Playing History: Vikings
- June 30, 2015
- Serious Games Interactive
Get on SteamPlaying History 'Vikings' is the newest chapter of the Playing History educational game series. The previous two titles in the 'Playing History-Series' have been rewarded with several awards. With 'Playing History: Vikings' we have kicked up the experience several notches by providing a fully realized 3D world to interact with, a deeper and more engaging game experience as well as more ambitious …
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Reviews
- The game offers an engaging educational experience about Viking culture, making learning fun for younger players.
- Graphical improvements and new features enhance the gameplay, allowing for more exploration and interaction compared to previous titles in the series.
- Despite its simplicity, the game provides a charming and humorous atmosphere, appealing to fans of casual point-and-click adventures.
- The game suffers from numerous technical issues, including bugs and poor controls, which can significantly hinder the gameplay experience.
- Voice acting is in a different language, which may confuse players, and the lack of subtitles can make it difficult for younger audiences to follow the story.
- The gameplay is quite short and repetitive, requiring multiple playthroughs for achievements, which may lead to a lack of replay value.
- gameplay12 mentions
- 17 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by an old-school point-and-click style that is easy to learn, making it accessible for younger audiences. While it features engaging mechanics and a graphical overhaul, players have noted bugs, particularly with save files, and some frustrating mini-games. Overall, it combines historical elements with entertaining gameplay, though it may feel simplistic to some.
“The game combines historical facts with engaging gameplay, making it both informative and entertaining.”
“While this installment is yet another point and click like its predecessors, the game has gotten a major graphical overhaul and many new mechanics that make it stand out beyond the previous titles.”
“Quickly about the series in general; feels like a child's story game, easy to learn mechanics and no difficult gameplay.”
“The aforementioned battle, and the silly sailing mini-games, are the only real frustrating points of the gameplay.”
“Old school gameplay type with point and click action.”
- story10 mentions
- 20 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The game's story is relatively simple and not deeply developed, focusing more on providing a casual experience rather than in-depth historical facts. Players engage in quests with a light combat minigame, and while the narrative offers some insights into Viking beliefs, it is primarily designed for relaxation and enjoyment rather than complexity. Overall, the story is considered adequate for a casual game, with players suggesting multiple playthroughs for a fuller experience.
“Where it is possible in plague & slavery (part 1 & 2) to do everything in 1 playthrough, although it is advisable to play it once for the story and a second time for the achievements.”
“Moral of the story: you never know what life has in store for you, and if I had given up when all odds were against me, I wouldn't be where I am today.”
“The story isn't too deep.”
“The title focuses more on having a storyline rather than presenting any facts, although pupils will learn about Aesir and Vanir gods and goddesses, along with tip-of-the-iceberg quality information about Viking beliefs and customs.”
“I bought it for one dollar, so I think it's worth that... casual game for relaxing... nothing more... simple story... I completed it in a few hours but it was fun.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics in "Playing History 3 - Vikings" are described as cartoonish and cute, with significant improvements and new features compared to previous titles in the trilogy. While the visuals are generally gratifying for an indie game, some players noted limitations in customization and control options. Overall, the graphical style is appreciated, with enhancements like dynamic maps and seasonal changes contributing to a more engaging experience.
“Playing History 3 - Vikings is a good educational game which has gained many graphical improvements and new features compared to the previous games of the trilogy.”
“The graphics are gratifying for an indie title.”
“While this installment is yet another point-and-click like its predecessors, the game has gotten a major graphical overhaul and many new mechanics that make it stand out beyond the previous titles.”
“While there's a lot of potential here, the graphics and controls are fixed and can't be customized. There's no subtitles, and the control scheme is painful.”
“The graphics look just slightly better than the other parts but have some nice additions like night & day maps and different seasons.”
“Graphics are fairly simple, being cartoonish yet cute.”
- music4 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 75 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with some players finding it relaxing while others criticize it as lacking quality and depth. Overall, the soundtrack and voice acting are seen as subpar, contributing to a less immersive experience. One reviewer rated the music a 6/10, indicating that while it may not be terrible, it fails to enhance the game's overall appeal.
“I relaxed for 5 minutes listening to this music, long enough to realize that I would be okay.”
“First and foremost, having two degrees in history, I like to draw my sources from other parts. I think this game, being 3D and difficult to navigate, is absolutely not indicated for someone who wants to learn something about Viking history; plus, the soundtrack and voice acting are, in my opinion, so bad that it really isn't worth it.”
“For the price and the content within, it's not a bad game at all, although the game is sorely lacking any music or soundtrack.”
“Music: 6/10”
- replayability3 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 67 % negative mentions
The game offers some replayability, particularly for achievement hunters who may need to play through it twice, but overall, many players feel that the experience remains largely the same with each playthrough. While it is enjoyable and reasonably priced, its short length and rough edges limit its long-term replay value.
“The game sells for cheap, but that doesn't mean it's one of those trashy games. Sure, this game has some rough edges and a bit of quality of life improvements could have made it more polished and smoother, but it's totally playable and enjoyable. It has great replay value, which is a big plus.”
“It's a bit on the short side and rough around the edges, but there's definitely some replayability.”
“You will have to play the game twice to get all the achievements, but after that there is no replay value, as the game will be the same every time.”
“It's a bit on the short side and rough around the edges, but there's a bit of replayability.”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game exhibits occasional bugs, particularly during save-file loading, which can disrupt gameplay. However, users generally find the overall experience satisfactory given the price.
“Gameplay is not that bad, but the game itself is buggy at times, especially when loading save files.”
“Sometimes a bit buggy, but overall good games for their price.”
- humor2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game effectively blends humor with educational content, demonstrating that learning can be enjoyable. Players find the humor to be a standout feature, contributing to an overall fun experience.
“The game contains balanced amounts of humor and educational value, proving that learning can be fun.”
“The game is funny!”
