My Day as a Viking
I’ve played Assassin’s Creed Valhalla for 24 hours, so here is what I think.
Ubisoft’s 2020 release, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, is the latest entry in the Assassin’s Creed (AC) franchise marking its 12th instalment. It has been a game I have been wanting to tackle for a while but like any triple AAA game, the retailing price tag (£49.99) is a gamble. However, with a terribly timed isolation, and a perfectly timed sale, I decided to finally give Valhalla a go.
You play as Viking Eivor (she/he) who travels to England with their adoptive brother and clan to create a new settlement, Ravensthorpe, like many of the infamous Viking settlers throughout history. The aim is to secure alliances with the different kingdoms of England, whilst also taking down the Hidden Ones who are part of the Order of the Ancients as seen in previous AC games. The game is a continuation of the modern-day protagonists using the animus, a piece of technology that allows those with the same DNA as those in the past to re-experience their memories. From the Ravensthorpe base, the player can go on raids to acquire materials to build up the settlement into a town. There is access to multiple customisation options from weapons to armour, even how Eivor looks with tattoos and hair. An animal companion who acts as a scout returns, allowing the player a birds-eye view of the area, aiding them in tactically planning their attack. So far, three DLCs have been made for the game with the third releasing March 10th.
One fault regarding the latest DLC is that it will be an additional cost, as it is not included in the Season Pass — an extension that the player can buy for £32.49, which includes, amongst other content, the two previous DLCs. A major issue I found with the base game is the lack of focus on the stealth mechanics. In games prior, stealth was essential with a ‘game over’ if you were caught on some missions. However, here you can charge in, axes blazing, and hack-and-slash your way through. Admittedly, this is the more Viking approach, but as an AC game, it does not work. The game does make up for this in its stunning graphics, richly packed world with many things to explore and collect, and an improved role-playing factor that allows for one’s choices to actually make an impact.
Overall, diehard fans of the series will still enjoy Valhalla despite this lack of stealth. However, those looking for a Viking experience will also love this game.
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is available on Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, PS4, PS5, and PC with base game retailing at £49.99
