Song of Iron

Song of Iron has a really great sense of atmosphere to it, but it’s rather short and has some bugs here or there that makes the experience feel as though it lacks polish.

Song of Iron is summarized in one sentence: a work whose ideas, frameworks and correct structures have been implemented in the most wrong way possible.

Song of Iron brings together a visually beautiful rendition of Nordic environments and music, which is complemented by weighty combat gameplay that makes you feel like a true Viking, and while the game’s puzzles and traps are a little rough around the edges, they thankfully don’t hinder the overall experience. If that’s not enough to draw you in, simply pick it up to experience the story’s twist alone – it had me thinking I was drunk on Viking mead, it’s that crazy!

‎Song of Iron is a game that has bet everything on its visual section, and although it is true that the result here is outstanding, it is not enough to sustain a game that is far from being enjoyable in its playable experience‎.

Song of Iron is a very successful one-man effort that delivers an impressive action-platformer with a combination of exploration, combat and obstacle overcoming. The game has a great atmosphere and a very hilarious soundtrack which, if you're a fan and liked the soundtrack of the Vikings series for example, you'll be thrilled to hear. Unfortunately the game is quite short and the combat could use a bit more depth or variety. If you like platformers with obstacle climbing and are tempted to wander through the very well crafted Nordic world, then you will not go wrong with this game.

Song of Iron starts off as a promising minimalistic Viking adventure, before running out of steam and dipping in quality the longer you play - which isn't long, thus also putting its asking price into question.

Song of Iron isn’t the biggest or baddest Viking game on the market, but it does manage to tell a compact story that is presented in a downright stunning way by a lone developer. It doesn’t outwear its welcome, and despite having little to no replay value outside of a painstaking achievement/trophy to complete the game without dying, it’s well worth the meager price of admission.

Song of Iron has succeeded in delivering the required level at the audiovisual level but has failed to provide the desired gaming experience but it is an experience offered by a single developer who we believe has the potential to deliver a unique experience in the future.

In the end, Song of Iron gives players a beautiful world that is enriched with enchanting music and effects. But ultimately the game falls short. It is hampered by its controls in both combat and platforming which will likely frustrate many players. The story feels like an afterthought, and honestly had so much potential with the setting, but it misses the mark. The game could have benefited from the protagonist having actual lines of dialogue, or even dialogue choices. This would have lifted Song of Iron to another level. With all the criticism I have of this game, admittedly it certainly was a solid effort. I commend the developer for making such an ambitious title. I look forward to seeing what he is able to build on and improve with his next title.

Unfortunately, the overall combat falls a bit flat and the platforming lands more as an annoyance than something to break up the fighting. The bugs found throughout will hopefully be fixed soon, but for now I can’t recommend it.