Heimdall (video game)

Infobox VG| title = Heimdall


caption = "Heimdall" cover, Amiga version
developer = The Eighth Day
publisher = Core Design
released = 1992
genre = Action-adventure game
modes = Single player
platforms = Acorn, MS-DOS, Amiga, Atari ST, Sega Mega-CD

Heimdall is an action-adventure computer game developed by a team called The Eighth Day and published by Core Design for DOS, Amiga and Atari ST in early 1992. There was also a sequel, Heimdall 2. A version of the game was also released for the Sega Mega-CD.

The Amiga version requires 1 megabyte of memory.

Reviewer Gary Whitta gave the Amiga version a score of 895 (out of a possible 1000), praising its mix of gameplay styles, cartoon-like graphics and longevity. However, many players criticised the small inventory of characters (holding up to 6 items) which led to countless hours of rearranging.

tory

The game is set in the world of Vikings and Norse mythology. The evil Loki steals Odin's sword, Freyr's spear and Thor's hammer, rendering them powerless. They decide to create an infant, the title character (named after the god of light), who must bring back the three legendary weapons.

At the beginning of the game, the now adult Heimdall undergoes three arcade-style trials: axe-tossing (cutting a maid's braids), boar hunting and fighting. How well he does influences which crew members he can pick for the actual game. The characters belong to the 'classes' of Warrior, Wizard, Shipwright, Navigator, Druid, Blacksmith and Berzerker.

The game sees Heimdall and his crew (total of 6 characters) travelling around an archipelago of islands in three different maps: Utgard, Midgard and Asgard. On each island, only three characters can walk, while the rest remain on the ship. They travel engaging monsters in combat, interacting with the locals, solving puzzles and avoiding traps, a blend of styles somewhat similar to that found in the Legend of Zelda games. The cartoon-style action is viewed in the isometric perspective.

External links

* Cover artist Steve Simmons www.airworksart.com

References

* Whitta, Gary (December 1991). "Heimdall". ACE (UK magazine published by EMAP), p. 50–55.