Gameplay

Krush Kill 'n Destroy

Ragnar is a Viking warrior. A Viking warrior on a mission of revenge, and he also has to save the world along the way. What do you think this game is about? Obviously, killing things - lots and lots of things. Some of them die in interesting ways: heads, arms, tongues, claws and other appendages are easily lopped off by your sword or axe. Your mace pounds the same body parts into bloody pulps - sure, the mace can't get a 1-hit kill via dismemberment, but it does a lot more damage than swords or axes.

Look Mommy! Jellyfish and Jump Puzzles!

Jump Around!

There are 15 different types of weapons, several shields, over 20 long levels (at least an hour each on average) and, to top it off, there are cool "special weapons." Now this isn't the typical special weapon you're thinking of - it's not some uber sword or axe. These special weapons are simply common items that aren't very powerful, but interesting to use. How would you like to swing around a severed limb or head? You can take that torch you picked up along the way, slap some goblin with it and light him on fire. Torch goes out? No problem - hit the use key and you'll re-light it from the burning goblin, and then you can light him up again when he stops burning. Talk about macabre.

Jump up and jump down!

arg.

Rune is yet another game that will suffer the wrath of an uninformed public driven to hysteria by politicians looking for cheap points. In Rune's case, it's rather unfair, too. There's quite a bit more to the game that just lopping off heads and using them as weapons to throw at other creatures, although that is enjoyable.

The combat is fun due to the ease of control, the variety of attacks available, and the weapons you get. There are plenty of different creatures to attack - none of them are Half-Life marines but they're great sport nonetheless.

Oh yeah, that's sweet lookin'

Stay away boy

Where Do I Play?

For example, the level design is excellent. Yes, it is linear and involves lots of jumping, hit the switch, find the key sort of stuff. However, the levels are interesting because in many of these puzzles, the goals aren't obvious. The switch might be a torch you have to pick up - one such puzzle kept me stuck for an hour. Then there are parts of levels that are fully functional and appear to lead somewhere, but are totally inaccessible to you. They're not there just as scenery, but as a distraction to keep you guessing which way to go. It's a nice touch that blunts the dullness of any linearity you might feel.