11. Volgarr the Viking

Volgarr the Viking no death playthrough from Youtube

Volgarr the Viking is a true modern classic action platformer in the vein of Castlevania and Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, with punishing but rewarding gameplay, and a flawlessly executed retro and brutal aesthetic.

Take control of Volgarr the titular Viking and battle the forces of darkness at Odin’s command.

The combat feels snappy and predictable, just like the action-platformers of old, and when Volgarr brings his sword down on an enemy, they shatter into an explosion of blood and bones, suitably over the top for a retro-styled Viking game.

Be warned, this game is difficult; taking just a few hits will kill you, and the platforming is also very unforgiving.

The upside of this is a great sense of accomplishment when you do finally succeed, and because everything is so well designed and predictable, you always know what you did wrong and how to improve.

As many have come to expect from this type of game; boss fights are large and unforgiving spectacles. Timing your strikes, dodging attacks, and hitting enemy weak spots is the name of the game, and Volgarr the Viking does it in a uniquely brutal and satisfying fashion.

Here you can see the cloud of blood and bones enemies turn into when dealing the killing blow, after slaying hundreds of enemies you'd think we'd be sick of it, but each time is just as rewarding as the first. Must cost a fortune in dry-cleaning though.