Steam Next Fest always delivers hidden gems, and Norse: Oath of Blood immediately captivated me, earning a coveted spot on my wishlist. It masterfully blends the strategic, turn-based combat reminiscent of top RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 and XCOM 2 with the raw, humorous personality found in games like Kingdom Come Deliverance 2. While its initial demo stages show some unpolished edges, the game’s undeniable charm and promising settlement-building features, akin to Manor Lords, make this a medieval title I’ll be following closely.
The Norse: Oath of Blood demo introduces us to exiled protagonist Gunnar Gripsson and his crew of battle-ready mercenaries arriving on new lands in search of a place to set up camp. They quickly strike a deal with some locals; clear out a group of bandits that have been terrorizing the region, and the residents will welcome them in and help them to build their new home. Exploration and combat is immediately reminiscent of games like Baldur’s Gate 3, with the option for click-to-move or WASD controls in the overworld.
The game’s dialogue shines with a raw, earthy quality, and a hint of coarseness that will undoubtedly resonate with Kingdom Come Deliverance 2 fans. Although some animations are still rough around the edges, there are truly memorable moments. A particular highlight involved a local farmer’s priceless reaction when his wife playfully suggested his farming prowess outshone his bedroom skills. These early exchanges, despite their humor, strike a commendable balance between being playfully cheeky and genuinely endearing.
What truly sealed the deal for me was the combat. It utilizes a grid-based system where each mercenary offers a unique array of skills. I was instantly hooked by the creative movement abilities. I found myself channeling my inner Into The Breach ‘Steel Judoka’ as Gunnar dramatically hoisted an enemy over his shoulder, slamming them onto the ground behind him and leaving them vulnerable for a decisive strike.
Beyond that, the diverse abilities showcased already set my tactical brain buzzing. Shield slams, for instance, let you powerfully shove enemies into one another (another delightful nod to Into The Breach’s mechanics) and effectively draw aggro, allowing for strategic distraction. Sigrid, the archer, boasts a cooldown ability that barrages all nearby foes with arrows, proving incredibly potent for those willing to position her daringly in the heart of the fight.
Naturally, this engaging combat is merely the tip of the iceberg. Once the bandit threat is neutralized, Norse lets you get to the business of setting up camp, which you can then begin to grow into a bustling hub. You’ll recruit villagers and outfitting essential structures like a smithy, armory, and workshop, allowing you to engage in trade and resource gathering, constantly improving your gear and expanding your influence.
The ultimate objective in the full game will be to confront the treacherous Steinarr Far-Spear and avenge Jarl Gripr, your fallen father. As expected from a demo, there are numerous minor issues and unpolished elements. However, the fundamental experience has completely won me over, and I eagerly anticipate following Norse: Oath of Blood’s development by Arctic Hazard.
Good news! The Norse: Oath of Blood demo is available right now during Steam Next Fest, which concludes on Monday, October 20. Don’t miss your chance to experience it firsthand.
For more captivating experiences, explore lists of the best RPGs and the most anticipated upcoming PC games for 2025 and beyond.
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