Software:Viking: Battle for Asgard

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Short description: 2008 video game
Viking: Battle for Asgard
European cover art
Developer(s)Creative Assembly[lower-alpha 1]
Publisher(s)Sega
Platform(s)PlayStation 3, Xbox 360, Microsoft Windows
ReleasePlayStation 3 & Xbox 360
  • NA: 25 March 2008
  • AU: 27 March 2008
  • EU: 28 March 2008
Microsoft Windows
  • WW: 17 October 2012
Genre(s)Action-adventure, hack and slash
Mode(s)Single-player

Viking: Battle for Asgard is a 2008 action adventure game developed by Creative Assembly and published by Sega for Playstation 3, Microsoft Windows and Xbox 360. Centered around Norse mythology, the game sees the player controlling Skarin, A viking and Freya's chosen champion, against the forces of the Goddess of Death Hel.

Gameplay

The game features three islands in the world of Midgard, which the player can explore freely. The player is able to search and find his fellow Viking soldiers and rescue them, and in return they can assist him in battles.

Since Creative Assembly's last game of this style (Software:Spartan: Total Warrior) there have been several changes. Quick time events being one, with them being used to bring down the larger and tougher enemies in the game, from bringing down giants to shaking off an assassin's grip. The way in which the players fight is also different, where they fight each enemy individually rather than in groups. The players can no longer do a sweeping attack to clear enemies away and may only strike them one by one, which means becoming surrounded is a far greater danger than before. There are RPG elements where the players must buy combos and specialist attacks as they advance through the game.

The world has plenty of settlements which the player can attack and capture. When the player finishes his missions in each island, he must fight a large battle, which can be a great siege or a clash between large armies. One of the main features of the game is the large armies—in many battles there can be hundreds of soldiers fighting to the death.

The player may use different ways of weakening his enemy, such as killing their shaman, who summons enemy troops, or getting into the main fight and use combat moves and combos to kill enemy soldiers and champions, who drop dragon runes. These runes can be used to call upon dragons to attack enemies from the air, destroying them. The combat system of the game features a hack-and-slash style, much like the previous Creative Assembly action game, Spartan: Total Warrior, although it is considerably more violent. Throughout the game, the player has the ability to raid various Legion-held locations on the three main islands. This can range from sneaking into a lumber mill and freeing the Vikings held there (who will help destroy the Legion garrison) to launching an all-out one-man assault against a quarry or tower.

Plot

A fierce struggle is taking place within Asgard, the realm of the Norse Gods. The battle has escalated, spilling over to the mortal world of Midgard and now a Champion must be found, a warrior that can sway this war, which threatens the fate of Asgard and the gods themselves.

The Goddess Hel—daughter of Loki, Norse god of mischief, has been banished from the heavenly kingdom of Asgard for defying Odin's rule. Angry at her fate, she seeks to release the ancient wolf-god Fenrir, which legend tells will bring about Ragnarok—the apocalyptic battle that will destroy Asgard and the gods. With her army of resurrected Viking warriors, Hel marches on the unsuspecting mortal realm of Midgard.

Freya, Goddess of war, is appointed the task of stopping Hel and defending the future of mankind. For her champion she chooses Skarin, a great but troubled young warrior, ignorant of the true reason for his favour with the Gods and thrust into the midst of their bitter war.

As the player strikes down Hel she screams: "You have not freed Midgard!" The player then sees Skarin asking for his place in Valhalla but is refused by Freya, causing Skarin to release Fenrir and begin Ragnarok. A cutscene then states that, although the gods have been destroyed and men now make their own decisions, the essence of the gods is nevertheless still present.

Reception

Reception
Review scores
PublicationScore
PCPS3Xbox 360
DestructoidN/AN/A6.9/10[2]
EurogamerN/AN/A5/10[3]
Game InformerN/A7.25/10[4]7.25/10[4]
GameProN/AN/AStarStarStarHalf star[5]
GameRevolutionN/AB−[6]B−[6]
GameSpotN/A5/10[7]5/10[7]
GameSpyN/AStarStarStarHalf star[8]StarStarStarHalf star[8]
GameTrailersN/A7.3/10[9]7.3/10[9]
GameZoneN/A6.5/10[10]7.6/10[11]
Giant BombN/AStarStarStar[12]StarStarStar[12]
IGNN/A6.3/10[13]6.5/10[14]
OXM (US)N/AN/A6.5/10[15]
PC Gamer (UK)65%[16]N/AN/A
PSMN/AStarStarStar[17]N/A
USA TodayN/AStarStarStarStarStarStar[18]StarStarStarStarStarStar[18]
WiredN/AStarStarStarStarStarStarStar[19]StarStarStarStarStarStarStar[19]
Aggregate score
Metacritic65/100[20]65/100[21]68/100[22]

The game received "mixed or average reviews" on all platforms according to the review aggregation website Metacritic.[20][21][22]

Wired gave the PS3 and Xbox 360 versions a score of seven stars out of ten, stating: "At some point, you realize that looking back at each of Viking's qualities, it's hard to really put your finger on anything that's truly standout—and yet it's compelling."[19] Maxim gave the same console versions six out of ten and said that it was "fun, but smells like a rental".[23] USA Today gave the same console versions a similar score of six stars out of ten and said it was "fine as an inexpensive rental for mature Microsoft Xbox 360 or Sony PlayStation 3 gamers interested in fantasy and violence—with a strong emphasis on the latter. It's not a horrible adventure, but a few extra months of testing and tweaking might have resolved some of its problems."[18] Edge gave the Xbox 360 version a similar score of six out of ten and wrote that its shortfalls "just seem so peculiar when compared to the surging competency of its strengths".[24] However, The A.V. Club gave the same console version a D+: "With no reason to fight, all the killing turns into noise—and even the giant cast-of-dozens battles are as engaging as watching ants fight over a cracker."[25]

GamesRadar included it in their list of the 100 most overlooked games of its generation. Editor Jason Fanelli stated that the game's world felt empty yet praised its missions.[26]

Notes

  1. ↑ Windows port developed by Hardlight[1]

References

  1. ↑ MCV Staff (28 September 2012). "Interview: Sega Hardlight". MCV/Develop. https://www.mcvuk.com/development-news/interview-sega-hardlight/. Retrieved 2 March 2021. 
  2. ↑ Jim Sterling (13 April 2008). "Destructoid review: Viking: Battle for Asgard (X360)". https://www.destructoid.com/destructoid-review-viking-battle-for-asgard-81357.phtml. 
  3. ↑ Kristan Reed (31 March 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard (Xbox 360)". http://www.eurogamer.net/articles/viking-battle-for-asgard-review. 
  4. ↑ 4.0 4.1 Ben Reeves (May 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard". Game Informer (181). http://gameinformer.com/NR/exeres/8AA2A447-01EA-4E6D-A97D-4F9073EAF1AB.htm. Retrieved 27 March 2008. 
  5. ↑ Tracy Erickson (7 April 2008). "Review: Viking: Battle for Asgard (X360)". GamePro. http://www.gamepro.com/microsoft/xbox360/games/reviews/174828.shtml. Retrieved 2 August 2016. 
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 Greg Damiano (11 April 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard Review". Game Revolution. http://www.gamerevolution.com/review/viking-battle-for-asgard. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 Aaron Thomas (1 April 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard Review (PS3, X360)". http://www.gamespot.com/reviews/viking-battle-for-asgard-review/1900-6188635/. 
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 Gabe Graziani (26 March 2008). "GameSpy: Viking: Battle for Asgard". GameSpy. http://ps3.gamespy.com/playstation-3/viking-battle-for-asgard/862393p1.html. 
  9. ↑ 9.0 9.1 "Viking: Battle for Asgard Review (PS3, X360)". GameTrailers. 3 April 2008. http://www.gametrailers.com/reviews/7enfhz/viking--battle-for-asgard-review. 
  10. ↑ Nick Valentino (2 April 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard – PS3 – Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/viking_battle_for_asgard_ps3_review. 
  11. ↑ Aceinet (1 April 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard – 360 – Review". GameZone. http://www.gamezone.com/reviews/viking_battle_for_asgard_360_review. 
  12. ↑ 12.0 12.1 Jeff Gerstmann (1 April 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard Review (PS3, X360)". Giant Bomb. http://www.giantbomb.com/reviews/viking-battle-for-asgard-review/1900-17/. 
  13. ↑ Greg Miller (24 March 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard Review (PS3)". http://www.ign.com/articles/2008/03/24/viking-battle-for-asgard-review. 
  14. ↑ Greg Miller (24 March 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard Review (X360)". http://xbox360.ign.com/articles/861/861399p1.html. 
  15. ↑ Scott Butterworth (June 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard". Official Xbox Magazine. http://oxmonline.com/article/xbox-soapbox/viking-battle-asgard. Retrieved 1 August 2016. 
  16. ↑ Phil Savage (10 December 2012). "Viking: Battle for Asgard review". PC Gamer UK. http://www.pcgamer.com/viking-battle-for-asgard-review/. Retrieved 1 August 2016. 
  17. ↑ "Review: Viking: Battle for Asgard". PlayStation: The Official Magazine: 82. June 2008. 
  18. ↑ 18.0 18.1 18.2 Marc Saltzman (17 April 2008). "Make 'Viking: Battle For Asgard' a weekend skirmish". USA Today. http://usatoday30.usatoday.com/tech/columnist/marcsaltzman/2008-04-17-viking-battle-for-asgard_N.htm. 
  19. ↑ 19.0 19.1 19.2 Chris Kohler (28 March 2008). "Review: Sega's Viking Is Gruesomely Addictive". Wired. https://www.wired.com/2008/03/review-viking-i. Retrieved 1 August 2016. 
  20. ↑ 20.0 20.1 "Viking: Battle for Asgard for PC Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/viking-battle-for-asgard/critic-reviews/?platform=pc. 
  21. ↑ 21.0 21.1 "Viking: Battle for Asgard for PlayStation 3 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/viking-battle-for-asgard/critic-reviews/?platform=playstation-3. 
  22. ↑ 22.0 22.1 "Viking: Battle for Asgard for Xbox 360 Reviews". https://www.metacritic.com/game/viking-battle-for-asgard/critic-reviews/?platform=xbox-360. 
  23. ↑ "Viking: Battle for Asgard". Maxim. 2008. 
  24. ↑ Edge staff (May 2008). "Viking: Battle for Asgard (X360)". Edge (188): 90. 
  25. ↑ Chris Dahlen. "Viking: Battle for Asgard (X360)". The A.V. Club. http://www.avclub.com/article/viking-battle-for-asgard-7155. 
  26. ↑ Jason Fanelli (19 December 2013). "The 100 most overlooked games of the generation". GamesRadar. http://www.gamesradar.com/most-overlooked-games/. 
  • Viking: Battle for Asgard on IMDb
  • MobyGames is a commercial database website that catalogs information on video games and the people and companies behind them via crowdsourcing. This includes over 300,000 games for hundreds of platforms.[1] Founded in 1999, ownership of the site has changed hands several times. It has been owned by Atari SA since 2022.

Features

Edits and submissions to the site (including screenshots, box art, developer information, game summaries, and more) go through a verification process of fact-checking by volunteer "approvers".[2] This lengthy approval process after submission can range from minutes to days or months.[3] The most commonly used sources are the video game's website, packaging, and credit screens. There is a published standard for game information and copy-editing.[4] A ranking system allows users to earn points for contributing accurate information.[5]

Registered users can rate and review games. Users can create private or public "have" and "want" lists, which can generate a list of games available for trade with other registered users. The site contains an integrated forum. Each listed game can have its own sub-forum.

History

Logo used until March 2014

MobyGames was founded on March 1, 1999, by Jim Leonard and Brian Hirt, and joined by David Berk 18 months later, the three of which had been friends since high school.[6][7] Leonard had the idea of sharing information about computer games with a larger audience. The database began with information about games for IBM PC compatibles, relying on the founders' personal collections. Eventually, the site was opened up to allow general users to contribute information.[5] In a 2003 interview, Berk emphasized MobyGames' dedication to taking video games more seriously than broader society and to preserving games for their important cultural influence.[5]

In mid-2010, MobyGames was purchased by GameFly for an undisclosed amount.[8] This was announced to the community post factum , and the site's interface was given an unpopular redesign.[7] A few major contributors left, refusing to do volunteer work for a commercial website.{{Citation needed|date=June 2025} On December 18, 2013, MobyGames was acquired by Jeremiah Freyholtz, owner of Blue Flame Labs (a San Francisco-based game and web development company) and VGBoxArt (a site for fan-made video game box art).[9] Blue Flame Labs reverted MobyGames' interface to its pre-overhaul look and feel,[10] and for the next eight years, the site was run by Freyholtz and Independent Games Festival organizer Simon Carless.[7]

On November 24, 2021, Atari SA announced a potential deal with Blue Flame Labs to purchase MobyGames for $1.5 million.[11] The purchase was completed on 8 March 2022, with Freyholtz remaining as general manager.[12][13][14] Over the next year, the financial boost given by Atari led to a rework of the site being built from scratch with a new backend codebase, as well as updates improving the mobile and desktop user interface.[1] This was accomplished by investing in full-time development of the site instead of its previously part-time development.[15]

In 2024, MobyGames began offering a paid "Pro" membership option for the site to generate additional revenue.[16] Previously, the site had generated income exclusively through banner ads and (from March 2014 onward) a small number of patrons via the Patreon website.[17]

See also

  • IGDB – game database used by Twitch for its search and discovery functions

References

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 Sheehan, Gavin (2023-02-22). "Atari Relaunches The Fully Rebuilt & Optimized MobyGames Website". https://bleedingcool.com/games/atari-relaunches-the-fully-rebuilt-optimized-mobygames-website/. 
  2. ↑ Litchfield, Ted (2021-11-26). "Zombie company Atari to devour MobyGames". https://www.pcgamer.com/zombie-company-atari-to-devour-mobygames/. 
  3. ↑ "MobyGames FAQ: Emails Answered § When will my submission be approved?". Blue Flame Labs. 30 March 2014. http://www.mobygames.com/info/faq7#g1. 
  4. ↑ "The MobyGames Standards and Practices". Blue Flame Labs. 6 January 2016. http://www.mobygames.com/info/standards. 
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 5.2 Miller, Stanley A. (2003-04-22). "People's choice awards honor favorite Web sites". Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. 
  6. ↑ "20 Years of MobyGames" (in en). 2019-02-28. https://trixter.oldskool.org/2019/02/28/20-years-of-mobygames/. 
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Plunkett, Luke (2022-03-10). "Atari Buys MobyGames For $1.5 Million". https://kotaku.com/mobygames-retro-credits-database-imdb-atari-freyholtz-b-1848638521. 
  8. ↑ "Report: MobyGames Acquired By GameFly Media". Gamasutra. 2011-02-07. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/game-platforms/report-mobygames-acquired-by-gamefly-media. 
  9. ↑ Corriea, Alexa Ray (December 31, 2013). "MobyGames purchased from GameFly, improvements planned". http://www.polygon.com/2013/12/31/5261414/mobygames-purchased-from-gamefly-improvements-planned. 
  10. ↑ Wawro, Alex (31 December 2013). "Game dev database MobyGames getting some TLC under new owner". Gamasutra. https://www.gamedeveloper.com/business/game-dev-database-mobygames-getting-some-tlc-under-new-owner. 
  11. ↑ "Atari invests in Anstream, may buy MobyGames". November 24, 2021. https://www.gamesindustry.biz/articles/2021-11-24-atari-invests-in-anstream-may-buy-mobygames. 
  12. ↑ Rousseau, Jeffrey (2022-03-09). "Atari purchases Moby Games". https://www.gamesindustry.biz/atari-purchases-moby-games. 
  13. ↑ "Atari Completes MobyGames Acquisition, Details Plans for the Site's Continued Support". March 8, 2022. https://www.atari.com/atari-completes-mobygames-acquisition-details-plans-for-the-sites-continued-support/. 
  14. ↑ "Atari has acquired game database MobyGames for $1.5 million" (in en-GB). 2022-03-09. https://www.videogameschronicle.com/news/atari-has-acquired-game-database-mobygames-for-1-5-million/. 
  15. ↑ Stanton, Rich (2022-03-10). "Atari buys videogame database MobyGames for $1.5 million". https://www.pcgamer.com/atari-buys-videogame-database-mobygames-for-dollar15-million/. 
  16. ↑ Harris, John (2024-03-09). "MobyGames Offering “Pro” Membership". https://setsideb.com/mobygames-offering-pro-membership/. 
  17. ↑ "MobyGames on Patreon". http://www.patreon.com/mobygames. 
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