Assassin’s Creed: Valhalla Game Review

A Viking Saga of Conquest and Discovery

Game Introduction

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is the twelfth major installment in the acclaimed Assassin’s Creed series, and it takes players on an epic journey into the age of Vikings. Released on November 10, 2020, the game is set in 873 AD, during the height of the Viking expansion into England. Players assume the role of Eivor Varinsdottir (or Eivor Varinson, depending on the player’s choice of gender), a fierce Viking raider who leads their clan from the harsh shores of Norway to the fertile lands of England. With a blend of historical fiction, mythology, and the series’ signature stealth-action gameplay, Valhalla delivers a sprawling open-world experience that has captivated both fans and newcomers alike.

Gameplay: A Deep Dive into the Viking World

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla builds upon the RPG elements introduced in Origins and Odyssey, offering a rich and immersive gameplay experience. The game combines exploration, combat, stealth, and settlement-building into a cohesive package that keeps players engaged for dozens of hours.

Characters and Factions

Eivor, the protagonist, is a complex character driven by a desire for glory, honor, and a new home for their clan. The game allows players to customize Eivor’s appearance, gear, and playstyle, with choices that impact the narrative. Supporting characters like Sigurd, Eivor’s adoptive brother and leader of the Raven Clan, and Basim, a mysterious ally with ties to the Hidden Ones (the precursor to the Assassin Brotherhood), add depth to the story.

The game also introduces a variety of factions, including the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms of England, the Hidden Ones, and the Order of the Ancients (the proto-Templars). Each faction plays a crucial role in the story, and players must navigate alliances, betrayals, and conflicts to secure their clan’s future.

Missions and Activities

The main story is divided into narrative arcs, each focusing on a different region of England. Players must forge alliances with local rulers, engage in large-scale battles, and uncover the secrets of the Order of the Ancients. Alongside the main quests, Valhalla offers a wealth of side activities, including world events (replacing traditional side quests), raids, hunting, fishing, and drinking contests.

Raids are a standout feature, allowing players to lead their crew in brutal assaults on monasteries and fortresses to gather resources for their settlement, Ravensthorpe. Settlement-building is a core aspect of the game, with players upgrading structures like the barracks, blacksmith, and tattoo parlor to unlock new features and services.

Combat has been refined, with a focus on visceral, weighty melee encounters. Players can dual-wield a variety of weapons, from axes and swords to flails and shields, and unlock powerful abilities like the “Rush & Bash” or “Throwing Axe Fury.” Stealth mechanics have also been improved, with social stealth elements like blending into crowds making a return.

Story Narrative: A Tale of Honor and Betrayal

The narrative of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a gripping tale of ambition, loyalty, and the search for a new home. Eivor and their clan leave Norway after a bitter feud with the tyrant Kjotve the Cruel, seeking a better life in England. However, they soon find themselves embroiled in the political turmoil of the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

As Eivor works to build alliances and establish Ravensthorpe, they uncover a conspiracy involving the Order of the Ancients, whose members are manipulating events from the shadows. The story explores themes of identity, destiny, and the clash between pagan and Christian beliefs, with Eivor’s journey intertwining with the larger conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order.

The game also delves into Norse mythology, with dreamlike sequences that see Eivor reliving the memories of Odin and other gods. These segments provide a fascinating glimpse into the Viking worldview and add a layer of mysticism to the story.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Graphics and Animation: A Feast for the Senses

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a visual masterpiece, showcasing the power of next-gen consoles and high-end PCs. The game’s open world is breathtaking, with lush forests, rolling hills, and snow-capped mountains rendered in stunning detail. The lighting system, weather effects, and environmental textures create an immersive atmosphere that brings 9th-century England and Norway to life.

Character models are highly detailed, with realistic facial animations and expressive performances. The game’s art direction strikes a balance between historical accuracy and fantastical elements, particularly in the mythological sequences, which are filled with surreal landscapes and otherworldly designs.

The Making of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

The creation of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla was a monumental undertaking by Ubisoft, involving hundreds of developers across multiple studios. This behind-the-scenes look explores the game’s development process, from its initial concept to its post-launch support, highlighting the creativity, technical expertise, and collaboration that brought this Viking saga to life.

Concept and Pre-Production

The Idea Behind the Game

The idea for Assassin’s Creed Valhalla emerged from the desire to explore the Viking Age, a period rich in history, mythology, and cultural conflict. The development team, led by Ubisoft Montreal, wanted to create a game that captured the spirit of Viking exploration, conquest, and settlement while staying true to the Assassin’s Creed franchise’s core themes of hidden conflicts and historical intrigue.

Designing the Game World

The game’s world was designed to reflect the duality of the Viking experience: the harsh, frozen landscapes of Norway and the lush, fertile lands of England. The team conducted extensive research into 9th-century Europe, consulting historians and archaeologists to ensure historical accuracy while leaving room for creative interpretation. The open world was crafted to encourage exploration, with hidden secrets, dynamic weather, and a day-night cycle adding to the immersion.

Creating the Characters and Storyline

The protagonist, Eivor, was designed to be a relatable yet larger-than-life figure, embodying the Viking ideals of honor, loyalty, and ambition. The team decided to allow players to choose Eivor’s gender, a first for the series, to provide a more personalized experience. The storyline was written to balance historical events with the franchise’s overarching narrative, weaving in elements of Norse mythology and the conflict between the Hidden Ones and the Order of the Ancients.

Art and Animation

The Art Style: Inspiration and Evolution

The art style of Valhalla was inspired by Norse art, medieval manuscripts, and the natural beauty of Scandinavia and England. The team aimed to create a visually striking world that felt both grounded and fantastical, with a muted color palette for Norway and vibrant tones for England. The mythological sequences, such as the Asgard and Jotunheim segments, were designed to contrast sharply with the main game, featuring surreal landscapes and otherworldly designs.

Character and Creature Design

Character designs were based on historical research, with Viking armor, weapons, and clothing reflecting the period’s craftsmanship. The team also drew inspiration from Norse mythology for characters like Odin, Thor, and Loki, blending historical accuracy with creative flair. Creature designs, such as the mythical wolves and draugr, were crafted to feel both terrifying and awe-inspiring.

Building the Game’s Environments

The environments were built using a combination of photogrammetry and hand-crafted design. The team traveled to real-world locations in Norway and England to capture reference images and textures, which were then used to create the game’s landscapes. Settlements like Ravensthorpe were designed to feel alive, with NPCs going about their daily lives and reacting to the player’s actions.

Sound Design and Music

The Soundtrack: Composition and Inspiration

The soundtrack was composed by Jesper Kyd and Einar Selvik, with Kyd drawing on his experience with the series and Selvik bringing his expertise in traditional Nordic music. The score blends orchestral arrangements with authentic Viking instruments like the tagelharpa and bone flute, creating a soundscape that is both epic and intimate.

Sound Effects and Foley: Creating an Immersive Experience

The sound effects team focused on creating an immersive audio experience, from the clash of swords to the creaking of longboats. Foley artists recorded real-world sounds, such as footsteps on snow and the rustling of leaves, to enhance the game’s realism.

Voice Acting and Casting

Voice actors for Eivor (Magnus Bruun and Cecilie Stenspil) were chosen for their ability to convey the character’s strength and vulnerability. The casting process involved extensive auditions, with the team seeking actors who could bring depth and authenticity to their roles. Supporting characters, such as Sigurd and Basim, were also carefully cast to ensure a cohesive and engaging narrative.

Programming and Engineering

The Game Engine: Choosing the Right Tool

Valhalla was developed using Ubisoft’s Anvil Engine, which was updated to support next-gen consoles and advanced features like ray tracing and faster load times. The engine’s flexibility allowed the team to create a vast open world with seamless transitions between regions.

Building the Game’s Mechanics and Systems

The gameplay mechanics were designed to balance accessibility and depth, with a focus on player choice. The combat system was overhauled to feel more visceral and weighty, while the stealth mechanics were refined to include social stealth elements. The settlement-building system was integrated into the core gameplay, allowing players to see the impact of their decisions on Ravensthorpe.

Optimization and Performance Enhancement

The team worked tirelessly to optimize the game for a wide range of platforms, from last-gen consoles to high-end PCs. Performance enhancements included reducing load times, improving frame rates, and ensuring stable performance during large-scale battles and raids.

Testing and Quality Assurance

The Testing Process: Finding and Fixing Bugs

The QA team conducted extensive testing to identify and fix bugs, from graphical glitches to gameplay issues. Playtesters provided feedback on the game’s mechanics, story, and overall experience, helping the team refine the final product.

Balancing Gameplay and Difficulty

Balancing the game’s difficulty was a key focus, with the team aiming to create a challenging yet fair experience. Adjustments were made to enemy AI, combat mechanics, and progression systems based on player feedback.

Polishing the Game for Release

The final stages of development involved polishing the game’s visuals, audio, and gameplay. The team focused on small details, such as improving animations, enhancing lighting effects, and fine-tuning the UI, to ensure a polished and cohesive experience.

Launch and Post-Launch

The Road to Launch: Marketing and Promotion

The marketing campaign for Valhalla included cinematic trailers, gameplay reveals, and collaborations with influencers and historians. The team also released a series of developer diaries, giving fans a behind-the-scenes look at the game’s creation.

Launch Day: The Team’s Experience

Launch day was a mix of excitement and nervousness for the team, as they awaited player reactions. The game was met with critical acclaim, with praise for its story, world design, and gameplay.

Post-Launch Support and Updates

Post-launch support included regular updates, bug fixes, and new content, such as the Wrath of the Druids and The Siege of Paris expansions. The team also introduced seasonal events and community challenges to keep players engaged.

Bonus Features

Deleted Scenes and Cut Content

Some content, such as additional regions and storylines, was cut during development due to time constraints. These deleted scenes and ideas may be explored in future updates or sequels.

Easter Eggs and Hidden Secrets

The game is filled with Easter eggs and hidden secrets, from references to previous Assassin’s Creed titles to nods to Norse mythology. These elements add depth and replayability for dedicated fans.

The Team’s Favorite Moments and Memories

The development team has shared fond memories of creating Valhalla, from recording authentic Viking chants to designing the game’s massive battles. These moments reflect the passion and dedication that went into the game’s creation.

Replayability and Content

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla offers an enormous amount of content, with a main story that takes around 60 hours to complete and hundreds of hours of additional activities for completionists. The game’s branching dialogue choices and multiple endings encourage replayability, as does the ability to explore different playstyles and builds.

Post-launch support has been robust, with several expansions adding new regions, stories, and gameplay features. Wrath of the Druids takes players to Ireland, while The Siege of Paris revisits the Viking siege of Francia. The Dawn of Ragnarok expansion delves deeper into Norse mythology, offering a massive new storyline and abilities.

Verdict

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a triumphant entry in the series, offering a compelling story, deep gameplay, and a stunning open world. However, it’s not without its flaws.

Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is a sprawling open-world epic set in medieval England. As Eivor, a fierce Norse warrior, you’ll explore the frozen tundras, mystical forests, and battle-scarred landscapes of 9th-century England, raiding monasteries, battling Saxon armies, and forging alliances with rival clans. With its visceral combat, rich narrative, and stunning visuals, Assassin’s Creed Valhalla promises an unforgettable journey through the Dark Ages. 

Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla now and unleash your inner Viking warrior!

PC Gamers can enjoy the game purchasing through Steam in the following Editions:

• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Standard Edition for $43.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Deluxe Edition for $50.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Ragnarok Edition for $73.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Complete Edition for $102.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Bundle for $329.99. This includes: 

• Assassin’s Creed® Unity
• Assassin’s Creed® Rogue
• Assassin’s Creed® Syndicate
• Assassin’s Creed Black Flag – Gold Edition
• Assassin’s Creed™: Director’s Cut Edition
• Assassin’s Creed 2
• Assassin’s Creed® III Remastered
• Assassin’s Creed Freedom Cry
• Assassin’s Creed® Origins
• Assassin’s Creed® Odyssey
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Assassin’s Creed® Brotherhood
• Assassin’s Creed® Revelations
• Assassin’s Creed® Liberation HD 

PlayStation 4 & PlayStation 5 players can get the game through the PlayStation Store with the following Editions with bundles and passes:

• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Mythology pack for $159.99. This includes:

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Assassin’s Creed Origins
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey

• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Deluxe Edition for $79.99. This Includes 

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Berserker Settlement Pack
• Ultimate Pack
• Berserker Longship Pack
• Berserker Gear Pack

• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla + Watch Dogs Legion Bundle for $109.99.
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla + Immortals Fenyx Rising Bundle for $89.99.
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Standard Edtion for $59.99. This includes:

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla for PS5

• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Ragnarok Edition for $99.99. This includes: 

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla for PS5
• Dawn of Ragnarok Expansion

• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Complete Edition for $139.99. This Includes:

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla for PS4 & PS5
• Dawn of the Ragnarok expansion
• Season Pass
• The Legend of Beowulf Quest
• Warth of the Druids expansion
• The Siege of Paris expansion
• Ultimate Pack

Xbox One & Xbox Series X|S players can buy this wonderful Puzzle game through Xbox Store in the following Editions with Add-ons:

• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Standard for $59.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Deluxe Edition for $79.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla + Immortal Fenyx Rising Bundle for $89.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Mirage & Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Bundle for $99.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Ragnarok Edition for $99.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla + Watch Dogs: Legion Bundle for $109.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Valhalla Complete Edition for $139.99
• Buy Assassin’s Creed Bundle for  $159.99. This Includes:

• Assassin’s Creed Valhalla
• Assassin’s Creed Odyssey
• Assassin’s Creed Origins

All mentioned rates are exclusive from currently running discount offers/promotions.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is available to be downloaded on Microsoft Windows through Steam, PlayStation 4, and PlayStation 5 players can purchase it through PlayStation Store, and Xbox Players can enjoy the game through Xbox Store.

Genre and Platforms

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is an action RPG with open-world exploration, stealth, and combat elements. It was released on November 10, 2020, for PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox One, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and Google Stadia. The game’s next-gen versions take full advantage of the improved hardware, offering faster load times, higher resolutions, and smoother performance.

Assassin’s Creed Valhalla System Requirements