Lost Vikings
Level design 101Genre: puzzle - platform
Publisher: Interplay
Year: 1993
System: SNES
Gameplay Score: 4
Gameplay Notes:
It's amazing how Blizzard came up with a brand new play mechanic and nailed it on the first try. There's little that could be done to refine or imorove the controls. Having a shared inventory is one QoL improvement but that would remove one layer of strategic thinking that needs to be considered. Switching between three characters in what amounts to a side scrolling RTS is a genius move that wasn't copied again until many years later. The only downside of the gameplay is the difficulty and the nuisance of having to beat each level with one flawless run. It's a challenge but also a deterrent.
Level Design Score: 5
Level Design Notes:
Every level is fair and thoughtful. You can take your time as you move from station to station within each level such that it feels like each checkpoint is a level within a level. Most levels require careful planning more than twitch reflexes but there's enough variety to keep you on your toes. Superb level design.
Theme Score: 5
Theme Notes:
This is where the game shines. The heroes banter a lot before and after levels and their dialogue is extremely funny. They break the 4th wall frequently, sometimes chiding the player for dying too often and other times acknowledging that they are in a video game. So funny
Art Style Score: 4
Art Style Notes:
Top notch animation Excellent sprite work I like how the backgrounds have minimal animation and are otherwise not distracting. It's simple, unlike do many of the overstuffed Amiga games.
Audio Score: 5
Audio Notes:
Fun, pumping music tracks. Sound effects are great, including the gets and use item chimes and the ethereal teleportation sound. Attacks like the bow and arrow sound just right and the coo coo bird sound after Erik bashes his head is very silly as well.
Overall Score: 88
Review ID: 300
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