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Volgarr the Viking

Remember when games were tough? Return to the Golden Age of arcades with an all-NEW hardcore action experience that pulls no punches. Volgarr the Viking possesses all the hallmarks of the true classics - simple controls, high challenge, and meticulous design - combined with hand-made pixel

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Very Positive

2,442 Steam reviews

Review History

Reviews

2,442 total

≥h

Steam User 7781STEAMNot recommended

Unenjoyably difficult. Adds nothing to the 2D platformer genre. Might as well just play old Genesis/SNES games.

Mar 26, 2026·1h·Verified

Steam User 4753STEAMRecommended

Mucho mejor que el 2, es dificil pero entretenido

Mar 21, 2026·Verified

Steam User 2810STEAMNot recommended

ruim

Mar 20, 2026·Verified

Steam User 5055STEAMRecommended

Really hard but fair game the controls are super tight and it looks great.Awesome little retro title

Mar 9, 2026·25h·Verified

Steam User 3944STEAMRecommended

Познакомился я с этой крутой аркадой в 16ом году на Sega Dreamcast. Долго и много залипал над изучением карт и противников. Любой неверный или неуверенный шаг наказывается. Графика красивая, музло качает, геймплей затягивает. Но есть одно "но": верните в Россию вторую часть! 🙃

Mar 4, 2026·1h·Verified

Steam User 3893STEAMRecommended

Volgarr the Viking is a brutal, uncompromising love letter to 16-bit classics like Ghosts 'n Goblins and Rastan — if you die, that's on you, not the game. The controls are tight and responsive, the enemy placements are fixed and learnable, and there's genuine satisfaction in finally blazing through a level that once seemed impossible. Yes, you will replay the same stretches of level over and over, and the lack of a checkpoint before bosses will test your patience, but that repetition is the point — you're building muscle memory until the chaos becomes choreography. The spear mechanics in particular are brilliantly designed, doubling as both a weapon and a platforming tool in ways I didn't expect. If you grew up loving hard arcade games and want that feeling of hard-earned mastery, this is absolutely worth your time; if you need modern conveniences like mid-level saves or an easy mode, look elsewhere.

Feb 21, 2026·28h

Steam User 2989STEAMNot recommended

Controls are stiff and unenjoyable after years of playing 'real games' lol.

Feb 19, 2026·27h·Verified

Steam User 4722STEAMRecommended

Feb 19, 2026·1h·Verified

Steam User 7346STEAMRecommended

Started in 2014 finished in 2026.¯\_(ツ)_/¯ Top game,waiting for the gift of the second part.(づ ◕‿◕ )づ

Feb 4, 2026·16h·Verified

Steam User 4795STEAMNot recommended

3/10

Jan 26, 2026

Steam User 3860STEAMRecommended

Challenging game. Not easy. Old school vibe.

Jan 24, 2026·34h·Verified

Steam User 9287STEAMRecommended

норм

Jan 11, 2026·3h·Verified

Steam User 9475STEAMNot recommended

Too punishing.

Jan 6, 2026·4h·1

Steam User 3681STEAMRecommended

To be honest, I have never played Volgarr the Viking before, this is my first play actually. And I have to say, despite it being really an old, challenging, old-school game, it still rocks, its design that feels like a long-lost 16-bit arcade classic brought to the modern era. I don't know, maybe I am a fan of platformers in general, but I like balanced skill-based platformers that offer a pure test of skill where every death is a lesson and every victory is genuinely earned. This game has a not-so-unique for its era, but interesting weight-based movement; unlike modern "floaty" platformers, Volgarr’s jumps and attacks require absolute commitment, forcing you to master the rhythm of his sword and spear to survive, which I believe for its time felt really realistic.

The progression system is uniquely clever, tying your health directly to your offensive capabilities—collecting treasure upgrades your armor and shield, but taking a hit strips them away, leaving you vulnerable while simultaneously weakening your firepower. This creates a high-stakes tension that makes conquering its meticulously designed levels immensely satisfying, like almost every platformer of that era, it is Dark Souls of that era. Visually, the crisp pixel art and "Savage Sword of Conan" atmosphere are perfectly complemented by a thunderous, cinematic soundtrack that makes you feel like a true Norse legend. It is a definitive must-play for anyone who misses the uncompromising depth of the golden age of arcade gaming.

Dec 31, 2025·4h·Verified

Steam User 2484STEAMRecommended

It's like Legendary Axe for the TG16.

Dec 28, 2025·3h

Steam User 9757STEAMNot recommended

Все пишут игра сложная, но проходимая. Уж сколько я наигрался разных платформеров начиная ещё с приставок денди сега и пс1, что вижу всего 2 главные проблемы, которые мало кто описывает и замечает. Тут просто 1) отбитое не интуитивное управление ударов и прыжков с дурацкой задержкой аля Кастлвания и 2) дебильно прописанный хитбокс героя и проджектайлов некоторых мобов (он просто больше чем нарисовано, а вот расстояние удара меча такое впечатление что меньше чем нарисовано). В итоге ящер проносит у тебя дубинкой на небольшом расстоянием, но ты всё равно получишь урон, а тебе нужно чуть ли не лицом к лицу стоять что бы нанести урон. Что то здесь не так..... Я честно пытался много раз это осилить, но дальше первого уровня не прошёл. Я уважаю всех игроделов в равной степени, но когда натыкаешься на такое, то сразу понимаешь что здесь скорее троллинг "на слабо", чем что то действительно челенджевое. Короче ИМХО дебильная кривая запредельная несбалансированная сложность. Понравится только тем кому просто не с чем сравнивать. Хотите рвать себе отверстия в надежде получить дофамин, а потом грустить за потерянные впустую часы жизни. Для меня лично уж точно не в эту злупу. Отправляю сие творение в скрытые.

Dec 13, 2025·1h·Verified

Steam User 8013STEAMNot recommended

Barbarianslop

Dec 7, 2025·1h·Verified

Steam User 9345STEAMNot recommended

The hardest ending in this is basically "Unemployement: The Game"

Nov 30, 2025·13h·2

Steam User 5201STEAMRecommended

puta ta dificil pa

Nov 22, 2025·9h·Verified

Steam User 9480STEAMRecommended

Very well made game. Very unforgiving, but completely fair.

You die over and over, but you learn every time. It's not so much about memorizing the levels (although that helps), it's about learning how the enemies work and how to deal with them. Once you master this, the game becomes easy. The level design is very trollish though: you'll get baited into making a jump you shouldn't, or playing carefully when you should have acted quickly instead.

There are 5 levels/worlds, each with one mid-level checkpoint and a boss, and a finale. Beating the boss unlocks that world from the main menu. Only 24% of people have beaten the first world, and only 5% have beaten the game.

There are a lot of subtle details in how the equipment works. The passive shield, the wider reach of the fire sword, how many equipment items you lose per hit, and when you unlock flames that act as lives to try your hand at the alternate version of the next world. These alternate worlds also lead to the true ending which only 1.5% of players have gotten.

I rage quit this game in 2018, tried again and beat it in 2019, and finally got the secret ending and all achievements in 2025, taking 30 hours in total.

Nov 12, 2025·30h·1

Steam User 6745STEAMNot recommended

kinda bad

Nov 12, 2025·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 6647STEAMRecommended

Oct 26, 2025·30h·Verified

Steam User 9393STEAMRecommended

good game

Oct 21, 2025·11h·1·Verified

Steam User 0947STEAMRecommended

Difficult and unforgiving at first, but if you keep at it, it becomes an extremely fun, challenging, and rewarding game.

You'll come to appreciate how far you come, from barely being able to scrape through a single level unscathed, to completing the game on the hardest difficult mode and achieving all endings.

Oct 17, 2025·14h·1·Verified

Steam User 1798STEAMRecommended

Volgarr the Viking, developed and published by Crazy Viking Studios, is a modern resurrection of an old-school ideal—a game that worships the punishing precision of the 1980s arcade era while refining it with contemporary craftsmanship. It is a game built on principles of discipline, patience, and deliberate control. From its opening moments, when Odin resurrects the fallen warrior Volgarr and sends him into battle against legions of monsters, it becomes clear that this is not a platformer designed to be beaten easily or casually. Every movement is purposeful, every jump has weight, and every mistake carries a cost. It demands not only skill but humility, asking players to learn its rhythms and internalize its logic through repeated failure. It is a modern game that feels ancient in its soul, a brutal but fair test of perseverance.

The story is minimal, presented through brief visual cues and grand gestures rather than dialogue or exposition. Volgarr’s world is one of ruins, fire, and mythic cruelty—a landscape that feels alive with traps and danger. Yet this simplicity is intentional. The game does not seek to immerse through narrative but through mastery. Its storytelling lies in the player’s progression, in the act of overcoming what once seemed impossible. Every time Volgarr rises from the grave, the repetition takes on ritualistic meaning: a cycle of death and rebirth that echoes the eternal struggle of mythic heroes. The tone is grim and austere, yet exhilarating. The player’s victories feel earned not because of cinematic flair, but because they come only after enduring countless defeats.

The gameplay itself is where Volgarr’s brilliance truly shines. At first glance, it resembles classics like Ghosts ’n Goblins or Rastan—side-scrolling, sword-wielding action games where precision and timing are everything. But Volgarr refines these old formulas with modern sensibility. The controls are tight, weighty, and deliberate; every attack, jump, and block must be carefully considered. You cannot spam inputs or rely on reaction alone. The game’s challenge lies in foresight, learning enemy patterns, and executing cleanly. Movement feels constrained at first, but soon you realize it’s built around intent rather than improvisation. The inability to adjust your jump midair, for example, forces you to commit fully to your decisions. When you succeed, it feels like triumph born from discipline rather than luck.

Combat operates on a system of rhythm and risk. Volgarr begins each level armed with a simple sword and shield, both of which can be lost with a single hit. Power-ups grant him improved armor, elemental weapons, and a flaming sword that can devastate foes—but these are fragile blessings. One mistake can strip you of every advantage, sending you back to bare steel and naked vulnerability. This fragility is the game’s heart. It transforms each encounter into a balancing act, where aggression must always be tempered by awareness. The player learns to throw spears to create platforms, block incoming projectiles at precise moments, and weave attacks into movement patterns that leave just enough margin for error. The difficulty is merciless, but the consistency of its rules makes every death feel deserved. Volgarr’s challenge is never cheap—it is honest, methodical, and unrelenting.

The level design mirrors this philosophy. Each stage is an intricate obstacle course filled with spikes, collapsing platforms, ambushes, and traps that seem engineered to punish impatience. Enemies often appear in devious positions that force you to plan your approach, combining combat and platforming into a single continuous test of skill. Checkpoints are sparse, ensuring that progress always feels hard-won. Some players will find this discouraging, but for others, it’s the reason to keep going. The sense of accomplishment that comes from finally clearing a section that once seemed insurmountable is enormous. The game is structured like a gauntlet, where every mistake pushes you to refine your execution until your movements become instinctive. It rewards mastery in the purest sense—when you complete a level flawlessly, it’s because you’ve earned it through understanding, not luck.

Visually, Volgarr the Viking is a feast of pixel artistry. The environments are richly detailed, from rain-soaked battlegrounds and volcanic caverns to ancient temples teeming with monsters. The animation work is fluid yet grounded, with Volgarr’s every swing and movement carrying a sense of weight and purpose. The art style is both nostalgic and strikingly modern, blending the chunky charm of retro sprites with a cinematic flair in its compositions and lighting. The soundtrack complements this aesthetic perfectly—thunderous drums, heroic brass, and ominous melodies accompany the chaos, amplifying the game’s mythic intensity. Each death and victory feels underscored by sound design that elevates the experience beyond simple retro homage.

What makes Volgarr remarkable is its unwavering commitment to its vision. It does not compromise, and it does not care to appeal to everyone. For some players, its difficulty will border on punishing excess, but for those who thrive on challenge, it is deeply rewarding. The game’s design ethos recalls a time when mastery meant memorization, reflex, and determination rather than grinding or forgiving checkpoints. It trusts the player to learn, adapt, and overcome without artificial hand-holding. Its honesty is refreshing—a reminder that games can still demand respect rather than offer instant gratification.

Volgarr the Viking stands as one of the finest examples of modern retro design: brutal but fair, nostalgic yet refined, and uncompromising in its pursuit of precision. It is not a game for those seeking comfort or ease—it is a test, an ordeal, a journey into the heart of what makes platforming so enduringly satisfying. Every swing of the sword, every death, every hard-fought victory contributes to an experience that feels timeless in its simplicity and profound in its execution. It is a game that honors the past while proving that the spirit of challenge-driven gameplay still has a place in the modern age. For players who crave pure, skill-based triumphs and the thrill of conquering the impossible, Volgarr the Viking is not just a homage—it is a masterpiece forged in the fires of persistence.

Rating: 8/10

Oct 16, 2025·12h·1·Verified

Steam User 3165STEAMRecommended

Un juego que te hace sentir un verdadero guerrero.... hasta que te morís por número 100 intentando saltar un piedra estática...

Arranque este juego y pensé: “ah, un juego retro simpático”. Diez segundos después ya estaba gritando insultos en idiomas que ni existen. Este juego no tiene piedad, no tiene tutoriales amables, y definitivamente no tiene checkpoint donde lo necesitás. Es una carta de amor a la vieja escuela, pero escrita con un cuchillo vikingo y firmada en sangre pixelada.

La jugabilidad es tan simple como cruel: saltás, atacás y morís. Pero todo está diseñado con una precisión que te obliga a aprender a los golpes —literalmente— hasta que tu cerebro empieza a ver patrones donde antes solo había frustración. No es injusto, pero sí te hace sentir estúpidamente torpe, lo cual, debo admitir, es parte de su encanto masoquista. Cada victoria pesa, y cuando derrotás un jefe, te dan ganas de aplaudirte a vos mismo… porque nadie más lo va a hacer.

Y lo más loco es que, después de todo ese sufrimiento, Volgarr te deja una sensación de satisfacción real. Como si te recordara por qué te enamoraste de los videojuegos: por el desafío, por la recompensa, por ese momento en que gritás “¡por fin!” con los ojos rojos y las manos transpiradas. Es un viaje brutal, honesto y hasta catártico. En resumen: un juegazo que no te entretiene… te educa a los golpes.

Oct 12, 2025·5h·1

Steam User 8468STEAMRecommended

Juego muy desafiante aunque la mayor parte de la dificultad está en los niveles, no tanto en los jefes. El camino de la valkiria no es para débiles, yo incluido

Oct 8, 2025·6h·Verified

Steam User 2399STEAMRecommended

💋

Oct 5, 2025·54h·Verified

Steam User 4267STEAMRecommended

Excelente juego. Se nota el cariño de los desarrolladores (el juego trae un manual, raro hoy) y es una experiencia gratificante. Difícil de dominar, con mecánicas sencillas y divertidas que se sienten bien, con niveles realmente desafiantes, pero cuando derrotas un jefe después de que te reventó la cabeza 27 veces, te sentis realmente Volgarr el Vikingo. A veces puede ser un poco injusto, pero la verdad es que todos los niveles son pasables para todos con un poco de persistencia. Git gud, nada más. Recomendado para quienes buscan una experiencia arcade clásica, Rygar/Rastan tipo.

Oct 4, 2025·24h·Verified

Steam User 2416STEAMNot recommended

I generally like retro action arcade games, but Volgarr the Viking fell flat for me. The controls and platforming felt pretty clunky to me, but then again Ghouls 'N Ghosts and Castlevania are listed as this games main inspirations so I should have expected that. I wanted to love both of these classic games as a kid, but the lack luster controls made me feel like I was fighting the game rather than playing it. Volgarr kind of left me with the same feeling. I love the retro vibes and Viking aesthetic, but I just cant play or recommend Volgarr.

Sep 29, 2025·1h·Verified

Steam User 3317STEAMNot recommended

Horrible maniabilité, le perso est LOURD ET LENT

Sep 22, 2025·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 9546STEAMRecommended

[h1]90年代アクションの手触りを堪能できる[/h1]

＜昔買ってレビューを書いていなかった作品。通常のレビューより簡素＞

昔ゲーセンやスーファミ、メガドラとかでこういうのあったなぁという触り心地だ。

動きに融通が利かない、もっさりアクション、脆い主人公、シビアな難易度というアーケードライクな遊び心地は正しく90年代アクションが再現されていて、刺さる人にはとことん刺さりそう。

ジャンプ、斬撃、槍投げ、二段ジャンプ、ローリングと90年代作品に比べるとアクションは多彩だが、「あの時代のアクションがまた遊びたい」という人ならおすすめできる。

ただし楽しむためには不便を許容する必要のあるゲームデザインなので買う際は要注意だ。

Sep 10, 2025·1h·7·Verified

Steam User 1173STEAMRecommended

This game is wicked hard.

Super satisfying to progress through though.

Sep 6, 2025·1h·5·Verified

Steam User 0481STEAMRecommended

突然覺得自己真可愛
小時候玩魔界村都沒通關了
怎麼會覺得這個近戰版魔界村我能破關呢

Aug 31, 2025·4h·Verified

Steam User 3362STEAMRecommended

Bueno, que puedo decir sobre este juego? Le tengo una especie de amor/odio por que es entretenido pero te hace calentar a mas no poder y ensima te manda al comienzo si perdes. La jugabilidad es algo dura pero se puede manejar al personaje, lo unico que no me gusto es que no haya Check Points por el mapa. Lo recomiendo? si, aunque si sos de encabronarte mucho como yo, buscate otro juego mas tranqui... este juego no es para vos... xD

Aug 24, 2025·74h·2·Verified

Steam User 5741STEAMRecommended

8, 90년대 액션 게임에 대한 완벽한 오마쥬.

하는 내내 마계촌이랑 옛날 SFC 시절의 액트레이저가 계속 떠올랐습니다.
악랄한 맵 구성, 일정한 패턴, 맵마다 다른 기믹, 훌륭한 타격감, 유저에게 요구하는 피지컬 등.

마계촌 보다 쉬운 이유는

1. 뛰어난 조작감
2. 맵 구성이 마계촌 보다 짧음
3. 업그레이드(=HP)가 쉬움
4. 더블 점프

이 네가지 때문이라고 생각합니다.

분명 난이도가 높은 게임이지만, 패턴은 일정하게 정해져 있기 때문에
몇번 트라이 하다보면 깰 수 있습니다.

정말 잘 만든 액션 게임이기 때문에
액션 게임을 좋아한다면 꼭 추천합니다.

Aug 10, 2025·9h·Verified

Steam User 1193STEAMRecommended

Superb game!

Jul 16, 2025·1h·2

Steam User 5426STEAMNot recommended

Me gusta la estética de este juego, pero odio con toda fibra de mi cuerpo el gameplay mal diseñado y frustrante.

Jul 7, 2025·9h·Verified

Steam User 4588STEAMNot recommended

too hard to me

Jul 4, 2025

Steam User 2046STEAMRecommended

♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥, this is peak

Jun 25, 2025·11h·1·Verified

Steam User 9206STEAMRecommended

🛡

Jun 14, 2025·29h·Verified

Steam User 2131STEAMRecommended

For real mofks

Jun 14, 2025·11h·1·Verified

Steam User 7098STEAMNot recommended

3/10

May 23, 2025·3

Steam User 9688STEAMRecommended

Didn't think I would be able to brave this one when I installed it earlier tonight, I've given it several half hearted chances over the years and it never really resonated with me, I did have my "NES hard" phase growing up, and for some reason this one stumped me.

2013 feels like an eternity from now, when this came out there was a retro revival going on and so volgar made an austere impression with simple music, simple graphics, simple plot simple everything, and seeing it 12 years later I'm amazed by how polarizing opinions surrounding this game have become.

I have to praise how much leniency it offers while lifting so many elements from classic Castlevania, I wasn't acclimated to this style of boss walk backs when I first played, repeating lengthy segments with increasingly mechanized sequences of movements until you do it perfectly, yet the game doesn't make itself entirely inflexible and averse to mistakes, power ups are plentiful, you're given so many fighting chances and enemies don't require the same level of surgical precision of older platformers, you're given an opportunity to completely delete boss HP if you play your cards right and are skilled enough.

It's a very gratifying game to overcome, but I really only did it to scratch it off my backlog, even then I don't intend to go after the secret levels and endings, hell at first i didn't so much as envision myself getting past the 2nd level

May 22, 2025·10h·4·Verified

Steam User 3813STEAMRecommended

Ese juego emula maestralmente la vibe de sega genesis !! Un juego verdaderamente dificil y sin save points!! GIT GUD !!!!!

May 19, 2025·26h·2·Verified

Steam User 3703STEAMRecommended

É bão

May 8, 2025·42h

Steam User 9599STEAMRecommended

难度很大，比黑魂还难玩的游戏，喜欢挑战的玩家值得一玩

May 2, 2025·4h

Steam User 7431STEAMRecommended

Спустя 10 лет с момента покупки, 50 часов попыток, Волгар наконец-то пройден(на концовки А и Б). При том, что игра проходится минут за 40.

Apr 28, 2025·53h·2·Verified

Steam User 1510STEAMNot recommended

I am surprised with all the positive reviews. I love old school and retro games - even tough ones, but Volgarr is just mediocre at best.

Apr 12, 2025·4

Steam User 2677STEAMRecommended

Hard, Hard Game! so be aware!

Twin played the hell out of it and I got slaughtered when I just looked at the controller.

10/10 would get pwned again haha = )

Apr 6, 2025·4h

Steam User 0222STEAMNot recommended

It's just okay, the main issue is the lack of mid level checkpoints. The platforming elements aren't that bad, but they can be tricky and require practice on how to approach them. The problem is having to constantly repeat the level from the beginning as you learn the ins and outs of the stage.

Apr 1, 2025·2h·10·Verified

Steam User 0592STEAMRecommended

I loved enemy design and combat. Honestly the should skipped lizardmen as they are too fast and unpredictable too work well with the slow combat. But once you start to fight heavier foes the game gets interesting. Enemies work well with each other and can surprise you from time to time with new parameters of attack.

Mar 25, 2025·8h·Verified

Steam User 3474STEAMRecommended

Es un juego complicado con una jugabilidad que acompaña a un gameplay complicado donde cada error se te castiga duramente. Los saltos son medidos, los ataques premeditados y los escenarios desafiantes. Los finales son originales y el cómo conseguirlos es interesante cuanto menos.

¿Recomiendo el juego? Si, pero solo si tienes paciencia y te gustan las experiencias pendencieras.

Feb 16, 2025·19h·Verified

Steam User 0761STEAMRecommended

[h1]Volgarr the Viking [/h1]
[u]Will contain some spoilers*[/u]

Volgarr the Viking instantly makes me think of "Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts". It has this very awkward jumping that makes you die soooo many times till you start to get the hang of it.
The controls are tight and not clunky at all.

The game really emphasizes memorization learning boss patterns and enemy positions etc.
The game is very unfair till you learn and abuse the strategies you've made from all of your deaths.
Then you are more and more going to be able to trivialize a lot of places.

Avoiding taking damage is much more important in this game then its sequel. Each equipment adds an hit-point but losing equipment especially the flame sword makes bosses and tougher enemies much more difficult to deal with if you aren't good enough yet with patterns.

The first time I played and went at it I didn't even beat the game. It is a frustrating game that will get a lot easier if you keep at it. I revisited it and beat the C-ending and some time later I went for the A-ending.
Playing side by side with my brother made it much more enjoyable even if he beat it earlier than me.

Its very satisfying to get better at Volgarr.
Going for the A-ending gathering "special lives" by taking enough chests without damage really gives you the true arcade experience.
You play alternative versions of the level with limited amounts of lives that you can increase by grabbing more chests without taking damage and defeating bosses.
If you lose those lives you get back to the normal version of the level so you are better of restarting if you want to beat the alternate path and reach the secret world.

The dev has been very clear with what the game is meant to be and a lot of the critique "lack of checkpoints" etc. is addressed in the sequel.

I find Volgarr the Viking to be a very solid platformer but receives 8/10 due to lack of accessibility which the sequel solves.
Mainly save files as its a bit of a classic issue with the arcade games that you get one play and then you are back without options to really select levels and other conveniences (yes I know you can go to the side to get to next levels).

//ECE//

Jan 31, 2025·27h·4

Steam User 5404STEAMRecommended

This is a very specific game.
It's old school one, sure, you can say so immediately from the trailer. But not like early 2000 old school, and not even 90's.

This is how gaming used to be in 70's and 80's, when games were on cartridges, and the developer was setting a set of puzzles that had a certain solution. The players were severely punished for tackling the problem any other way, forced to play the game again from the start, "until they'll get it right".

This may sound horrible today, but this type of gaming is not without its charm - once you will learn how to tackle each of the game's puzzles and can do that at will, you are likely to feel an immense satisfaction at the precision and finesse of your playthrough. Also it will look amazing.

However, if this doesn't sound appealing to you, if you hate grinding, if you hate the concept of playing same levels again and again, if you want a skill tree, non-linear paths, cutscenes and plot - you should skip this game for certain.
This game belongs in a museum: games like this are important part of gaming history and a treasure, but are terribly outdated.

For what this game is trying to achieve it does it amazingly well.

Jan 15, 2025·10h·13

Steam User 3110STEAMRecommended

This game is definitely brutal in its difficulty but it's also incredibly well-designed. I somehow just discovered this over 10 years after its release. I can't put it down! Highly recommended.

Dec 21, 2024·14h·Verified

Steam User 4534STEAMRecommended

Old-school platformer , i find addictive

Dec 11, 2024·13h·Verified

Steam User 3932STEAMRecommended

ottimo gameplay e molto impegnativo.

Dec 9, 2024·7h

Steam User 2548STEAMRecommended

VOLGARR!!!!

Dec 8, 2024·12h·1·Verified

Steam User 4233STEAMRecommended

Like, it's based on Rastan, and the game rules! Dislike, Maybe a little too hard for some?

Dec 4, 2024·4h

Steam User 9621STEAMRecommended

Al fin he vuelto a jugar esta joya, lo recomiendo 100%

Nov 30, 2024·Verified

Steam User 7565STEAMRecommended

❤️❤️❤️

Nov 24, 2024·16h·Verified

Steam User 2703STEAMRecommended

so good

Nov 16, 2024·4h·Verified

Steam User 9515STEAMRecommended

It's hard. You gotta get good and then in my case add a bit of luck, but it is fun the whole way. Controls are tight, combat fair, bosses don't disappoint. I've played it through more than once.

Thumbs up for Hyborian esque barbarian hacking and slashing.

Nov 16, 2024·221h·Verified

Steam User 0715STEAMNot recommended

Volgarr advertises itself as being a hardcore old school platformer and that it is, it's harder than Brock Lesnar if he was made out of diamonds. Which would be ok because difficult platformers are fun and cool - Super Ghouls And Ghosts, Super Meat Boy, Ninja Gaiden, Mega Man. All fun and cool.

Volgarr takes the piss though, you pretty much have to memorise every jump and enemy encounter and if you do it any different to how the game wants you to then you will die. Not very fun and cool.
It plays more like a weird rhythm game than an action platformer and it's kind of annoying.

Nov 15, 2024·2h·17·Verified

Steam User 0810STEAMNot recommended

Worst game ever.... Just trap again and again !!! No fun at all

Nov 10, 2024·1·Verified

Steam User 5397STEAMRecommended

So awesome

Nov 7, 2024·7h·Verified

Steam User 6671STEAMRecommended

Völgarr the Viking is a masterclass in arcade game design. Extremely short levels that are tightly designed. Lots of secrets and tricks to figure out for skilled players to style through it in repeat playthroughs. One of the signature moves is throwing a spear into a wall to use as a makeshift platform. Getting all the upgrades so you have a flaming sword, so much to love about this game.
Writing this mostly as an anti-recommendation for the sequel. Völgarr 2 was not designed by the same person and has large empty boring stages that are a slog to get through.
Friends don't let Friends play Völgarr 2, Play Vögarr 1 instead and forget the sequel even exists.

Nov 5, 2024·17h·3

Steam User 3615STEAMRecommended

A solid 9/10. Plays like a much simpler, shorter version of Blasphemous with no cut scenes, permanent upgrades, or npcs, just a straight up adventure.

The stiff combat requiring you to memorize attacks or level layout and the "lack" of checkpoints is all very similar to Soulslike games and as usual that comes with a group of people that will ♥♥♥♥♥♥♥♥ and whining cause they need their baby mode to make it through the game. There are SIX main worlds with TWO checkpoints each, you do not need to be a perfectionist to beat them in a reasonable time if you understand the basic gameplay mechanics.

Nov 5, 2024·24h·Verified

Steam User 1072STEAMNot recommended

The game acts like its a throw back side scroller, but its not.
There's a way the devs want you to tackle every single encounter and a 100% wrong one, which makes it an trail and error platfromer.
You need to memorize every single encounter. Do it any other way you will lose one of your rare hitpoints. Combine this with the unresponsive controls and you're left with a game thats frustrating to play

If I can get good at an action game by looking at a youtube vid, its a bad video game.

it filled a niche at the time, but today with plenty of competition, there is no reason to play this game.

avoid

Oct 20, 2024·3h·4·Verified

Steam User 2315STEAMRecommended

Одна из любимых игр с закосом под старые хардкорные игры.
Отличное управление и отзывчивость, интересные, но простые враги.

После первого прохождения уровни проходятся без ошибок, механически чисто и красиво.

Когда нибудь пройду на платину, если будут время и нервы.

Oct 16, 2024·9h·Verified

Steam User 4825STEAMNot recommended

Вообще не понятно за что игра может нравится ( графика не в счёт ). Весь геймплей сводится к одному . Это выдрачивание уровня до идеального прохождения. Из за этого игра становится очень очень душной.

Sep 22, 2024·1h·Verified

Steam User 4923STEAMRecommended

MAS DIFICIL QUE CAGAR EM BANHEIRO PUBLICO

Sep 12, 2024·3h·Verified

Steam User 2375STEAMRecommended

8.5/10 ;!!

Sep 3, 2024·22h

Steam User 6440STEAMRecommended

super solid controls and plays so good. satisfying to learn the levels, hitting dudes with sword feels great, hashtag getting that fire sword is so rad chefs kiss emoji

Aug 25, 2024·10h·2

Steam User 1916STEAMRecommended

Old school fun. Tough but learnable and then it's a blast. Learning curve applies, buckle your pants.

VIKIIINGS!

Aug 22, 2024·18h·3·Verified

Steam User 4406STEAMRecommended

Good

Aug 15, 2024·14h·Verified

Steam User 8310STEAMRecommended

I bought this game in 2013, played a little bit and got tired of the repetition required to proceed. Flash forward to 2024, Volgarr the Viking 2 was released and I decided to give it a second try.

Now that I finally finished the game, I feel compelled to write this review.

This game is not for everyone. It is not a hard game, it is not a game of skill. It is a game of patience. It is an uphill battle from beginning to end. It does not play like an action game, it plays more like a slow, methodical puzzle game. Stage design is very tight. There is always a solution to each section that may require you a few tries to figure out.

Despite being an awesome game, the lack of checkpoints will force you to play again several times parts of the game that you already figured out.

I think this is not so bad in the normal game path, but this will probably be a torture in the secret stages, considering that you have limited lives.

I recommend this game, but it is not for everyone. I do think it should have a "training mode" where you can practice the stages before attempting the true run and aim for the best ending possible.

Aug 10, 2024·12h·1·Verified

Steam User 6326STEAMNot recommended

I'm not the right kind of player for this kind of game nowadays, which I think means Volgarr the Viking is accomplishing what the authors wanted. Technically it seems fine; the graphics are fine and the controls are responsive. (Not so much the character, but that's by design.)

If you like harder platformers and don't mind retrying until you can do it perfectly, this one's worth a try. If you're like me and were never too great at Rastan back in the day, you probably won't like it. (I did a bit better at Rastan in the arcades than I can with Volgarr today, but that's not saying too much. :)

Aug 10, 2024·7

Steam User 7305STEAMRecommended

I hated this game when I first played it. I came back seven years later and now I really like it.

The key to enjoyment is realizing this is a puzzle platformer. It's all about figuring out what moves to do with a bit of timing.

Aug 7, 2024·9h·2·Verified

Steam User 2025STEAMRecommended

i forgot about Volgarr but the sequel's out now. well, the first game is very well made.

Aug 7, 2024·4h

Steam User 0014STEAMRecommended

Very nice game

Aug 6, 2024·5h·Verified

Steam User 2645STEAMNot recommended

Volgarr the Viking presents itself as a throwback to classic, challenging platformers, but unfortunately, its design choices may leave many players frustrated rather than satisfied.

The game's difficulty is immediately noticeable and seems to be used as a veil to disguise its short playtime. Each level demands precision and near-perfect execution, with little room for error. This relentless difficulty curve forces players into a pattern of trial and error, often feeling more punishing than rewarding.

Levels in Volgarr the Viking average between 5 to 9 minutes in length, with a total of only 7 levels to traverse. This brevity could be forgiven if the gameplay offered enough variety or a compelling reason to replay, but instead, it leans heavily on players memorizing each level's layout and enemy placements. This reliance on memorization rather than skill progression may turn off those seeking a more accessible or strategic gaming experience.

For many, the demanding nature of Volgarr the Viking might be a dealbreaker. The insistence on memorization and the punishing difficulty overshadow its potential enjoyment. While some players may relish the challenge reminiscent of classic arcade games, others may find themselves frustrated and disheartened by the lack of meaningful progression or variation.

Ultimately, Volgarr the Viking is a hard pass for those looking for a more balanced and engaging gaming experience. In a market filled with diverse and rewarding platformers, this game struggles to stand out, offering little beyond its initial, formidable challenge. For those seeking a deeply satisfying gaming experience, there are simply better alternatives available.

Aug 6, 2024·3h·10

Steam User 3072STEAMRecommended

really great game amzing retro side scroll tough as nails the second one will be release soon so is a great time to enjoy this one

Aug 5, 2024·28h·1·Verified

Steam User 6278STEAMNot recommended

The game was good until second half of second world, when it started adding more and more those slime/bubbles spawners in very unconventional places. It's even more annoying, because for some reason the game likes to spawn infinite amount of enemies in certain places (like aforementioned bubbles, lizards or mermen) until you move forward. So instead of focusing each enemy and obstacle as its own puzzle, like a good game design should, the game likes to add these random factors and infinite enemy spawns just to add chaos. Volgarr is already harder and more sluggish to control than Arthur in Ghosts 'n Goblins/Ghouls 'n Ghosts, which make these spots extra frustrating.

I really hope the sequel is more fun to play.

Jul 30, 2024·2h·Verified

Steam User 2060STEAMRecommended

Uff, das Spiel nimmt das Wort „oldschool“ sehr ernst. Ich komme ja aus einer Zeit, in der Spiele einfach so waren – sauschwer, und sicher nicht dafür gedacht „gemeistert“ zu werden. Viel mehr sollten sie einem das letzte Geld aus der Tasche ziehen, jede einzelne Münze. Nun, das tut Volgarr zum Glück nicht. Aber sauschwer ist es trotzdem. Wer Spaß an schweren Games hat, sollte mal reinspielen – die Grafik ist super, das Gameplay ebenso. „Unfair“ finde ich es nicht – aber sonderlich weit gekommen bin ich auch noch nicht. Hilft wohl nur üben 🤣🖖

Jul 27, 2024·2h·Verified

Steam User 5752STEAMRecommended

E.X.C.E.L.L.E.N.T !!

Jul 23, 2024·104h·1

Steam User 1107STEAMNot recommended

Garbage game. Terrible mechanics. frustrating movements. bad level design and animations. Mobs are ♥♥♥♥ too. No check points until after you beat a world is just a nice cherry on top.

I've played plenty of rage games. This is near the top of the list of all around bad design. Any time you play, it feels like its been hours because of how much you'll rage only to realize its been 10 minutes.

Jul 20, 2024·7h·1·Verified

Steam User 1591STEAMNot recommended

Just not fond of the repetitiveness

Jul 18, 2024·2·Verified

Steam User 8102STEAMRecommended

I mean...

Jul 18, 2024·1h·3·Verified

Steam User 8734STEAMRecommended

If The Lost Vikings and Golden Axe had asked Loki to shape shift them on Asgard into a masochistic retro platformer that is painful and unforgiving like it was decades ago.

Jul 9, 2024·6h·1

Steam User 3418STEAMRecommended

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Jul 9, 2024·2h·10·Verified

Steam User 1518STEAMRecommended

The game presents a nice art style along with smooth animations, though, I can't really claim it as "hard" because 'yall managed to nerf your own character. Volgarr is pretty useless without those chests and that's kind of a turn off, not to mention the dude can't get a single hit without losing half of his armor. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure y'all were going for a more Castlevania-ish style here and I'm hooked to the game for it, but if turning your character into a weaking is the only way to make the gameplay more "challenging" than y'all gotta fix that. I know I'm late considering this game came out over a decade ago, but who cares?

Jul 6, 2024·16h·Verified

Steam User 7571STEAMRecommended

Simple to learn, challenging to complete, satisfying to master. Bring on the sequel.

Jul 1, 2024·20h·3

Steam User 4351STEAMRecommended

Don't let playtime fool you....I have played this on a different platform. But picking it up on steam to try it on the Deck....yes please!

If you remember Rastan from the arcades and loved it...you will know what you are getting into with this. Volgarr is tough. This is how arcade action games were. It is all about dying and learning as you do.

The game feels great, and like old school...jumping and not being able to control myself is still frustrating but fun. Level design is done nicely, but I think a little too much of double jump needed.

So let me put it this way. Arcade games were 25 cents. Break down the cost to quarters, devide it by 3 for the amount of lives you will get in the arcade...and determine if it is worth it to you. If you love old 80 games like Ghost n Goblins, Magic Sword, or games like it (and obviously Rastan since i mentioned it and Volgarr feels dead on like it), then I think this one is a no brainer.

Jun 27, 2024·2h·3·Verified

Steam User 3614STEAMRecommended

11 years later and Volgarr still slaps. Highly addicting, finger aching, profanity inducing, well worth going through before the sequel drops. The hard route is not nearly as hard as you might think after mastering the base route!

Jun 17, 2024·15h·1·Verified

Steam User 3935STEAMRecommended

One of my favourite games of all time. Hard, but fair. Perfectly reproduces the Sega Megadrive feels!

Jun 14, 2024·2h·1·Verified

Steam User 8859STEAMRecommended

Juegazo, super mega dificil es muy god

Jun 10, 2024·16h·Verified

Steam User 6953STEAMRecommended

Sequel has a release date. I'm just gonna keep this brief:

This is old-school arcade hard. If you don't want to trial and error, learn from your mistakes and experience frustration that leads to a heightened sense of accomplishment.... this might not be the game for you. But if you're like me and love the nostalgia of rising to the challenge and aiming for the best ending, then welcome, Warrior.

Jun 9, 2024·13h·1

Steam User 0488STEAMRecommended

[h1]Reseña de Volgarr the Viking: Desgarrador y Delirante[/h1]

[h2]Resumen[/h2]
¿Te gusta sufrir jugando? ¡Perfecto! Volgarr the Viking es tu cita ideal con el dolor. Atrévete a explorar este juego que combina acción, plataformas y una dificultad que haría llorar al mismísimo Thor.

[h2]Aspectos importantes e interesantes[/h2]
- [b]Volvamos a los 90:[/b] Si extrañas los juegos clásicos de plataformas con una dificultad desafiante y gráficos que te hacen sentir nostálgico, aquí tienes tu boleto.
- [b]Jugabilidad:[/b] Afilado como las hachas de nuestro protagonista bárbaro, manejarás saltos, esquivas y ataques en una sincronía que te hará sudar.
- [b]Diseño Retro:[/b] Los gráficos y la música son un homenaje glorioso a la era dorada de los videojuegos, con sprites detallados y fondos pintorescos.

[h2]Aspectos por mejorar[/h2]
- [b]Historia:[/b] ¿Historia? Más bien un manual de cómo morir espectacularmente en múltiples escenarios.
- [b]Diversidad:[/b] Este vikingo no tiene tiempo para la inclusión, está demasiado ocupado muriendo una y otra vez.

[table]
[tr][th]Aspecto[/th][th]Puntuación (0-10)[/th][th]Comentarios[/th][/tr]
[tr][td]Jugabilidad[/td][td]9[/td][td]Pulido pero despiadado.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Dificultad / IA[/td][td]10[/td][td]Esta IA fue diseñada por alguien que odia a los humanos, claramente.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Contenido[/td][td]7[/td][td]Suficiente carne en el hueso para los masoquistas de plataformas.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Video / Gráficos[/td][td]8[/td][td]Un bonito viaje por el túnel del tiempo.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Historia[/td][td]3[/td][td]¿Qué esperábamos? Un Shakespeare con hachas. Nope.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Ambientación[/td][td]8[/td][td]Conserva esa vibra de taberna cruda y ruidosa.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Efectos[/tf][td]8[/tf][td]Crisp y apropiadamente explotatorio.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Música[/td][td]9[/td][td]Te hará querer navigar en un barco hacia tu inminente muerte.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Voces[/td][td]6[/td][td]Pocas y dispersas, pero gruñidos adecuados.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Diversidad[/td][td]4[/td][td]Tan diverso como un mitin vikingo.[/td][/tr]
[tr][td]Total Puntuaciones[/td][td]72[/td][td]Masoca pero encantador.[/td][/tr]
[/table]

[h3]Conclusión para tu Billetera[/h3]
[b]<80 y >=50 Compralo con descuento[/b]
Si encuentras este ejercicio masoquista por un precio rebajado, es un buen negocio. Si eres de los que disfrutan gritando en agonía mientras intentan superar niveles perversamente diseñados, entonces sí, ¡dale, cómpralo!

[h3]¿Listo para desafiar a los dioses del retro? Volgarr the Viking te espera, espada en mano y sin ningún seguro médico. ¡Buena suerte![/h3]

Jun 6, 2024·2h·Verified