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This game does not even start unless you have a internet connection. This isn't even listed in the system requirement. The game doesn't even tell when you try to start it up, it won't even start without a connection. Single player does not work without internet.
First, if you like a mix of Settler, Civilization, Warcraft3 and Age of Empire then don't read further and just buy it. On sale its a no brainer. For the DLC, well depends if you like multiplayer and skirmish then buy them, they do nothing to the single player campaign.
I play on an older system, FX8320e, Nvidia 1060, 16GB Ram, Windows 10 on a 4K display and its mostly a smooth gaming experience I had zero crashes during the single player campaign.
German translation of the text is very good, so I suppose its the same with the other supported languages. (Voice is English during the small cut scenes with subtitles)
Pro's:
- very nice setting, well if you like Vikings you will love it
- story is very well written
- art-style and graphics kinda cartoonish but fits very well
- attention to detail to the max
- very nice mix of various game mechanics, like in Warcraft 3 the hero unit gives several bonuses and each plays a bit different, I simply love it
- for me very important, the UI and UX Design looks super polished and very well thought out
- you just feel its made by gamenerds
- the price, it took me now almost 20 hour to finish the single player campaign, its a steal on sale!
- music and sound are also quite a fit
- linux version = instant buy (btw: Please GOG give us Galaxy for Linux!!)
- Multiplayer LAN MODE! (play it with your pals like its 1999 again)
Cons:
- the DLCS are a kinda pricey , I just bought them in hope to get a Northgard 2
- the fighting system can sometimes be a bit annoying, you need a lot of micromanagement for it in later missions of the campaign
- on the second difficulty level some missions can become trial and error
What I hope for a Northgard 2?
A kinda rework of the unit system when fighting, I dont know exactly how to do it, but maybe a more classic approach like build them inside the armory and not send workers to convert into it would be cool.
More cinematic and a campaign with all War Chiefs
Just go wololo it ;)
It's always nice to see when a game "supports Linux", as I play on no other platform.
At the time of writing however, Northguard has no ability to play multiplayer on Linux:
https://www.gog.com/forum/northgard/multiplayer_on_linux/page1
That is not "supporting Linux". That is "building for Linux" and there is a very big difference.
Releasing a game which is available for Linux and including "Multiplayer" as a game feature in the store page is either dishonest, or lazy and in either case if you can't be bothered to do better than that when you launch your game on GOG, I can't be bothered to give you more than 1 star.
Tech:
-in very good condition, the engine also runs on average machines
-the game is constantly updated, which also includes new features
-nice graphics and good sound
Gameplay:
-strategy, emphasis on building and construction, time-consumer in larger worlds :) Fun!
-not easy, but you learn quickly, and when the first opponent is defeated, you are proud.
-There are different strategies and techniques for each clan
-It is very important to collect all resources, but especially food, whether field, whether fish, whether animals, but the other resources are also important, and once you have the balance, then you can attack! But pay attention to the balance!
Hints (no spoiler)
-Start with lumberjack hut, house, scout
-bear clan is my favourite clan: in the training camp is Kaya, the tank bear right at the beginning. He is very useful for quickly cleaning up some areas from wild animals. Later on, the shield maiden and regular troops reinforce him. But this is only one of many clans and one of many strategies!
-The Free Game is the most fun, with card sizes large or huge. 3-4 Enemies and setting dominance. No mercy! :)
-Don't expand too fast, nature is against you, there are very cold winters (food/wood), plagues of rats (silos), earthquakes (3 buildings are burning, is quickly repaired). But this is all quickly under control and doesn't annoy you - Collect a lot of resources for a long time and use the marketplace to buy some.
-Jötnar!! These giants live somewhere on the map, discover them with your scouts and let your trading posts give them food. It's worth it, because one day you'll be able to have your own giant in your troop.