Get Ready to Stab, Shoot, Slice or Stomp Your Opponents!
Few things are nicer than inviting a friend over for some local multiplayer. Nidhogg was one of my favorites in this category and to me personally it was one of the best titles of 2014. Everything was so perfect and with that in mind it's not that weird that i have been looking forward to seeing what Messhof has planned for the sequel. As this was the sequel to one of my favorites, I felt my self go trough 5 different stages.
The first being denial, denial over their choice of graphics. Then it was the anger, the handling of weapons and the positioning of hit-boxes are not as good as in the original. Thereafter the negotiation with my self began, I mean the overall game experience is about the game and there are much better variation in levels and weapons this time around. Then it was time for depression after trying out the online aspect, which is still very boring and technically not up to par. My last feeling was one of acceptance, acceptance over that this is a new game with a new identity, and thus i was ready to look at the game with new eyes than before.
The brutal quest for our Homer Simpson look-alike has begun.
So what is Nidhogg 2 then? Just like its predecessor, it is a battle-royal title in which each player tries to slay his opponent and then run against the edge of the screen to reach the next level. When the winner finally reaches the winning screen he would be eaten by the giant worm Nidhogg. A simple concept that nevertheless had been made with depth thanks to the weapons, variation of hazards in the surroundings, and much more. The first thing returning players will note is the modified graphics style, which is now more colorful and almost reminds me of so-called claymation. And it's no longer just boring anonymous fighters, but you get to choose colors, hairstyles and more to customize your soldier.
It took me a while to learn to appreciate this new bubblegum inspired graphics design, but now I really do kind of like it. The universe just feels more thought-trough but the focus is ,fortunately, still at the fighting gameplay.
Single-player is fun, but most of the entertainment will come completely from the multiplayer.
The other major news are the new weapons and the "stone, scissors, bag" -inspired game system. The classic sword is of course still the main weapon in your arsenal, you can use it at three different height-levels to either block or attack. The new additions come in the form of a dagger that kind of resembles a sword but is a little faster, then we also have the devastating - but slow - broadsword and a bow for ranged attacks to top it all of. Each weapon has its match, but the difference is not so big that you automatically lose because you have the wrong equipment.
Kill and run.
There are ten levels (or maps) to choose from. While they are different they all still offer a beautiful and slightly nostalgic gaming feeling. They all have their unique characteristics and there are also remodeled versions of the 4 original tracks giving different settings. These remodelings come in the form of a winter setting, a dubious nightclub or my personal favorite - a swamp where I initially fight in front of a psychedelic tree and fight my way to Nidhogg just to be caught by some booming compelling reggae music.
The diversity in levels is one of the best things with the sequel.
When it comes to game modes, it feels lacking, just like in the original, variation. However, the ones available are good. Arcade Mode is the single player mode where you get smarter artificial intelligence with a growing arsenal along the way. It takes around 20 minutes to play through, but while it's fun it still feels like a glorified tutorial to meet real people online or locally.
Local multiplayer is, as I said, the big thing in this game and although it feels less polished than in the original, it really maintains its entertaining factor even this time around. It's simply a bit more readily available now and it gives rise to more startling comebacks, which in of itself is fun. Each match is completely different from each other where it sometimes goes just as smooth as a dance while other times becomes a fun-filled adrenaline-pumping situation that flips the tide of the battle every other second. There will be laughter, crying and crushing hand controls - and above all you will have fun (not least with the ability to run a tournament for eight people)
The bubblegum/clay like graphics grows on you over time.
To give a little more variety, you can also adjust the match rules, including time limit, sudden death and other game rules that helps in keeping the concept fresh. For all of us purists, you can even choose old school settings and get a game experience that is highly reminiscent of the original.
The online mode is, as mentioned above, back with a ranking mode for anybody who wants to join the ranks. But just like with its predecessor, the network code is simply not very well-made. It drags and coughs like a sickly old dog, but I do not really care since so much of the gaming pleasure lies in having people next to you on the sofa to play against, and with. Nidhogg 2 is thus not perfect in any way and it also has other shortcomings. I like the new graphics style but think the characters are still one of the weakest point of the game. The weapons are also not completely balanced and the bow is out right meaning-less to use against better players. Nor may we vote on what map to play, or even randomize it anymore, but now it's mostly about being the fastest when picking. I also do not think it's good to play with mouse+ keyboard, this game need to be played with a controller in your hand!
Playing Nidhogg 2 can get even the most sour sourpuss to crack a smile.
In the end, the big question is: is this better than the original? Unfortunately, I have no clear answer to give there. It's improved in several ways with more variety and at the same time more accessible, but the purist in me thinks the same time it's a little sloppy with registering hits at the right times and the respawns that often lead to a feeling of injustice.
Nidhogg 2 is still a very fun multiplayer game worth playing, but it will not become the same cult classic like the original. I would not say that the sequel is better then the original, but on the other hand, this could probably be a complement for us who loved the first but feels its getting a bit to old.
Nidhogg 2 - Launch Trailer
Thanks for the review. I really liked the original, but mostly because it was so unique. I think I stopped playing after a few hours because there wasn't a ton of content. It sounds like the developers focused so much on polishing their first game that they lost some of the original charm in this one.
Thanks for reading, same here I also liked the original! And yes your assumption is right, was more or less what I felt, they kind of focused on the wrong things to much in my opinion.
Worth to check out if your a old-fan and got some dollars to spare! :)
Peace dude!