The Lost Vikings (1993)

by Nish
written by Nish 5 minutes read

Summary

The Lost Vikings: A Timeless Puzzle-Platforming Adventure

Released in 1993, The Lost Vikings is a beloved puzzle-platformer developed by Silicon & Synapse (now Blizzard Entertainment) and published by Interplay. The game follows the misadventures of three Vikings named Erik the Swift, Baleog the Fierce, and Olaf the Stout, who are abducted by the evil sorcerer Tomator and transported to different parts of the galaxy.

Gameplay

The Lost Vikings is a side-scrolling puzzle-platformer where players control all three Vikings simultaneously, switching between them as needed to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles. Each Viking has unique abilities: Erik can run fast and bash through walls, Baleog can attack with his sword and bow, and Olaf can block projectiles with his shield and use it to glide.

The game features over 30 levels, each with its own unique challenges and puzzles. Players must use the Vikings’ abilities in combination to progress through the levels, collecting keys, activating switches, and defeating enemies.

Characters

  • Erik the Swift: A skilled swordsman and runner, Erik can quickly navigate through levels and smash through obstacles with his helmet.
  • Baleog the Fierce: A powerful warrior, Baleog can attack enemies with his sword or bow and arrow. His bow can also be used to hit switches from a distance.
  • Olaf the Stout: A strong and sturdy Viking, Olaf can block enemy attacks with his shield and use it to glide across gaps. His shield can also be used as a stepping stone for Erik to reach higher ground.

Legacy

The Lost Vikings was a critical and commercial success upon its release, praised for its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and clever puzzles. The game has been ported to numerous platforms over the years, and remains a popular choice for retro gaming enthusiasts.

In 2015, The Lost Vikings were added as a playable hero in Heroes of the Storm, allowing players to control the three Vikings as individual units. This marked a unique departure from the typical heroes available in the game, and showcased the enduring popularity of the characters.

Critical Reception

The Lost Vikings received widespread critical acclaim upon its release, with reviewers praising its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and clever puzzles. The game was awarded numerous awards, including Game of the Year from Computer Gaming World and Best Puzzle/Strategy Game from Electronic Gaming Monthly.

Review Scores

  • Computer Gaming World: 5/5 stars
  • Electronic Gaming Monthly: 9/10
  • GameSpot: 8.5/10
  • IGN: 9/10

Cultural Impact

The Lost Vikings has had a lasting impact on the video game industry. The game’s innovative gameplay and charming characters have inspired numerous other puzzle-platformers, and the Vikings themselves have become iconic figures in Blizzard Entertainment’s history.

The game’s success also helped to establish Blizzard Entertainment as a major force in the video game industry. The company would go on to develop other classic titles such as Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft.

Conclusion

The Lost Vikings is a timeless puzzle-platforming adventure that continues to entertain and challenge players today. With its innovative gameplay, charming characters, and clever puzzles, the game remains a beloved classic in the video game industry.

Review Score

9/10

Art

Cover Art

Screenshots

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Nish is a software engineer by day and avid gamer who loves to play video games after he puts his two boys to bed. His insights delve into the mechanics, and storytelling of the games he plays with the aim to share his passion with the audience. He loves to travel back to his native India and travel the country on his restored Royal Enfield Bullet 350, a relic from a simpler time, like some of the games he plays.

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