Last year, out of all the indie games catching my eye, Jotunnslayer stood out like a beacon. It promised an exhilarating mix of the dark and sinister ambiance reminiscent of Diablo and the frantic pace of a roguelike bullet hell à la Vampire Survivors. That blend of ideas was enticing, but pulling it off is where the magic truly lies. Now, with its early access debut on Steam, it’s clear my anticipation was well-placed. Jotunnslayer has burst onto the scene with impressive vigor.
Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel emerges as a standout, capturing the chaotic thrill of Vampire Survivors and placing it in a Norse mythology-inspired world—a compelling intersection with Diablo-like vibes. Your adventures span across the enigmatic Nine Realms, each teeming with fiendish creatures and demons. The objective? Carve your way through the chaos to confront colossal bosses. True to the spirit of bullet hell games, your screen will rapidly fill with an onslaught of adversaries and a maelstrom of magical effects, set against stark and stunning backdrops.
Before venturing into these icy realms, you’ll choose from four starting classes: Berserker, Revenant, Flame Sister, and Seeress. As you progress, your character learns new skills linked to the Norse gods. Completing specific challenges accelerates your path, leading you to the inevitable face-off with each realm’s dominant boss.
Already, Jotunnslayer’s reception speaks volumes. User reviews have been overwhelmingly positive, securing a strong ‘very positive’ 92% rating at the time of writing.
But don’t consider this just a flash in the pan. The developers have a well-laid plan to expand the game during early access. Right now, it boasts two realms, four distinct classes, and four gods. On the horizon, the first major update promises to introduce a third realm and another god. Beyond that, players can look forward to additional classes, realms, gods, weapons, and an endless mode for those craving a relentless challenge.
Currently available as a steal in Steam Early Access, Jotunnslayer is priced at an attractive $8.99 / £7.64, thanks to a 10% launch discount available through Tuesday, February 4.
For those feeling lucky, there’s still a chance to snag one of ten Jotunnslayer Steam codes from our giveaway, ending Thursday, January 23.
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