an epic battle. The supporting characters are also wonderful, such as Mimir, who often tells tales about the Aesir and their many legendary conflicts. The Norse realms provide an excellent setting for the heartfelt story, masterfully navigating the strained relationship between a damaged God and his eager son.
