Hammerheart
- September 6, 2021
- Hammerheart
Get on Steam"Hammerheart" is a hardcore roguelike game set in the Viking age, where you lead an Anglo-Saxon force in battle against powerful Viking armies. Death is permanent, and maps, encounters, and loot are randomly generated for a unique experience each playthrough. The game emphasizes historical accuracy with its characters, weapons, and settings, providing a realistic representation of the early 10th century.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game has solid mechanics and offers a challenging yet enjoyable experience, especially for fans of tactical gameplay.
- The historical accuracy and attention to detail in the game's setting and combat mechanics are commendable.
- There is potential for growth and improvement, with active development and plans for future updates.
- The game feels abandoned, with no updates or significant development progress since 2022, leading to a lack of content.
- Gameplay is short, with many players completing it in under an hour, which may not justify the price.
- The difficulty is extremely punishing, which can be frustrating for players, and the lack of guidance and tutorial elements can hinder the experience.
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The gameplay is described as solid and strategically engaging, focusing on controlling the thegn and their retinue, though it is relatively short, with some players completing the story in under an hour. While the mechanics are simple, they offer depth that makes the game enjoyable, and the historical accuracy and beautiful art enhance the experience. However, many reviewers express a desire for more content and varied terrain to enrich the gameplay further.
“Gameplay is at the forefront, which is nice to see, and despite its simple nature, the strategic element of the game is well fleshed out, simple to use yet difficult to master.”
“A short game but very solid mechanically.”
“Really love it, awesome battle mechanics, smartly developed scenes, beautiful game art, and of course huge respect for making it historically accurate.”
“I will not lie, as of this review it lacks a lot of gameplay (I beat the story on my second attempt at 70 mins of playtime), but what's there really shows how incredible this game could be.”
“The mechanics are pretty simple though this is really more of a strategy game than it is an action one.”
“It would have been cool to see changes in terrain like hills and chokepoints; if I could add one thing, it would be more gameplay since the game only took me half an hour to beat.”
- story6 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 17 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The story is set in a promising rogue-like environment featuring a Viking skald narrating the tale of an English thegn defending against Norse raiders, but currently lacks depth and meaningful progression. While the initial gameplay is brief and straightforward, there is potential for more campaigns and updates that could enhance the narrative experience. Overall, players are left hopeful for future developments in the story.
“It's an interesting setup for a rogue-like with a Viking skald telling the story of an English thegn fighting off Norse raiders from a village.”
“As it continues to progress, I'll anxiously await updates to experience the story they're planning on.”
“Don't give it a go if you expect meaningful story progression, deep tactics, and the possibility to plan ahead.”
“I will not lie, as of this review it lacks a lot of gameplay (I beat the story on my second attempt at 70 minutes of playtime), but what's there really shows how incredible this game could be.”
“Based on the setups in the story so far, I would assume there are more campaigns or 'stories' to come, but the current setup is at least fairly straightforward and replayable.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
Players find the game to have a surprising level of replayability, particularly enjoying the time run aspect and the potential for future campaigns or stories. The current setup is considered straightforward yet engaging enough to warrant multiple playthroughs.
“I enjoy the time run aspect of this, and it has surprising replay value.”
“I enjoy the time run aspect of this and it has surprising replay value.”
“Based on the setups in the story so far, I would assume there are more campaigns or 'stories' to come, but the current setup is at least fairly straightforward and replayable.”
- music2 mentions
- 150 % positive mentions
- -150 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally considered acceptable, but players are frustrated by the inability to turn it off.
“The music is catchy and really enhances the overall experience of the game.”
“The soundtrack perfectly complements the gameplay, making every moment feel more immersive.”
“I love how the music evolves with the game, adding depth to the story and atmosphere.”
“I can't turn the music off, even though the music is okay.”
“I can't turn the music off, even though the music is okay.”
- graphics1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The graphics are characterized by a minimalist aesthetic that evokes comparisons to titles like Stygian, offering a unique visual style that may appeal to fans of understated design.
“The visuals remind me of Stygian and other similar minimalist styles.”
“The graphics are stunning, with a beautiful art style that enhances the overall experience.”
“The attention to detail in the environments is incredible, making every scene feel immersive.”
“The visuals remind me of Stygian and other similar minimalistic games.”
“The graphics feel outdated and lack the detail expected from modern titles.”
“The art style is inconsistent, making it hard to immerse myself in the game world.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere is highly praised, with users expressing strong appreciation for the immersive environment, engaging weapons, and well-developed characters.
“I absolutely love the atmosphere, the weapons, and the characters.”
“The game's atmosphere is incredibly immersive and captivating.”
“The haunting ambiance really draws you into the world.”
