Jotun has been bumbling along for a while now (for the first preview overview: http://invisioncommunity.co.uk/2015/05/15/jotun-preview/) and we arrive at beta 2. We are now introduced to the darkness, Nidavellir, described as the realm of ‘treasure and darkness.’ We also introduce the now Jotun of the Cave, Fé.
For those who are too lazy to read the previous article on Jotun (I’ll put it right here for you: http://invisioncommunity.co.uk/2015/05/15/jotun-preview/ ) you play as Thora, a Viking warrior who has died an inglorious death. Therefore she must traverse the Norse realms defeating Jotun, Norse elementals. The whole game is presented with a pencil-drawn aesthetic for the huge environments, each vastly different to each other.
The biggest question is what has been added? The only noticeable addition is the Cave region. Every other fix has been underlying bug fixes and mixing audio improvements.
Nidavellier is a twisting dark mess which is home to the Dwarves. This is split again in two very different levels; which adds to the already stark contrast from the previous level’s cold icy wasteland. In fact both the levels within Nidavellier are quite different to each other as the developer has shown serious prowess is making both quiet platforming levels and brawl-filled cities.
The first level I played was the quieter level of Nidavellier. No fighting, just sliding around dodging falling rocks. I was getting a little bored of the game when suddenly the camera opens up and in the background you can see the behemoth Nidhogg staring down at you. And just like that, I was sold.
The other level is a small cityscape which primarily shows off the fighting within the game. Jotun is keeping up with its Dark Souls inspiration by pitting you against innumerable enemies. With no change to the fighting mechanic you need to keep thinking your way out of fights still. The issue here is simply the scale of enemies and you will be running around to funnel them down for yourself to make your life easier.
There is not really much to discuss with this update apart from how freaking awesome this game actually is. It seems like a nice blend of the grandeur of empty space Journey had and the tactical fighting of Dark Souls. Jotun definitely does not hide its love for these games and proudly wears it on its chest. I do recommend this game for anyone who is a fan of Dark Souls or anyone looking for a grand adventure game. Jotun has honed a unique game and I hope the final release is as grand as it seems to be now.
