Northgard

Northgard is a surprising, elegant RTS that's laden with a very dull story.

Northgard is simple in all the right ways, challenging not because of complexity but complacency – it's harsh, but rarely unfair. Every system clicks together to create tense, satisfying matches where every decision matters.

Northgard: Definitive Edition is the result of several years of continuous support and gradual evolution. Thanks to its deep and challenging gameplay, the game has become more balanced over time. With its well-crafted atmosphere, rich content, and a $35 price tag, it stands as a valuable title for fans of the strategy genre.

Northgard is an enjoyable strategy game that offers various paths to victory. The gameplay and the ability to choose a clan that suits your playstyle are great. The mechanics of exploration, colonization, and the division of labor among villagers—including the need to meet their needs as much as possible—combined with the harsh winter, Vikings, and Norse mythology, work very well. However, what drags the game down slightly is its slower pace, especially when playing with players who opt to win through research or trade.

Northgard is one of the prettiest titles in the genre, and with a very addicting gameplay loop, players are sure to spend several dozen hours to it.

With Northgard, Shiro Games has already proven on PC that they have created a fun and long-term, entertaining strategy game with the Vikings from the far north. The port to the switch was also successful, although a few minor flaws cloud the overall impression. In particular, I found the small font size exhausting in the long run, hopefully an adjustment of the size will be patched here, or at least a setting in which you can set it yourself. In terms of gameplay itself, there is little else to complain about, so that genre fans can look forward to a successful representative of the development strategy.

Northgard is a gem of a real-time strategy game and a marvel to play thanks to its exquisite art style, magnificent handheld experience, immensely long lifespan and the myriad of details and elements that form the whole game. A truly remarkable work that's set to capture the attention of fans of RTS and of anyone who enjoys lengthy, engaging and ambitious experiences.

If you've enjoyed games like Warcraft, The Settlers, Civilization, or Age of Empires you can find a home here with these Norsemen. However, it's not the most welcoming game for newcomers to the genre.

Northgard certainly is not a bad game by any means, though I felt myself wanting it to be more of a game. Whether simplified for console release or not, I found myself craving more depth throughout my time in this Norse world.

Northgard is a fantastic, well put together title. I found it to be challenging enough to keep me at it, but not over the top and unbalanced. Vikings conquering, smashing, and crushing enemies is a lot of fun! Get this game if you're an RTS fan, it's a must-have.