I'm surprised at how many negative reviews this game has attracted. Yes, there were some bugs in the game, but nothing that prevented me from progressing through the game. For an indie title, I was thoroughly satisfied with my time playing this game. I love stealth games, and while GoaT doesn't match some of the top games in that genre, it was enjoyable enough of an experience. I was pleasantly surprised by the worldbuilding, however; you really get a sense that there's a larger world beyond what you directly experience in the game. And of course, the art direction and visual style just oozes charm and cuteness. I received this game for free during a GOG giveaway, but if the devs ever make a sequel, I'll definitely be a purchasing customer!
This game impressed me in ways that I honestly was not expecting. I'd played Exp: Conquistadors previously, but Vikings is a superior game on almost every level. A lot of the systems and mechanics have been refined. Combat is just as tactical and engaging, but with more depth and options. The game places itself much more heavily in the RPG genre, and I think it's better for it. But what amazed me most of all, was the intelligence and maturity with which the game's writing approached its premise and subject matter. It would've been SO tempting for the creative team to lean in to the power fantasy of playing as a Viking: "hey, wanna play as a Viking brute? Violence! Murder! Mayhem! hurhur lolz!" We know from history that the Vikings could be extremely violent, but the game doesn't try to play this up in order to seem more edgy and cool: instead, it treats its subject matter respectfully and intelligently. Pillaging and raping are acknowledged as aspects of this time period, but the game neither shies away from this fact nor glorifies it. I appreciated that. We need more games with that mindset approach.
