A Feast for the Senses:
Tribes of Midgard washes over you in a wave of visual and auditory brilliance. Lush landscapes erupt in vibrant hues, character designs burst with personality, and the soundtrack perfectly blends epic orchestrations with folk melodies. This is a world that begs to be explored, a feast for the senses that sets the stage for an epic saga.
A Decent Saga to Guide You:
While not a masterclass in storytelling, the narrative woven into the fabric of Tribes of Midgard is enough to keep you invested. Protecting the seed of Yggdrasil from monstrous foes provides a clear objective, while environmental details and character interactions add layers of intrigue. It’s not Shakespeare, but it does the job.
Stumbles Along the Way:
Graphics: 8
Sound: 8
Controls: 5
Story: 7
Engaging: 7
Overall: 7
Unfortunately, not everything in Tribes of Midgard lives up to its initial promise. Controls can feel clunky and imprecise, particularly when the camera decides to take an unauthorized zoom in the middle of combat. Building mechanics, while functional, lack the depth and flexibility of other survival games, and the resource grind can become a tedious chore.
Combat: A Double-Edged Axe:
The core gameplay loop of Tribes of Midgard revolves around fast-paced, visceral hack-and-slash combat. Mastering a diverse arsenal of weapons and abilities can be incredibly satisfying, and the action keeps you adrenaline-pumped. However, the enemy variety is limited, and later stages devolve into repetitive button-mashing against frustratingly spongy foes. Unreliable hitboxes and unpredictable enemy AI add to the frustration, often turning what should be epic battles into exercises in exasperation.
A Worthy Saga, But With Scars:
In the end, Tribes of Midgard is a game of immense potential marred by uneven execution. The visuals and audio are top-notch, the story is engaging enough, and the combat loop, while flawed, can be undeniably addictive. However, the control issues, shallow building mechanics, and frustrating late-game combat cast a dark shadow over the experience. If you’re willing to overlook these bumps along the way, you’ll find a beautiful, Norse-tinged adventure with moments of exhilarating fun. Just be prepared for a few teeth-grinding moments along the path.
If this game feels like it’s worth a look, please check it out with our partners at Humble Bundle