Update: we previously reviewed Nidhogg 2 a while back, but this is a fun second take on the title in case you missed it.
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There are quite a few indie titles that are worth your attention these days, but Nidhogg always seems to end up on my recommendation list. This interesting battling game has you taking on a number of opponents in crude, quick combat, where one kill can either send them to the grave, or you. Its old-school style definitely stands out from other indie fare, and it’s just so damn fun to play with a friend in local multiplayer. Still can’t get enough of it.
So, of course, the developers at Messhof have opted to stick with what works, but change a few things up, with Nidhogg 2. The premise is still the same – kill opponents and get to the end of the stage, where a gigantic wormy beast is ready to swallow you whole – but the new art style is definitely interesting, and the game is jam-packed with plenty of local multiplayer options. It’s hardly a perfect affair, but those of you seeking a quick and hilarious competitive game should find this appealing.
The game relies heavily on a quick fencing style system, even though you can pick up other weapons in the game, or lay waste to someone with your fists. But this isn’t a matter of you being invincible. In fact, quite the opposite – if your opponent gets the jump on you, he or she will leave you laying, forcing you to come back and figure out a different way to defeat them, be it a sword throw or an incoming jump kick and head stomp.
It’s pretty maddening at times, especially in the later stages, when opponents can be downright diabolical. Fortunately, it’s the good kind of maddening, where you feel a quick victory after defeating someone, only to have to dig in as you face the next opponent that dare face off against you.
Multiplayer Mayhem
What’s more, the action is nicely paced. For instance, if an enemy defeats you, they may make a run towards your goal (and your giant worm, I guess?), but you’ll resurface without losing much ground. It’s not like the AI has a total advantage over you, though it never hurts to try and hold your ground. Running for it never hurts either, especially if you find an opponent too tough for their own good. (Maybe they’ll even fall off the ledge, poor saps.)
The single player mode is kind of shallow, but Nidhogg 2 really takes off with its multiplayer. Local options are absolutely superb, as you can compete with a friend and really have a few laughs as you kill each other back and forth, trying to win the match altogether. The game is fairly easy to grasp, but tough to master – typical Messhof territory if you’ve been used to the first Nidhogg.
That said, I wish the online play worked better. Match-ups can be crappy in some situations, with the online play being almost broken. Other matches worked, though. It’s a bit on the uneven side, and I’m hoping the dev team is working on some sort of fix to make sure it all runs smoothly. In the meantime, at least local multiplayer is a blast.
A Bit On The Crude Side, But Worth It
The game’s presentation seems to be on a crude 16-bit level, with odd, crusty character design (with some great expressions, especially with deaths) and unique stage layouts. The music is surprisingly fun as well, keeping you motivated as you plow through each fight. I prefer the first game’s old-school style of design, but Nidhogg 2 doesn’t look too bad at all.
How much you enjoy Nidhogg really depends on how much you enjoy its initial presence. It doesn’t have an overlapping amount of depth, but just the right amount when it comes to quick competitive encounters. And the presentation won’t be for everyone, but it does hit the right spot, especially when it comes to its old-school SNES set-up. But I found it to grow on me, especially when friends started stepping up, swearing up and down that they’d finish me of. HA! Fools.
While I wish the online play worked better, Nidhogg 2 is a great sequel, one that keeps most of the gameplay nuances from the first intact, but evolving in almost every other way. If you’re a fan of the first game, or just looking for a not-so-typical fighting game to add to your roster, this is the way to go – even if you do get eaten by a worm in the end. Hey, take your digestive victories where they lay.
RATING: Four out of five stars.
Disclaimer: A review code was provided by the publisher.
