Nidhogg 2
| Nidhogg 2 | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Developer | Messhof |
| Publisher | Messhof |
| Designer | Mark Essen |
| Programmer | Mark Essen |
| Artist | Toby Dixon |
| Composer | Mux Mool |
| Engine | GameMaker Studio |
| Platforms | Windows macOS PlayStation 4 Xbox One Nintendo Switch Arcade |
| Release | Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4
|
| Genre | Fighting |
| Modes | Single-player, multiplayer |
Nidhogg 2 is a 2017 fighting game developed and published by Messhof. It is the sequel to Nidhogg (2014), and was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS and PlayStation 4 in 2017, Xbox One in July 2018, and Nintendo Switch in November 2018. It expands on the original duelling gameplay introduced in its predecessor and features new weapons, actions and characters. The game received generally positive reviews from critics upon release.
Gameplay
[edit]Nidhogg 2 is a fighting game in which two players duel against each other. The player has to reach the end of their opponent's side first to win. Players have a variety of moves, including sliding and leaping. They can deflect their opponents' attacks. Weapons, such as daggers, throwing knives and bows, as well as a character creator, are introduced.[1]
Development
[edit]
The title was announced in September 2016 and demonstrated at the 2016 TwitchCon[2] and 2017 Electronic Entertainment Expo Indie Megabooth.[3] It was released on August 15, 2017, on macOS, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows platforms.[4] A Nintendo Switch version was released on November 22, 2018.[5] Unlike the original game, which features a minimalistic art style, the game's creator Mark Essen and artist Toby Dixon decided to use a more detailed graphical style with a higher resolution so as to reflect the game's increased depth. Another reason for the change is that Essen considered Nidhogg 2 a "spectator game". The art style allowed spectators to have more things to look at when they were watching the gameplay.[6] In 2022, an arcade cabinet version of the game would be released by DSM Arcade for $5,999 USD.[7]
Reception
[edit]| Aggregator | Score |
|---|---|
| Metacritic | 80/100[8] |
| Publication | Score |
|---|---|
| Game Informer | 8/10[9] |
| GamesMaster | 80% |
| GamesTM | 7/10 |
| PlayStation Official Magazine – UK | 7/10 |
The art style received a mixed reaction from fans following the game's announcement, which persisted after the game's release, with some being resentful of the art style while others embraced it.[10][11][12][13] Nevertheless, the game received generally favorable reviews, according to the review aggregator website Metacritic.[8] GamesMaster said it was "An excellent sword-fighting game that at times has trouble remembering its brilliant roots." Game Informer said, "Though it doesn't add much for players looking to play around with its improvements solo, Nidhogg 2 adds layers of depth to a simple formula without breaking what made it so appealing in the first place." Destructoid said, "It has expanded on the wonderful mechanics of the original and has one of the best soundtracks in recent memory. There isn't much content here for the solo player, but if you've got friends coming over for some friendly competition, the night would not be complete without Nidhogg 2." PlayStation Official Magazine – UK said it had "wicked local multiplayer appeal", while GamesTM said it was "Fast, intense, but flawed".
The game was nominated for "Best Fighting Game" and "Best Multiplayer" in IGN's Best of 2017 Awards.[14][15]
Accolades
[edit]| Year | Award | Category | Result | Ref. |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | Golden Joystick Awards | Best Multiplayer | Nominated | [16] |
| The Game Awards 2017 | Best Fighting Game | Nominated | [17] | |
| 2018 | 21st Annual D.I.C.E. Awards | Fighting Game of the Year | Nominated | [18] |
| 2019 | 2019 Webby Awards | Best Multiplayer/Competitive Game | Nominated | [19] |
See also
[edit]
References
[edit]- ↑ O'Connor, Alice (July 14, 2017). "Nidhogg 2 starts duelling on August 15th". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved May 23, 2019.
- ↑ Davenport, James (September 29, 2016). "Nidhogg 2 is on the way with axes, arrows, and a grotesque new art direction". PC Gamer. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- ↑ Hall, Charlie (May 26, 2017). "Here's the Indie Megabooth lineup for E3 (update: public access has been canceled)". Polygon. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- ↑ Fingas, Jon (July 16, 2017). "The frantic swordfighting of 'Nidhogg 2' arrives on August 15th". Engadget. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- ↑ "Nidhogg 2 for Switch launches November 22". Gematsu. November 5, 2018. Retrieved November 5, 2018.
- ↑ Couture, Joel (October 20, 2016). "Why Nidhogg 2 ditches the minimalism of the original". Gamasutra. Archived from the original on October 21, 2016. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- ↑ Radulovic, Petrana (August 9, 2022). "Finally, there's a $5,999 way to play Nidhogg 2". Polygon. Archived from the original on December 10, 2025. Retrieved August 8, 2026.
- 1 2 "Nidhogg 2 Critic Reviews for PC". Metacritic. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- ↑ Vazquez, Suriel (August 14, 2017). "Nidhogg 2: A Bloodthirsty Rematch". Game Informer. Archived from the original on August 17, 2017.
- ↑ Orry, James. "Nidhogg 2's new art style has divided fans". VideoGamer. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ↑ Vazquez, Suriel (August 14, 2017). "Nidhogg 2: A Bloodthirsty Rematch". Game Informer. Archived from the original on August 17, 2017.
- ↑ Easton, Richard (August 14, 2017). "Review: Nidhogg 2". Trusted Reviews. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ↑ Lane, Rick (August 23, 2017). "Nidhogg 2 Review". bit-tech.net. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- ↑ "Best of 2017 Awards: Best Fighting Game". IGN. December 20, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
- ↑ "Best of 2017 Awards: Best Multiplayer". IGN. December 20, 2017. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
- ↑ Gaito, Eri (November 13, 2017). "Golden Joystick Awards 2017 Nominees". Best in Slot. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
- ↑ Makuch, Eddie (December 8, 2017). "The Game Awards 2017 Winners Headlined By Zelda: Breath Of The Wild's Game Of The Year". GameSpot. Retrieved January 19, 2017.
- ↑ Makuch, Eddie (January 14, 2018). "Game Of The Year Nominees Announced For DICE Awards". GameSpot. Retrieved January 19, 2018.
- ↑ "2019 Winners". The Webby Awards. April 22, 2019. Retrieved April 25, 2019.
Further reading
[edit]- Caldwell, Brendan (September 29, 2016). "Interview: Messhof On Nidhogg 2". Rock Paper Shotgun. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- Crecente, Brian (June 16, 2017). "See Nidhogg 2's gruesome gameplay in action". Polygon. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- Horti, Samuel (August 20, 2017). "Nidhogg 2 creator explains radical art style overhaul". PC Gamer. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- Machkovech, Sam (August 19, 2017). "Nidhogg 2 review: Violent, disgusting, and hilariously fun". Ars Technica. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- Matulef, Jeffrey (June 19, 2017). "Nidhogg 2's disgusting art style is growing on me". Eurogamer. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- Orry, James. "Nidhogg 2's new art style has divided fans". VideoGamer. Retrieved May 24, 2026.
- Vazquez, Suriel (December 4, 2016). "Nidhogg 2's Gameplay Justifies Its Art Style". Game Informer. Archived from the original on December 6, 2016. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
- Williams, Mike (March 11, 2017). "Nidhogg 2 Is More Than Just 'A Better Version of Nidhogg'". USgamer. Archived from the original on August 15, 2017. Retrieved August 20, 2017.
