Heimdall is an interesting action-packed adventure game released in 1992 after being developed by The Eighth Day and published by Core Design. It is an action-adventure game featuring cartoonish graphics, and a long, detailed plot centred around ancient Norse mythology.
Three of the chief gods’ weapons have been stolen by the mischief-maker, Loki. He has taken Thor’s famous hammer - Mjolnir, Odin’s great war sword and Frey’s spear. Without their weapons, these gods are virtually powerless, and naturally wish to regain these artefacts. Together, they create an infant child, Heimdall.
Heimdall is an interesting action-packed adventure game released in 1992 after being developed by The Eighth Day and published by Core Design. It is an action-adventure game featuring cartoonish graphics, and a long, detailed plot centred around ancient Norse mythology.
Three of the chief gods’ weapons have been stolen by the mischief-maker, Loki. He has taken Thor’s famous hammer - Mjolnir, Odin’s great war sword and Frey’s spear. Without their weapons, these gods are virtually powerless, and naturally wish to regain these artefacts. Together, they create an infant child, Heimdall. Named after the Viking god of light, Heimdall is charged with finding Loki, procuring the weapons, and returning them to their rightful owners.
At the beginning of the game, the user must help the adult version of Heimdall
through a series of arcade-style skill tests to determine his value as a warrior. His success in these trials will determine the strength of the party he can recruit to help him on his quest. Heimdall must throw axes to cut off a maid’s braids, hunt wild boars, and fight. Following that, he may choose his cast of six from the following class list: Navigator, Wizard, Warrior, Shipwright, Blacksmith, Druid, and the much fabled Norse Berserker.
The actual adventure takes place in an isometric perspective and features a combination of game play somewhat similar to the classic Zelda series or the current God of War games. The adventurers travel around three classic Norse locations, Asgard, Midgard, and Utgard. Each land has many islands, and each island has many caverns and rooms to explore. Upon landing on each successive island, three heroes explore the land while the others stay behind to watch the ship. The adventurers must perform many hack-and-slash routines when they encounter enemies, but must also solve multiple mysterious puzzles and avoid clever traps, as well. Solving puzzles will net the characters keys to doors and boxes, as well as many other fun items.
Overall, Heimdall is very well done. The story is excellent, the puzzles are fun, and the game is epic in proportion. The cartoony little heroes are great and personable, and the interface is very simple and easy to master. (Note: the inventory of each character is very small, and does require a lot of rigmarole to organize). Good luck, and have fun!
