What happens when you fuse two different genres together? Sometimes you discover something special, like action-rpgs, which go on to become a dominant force in the industry at large. But there are other combinations that have struggled to reach that kind of prominence. Way back in 1992, Blizzard tried to make a side-scrolling puzzle/platformer called The Lost Vikings, a game where the player takes control of 3 vikings in turn, all with unique strengths and weaknesses. Only by working as a team can they overcome the many challenges in their way. Does this lead to a compelling gameplay experience, or is Blizzard right to have never remade this game, giving them only cameo appearances in other more successful titles?
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On this episode, we discuss:
Are difficult platforming and light puzzle solving a match made in heaven? Or do they have competing priorities that lead to a confused experience?
Titles like Super Meat Boy and Celeste are covered with insta-death obstacles, but are usually 1 screen challenges. Is insta-death still fun on much larger levels?
The Lost Vikings is yet another title without a music volume slider. Who figured out that there was a music mute button, and who suffered through 11 hours of pain?
We answer these questions, and many more, on the 20th episode of the Retro Spectives Podcast!
The Lost Vikings is a completely FREE game!
If you wish to give it a go yourself then this title can be found on Blizzard’s Website.
If you enjoyed the episode and would like to come and have a chat, feel free to jump over to our Discord and let us know what you think. We especially love arguing at length about niche topics so please do come down and share some spicy hot takes with us.
Intro Music: KieLoBot - Tanzen K
Outro Music: Rockit Maxx - One point to another
The Lost Vikings OST (SNES Version): Charles Deenan
