Aug 21, 2007
It turns out Sega's Viking: Battle of Asgard - previously spotted on retail listings - is the real deal after all. The official fanfare's gone out and the Viking actioner is heading to Xbox 360 and PS3 early next year.
For the simple minded out there (like the window cleaners who left glass on our desks this morning), it sounds a bit like God of War with big, beardy Vikings. Playing as abarbarian called Skarin, Sega says you'll engage in a fierce struggle within the realm of the Norse Gods.
The Goddess Hel, the story goes, has been banished for defying Odin, Lord of Asgard. Angry at her fate, Hel has raised an army of undead warriors to enslave the mortal realm of Midgard, and then provoke Ragnarok - the apocalyptic battle that that will destroy the Gods and everything in around them (even Dagenham).
Expectedly it's down to you then, a young warrior who's gained favor with the gods, to stop the mental Goddess, leaving a bloody trail of dismembered foes in your path.
An "involving and addictive combat style," with "destructive mythical powers and abilities," and a "array of devastating and brutal combat moves" is promised, which you'll be using in "epic battles" featuring colossal giants, powerful shaman, deadly assassins and Hel's own champions. It's a "visceral wave of slaughter," says Sega. Just like God of War then.
"Skarin is a cutting edge hero in a fantastic re-imagining of Norse Mythology. Skarin is obviously a very dangerous man." said Gary Knight, SEGA Europe's Marketing Director. "Add in his inner conflict, a confused heritage and a growing distrust of the Gods and you have the makings of gaming's next great hero."
We're due to take our first look at Creative Assembly's Viking bruiser at Leipzig tomorrow - so look for much, much more including the first bloody screenshots shortly.
