Probably few people have heard about Nidhogg. At first glance it's a simple 2D fighting with 8-bit graphics. But is it really?

　I CHALLENGE YOU TO A PIXEL DUEL

　　There is no plot in Nidhogg. Instead, only fights with a computer opponent or with other people in online. The meaning of each battle is not killing the enemy, but in achieving the opposite end of the map. Four keys for movement, one key for punch and one key for jump. Sounds easier than it actually is. In fact, fightings are very funny and full of madness, but not without subtleties of the combat system. I advise you to play only in the company of friends. Singleplayer and online battles with strangers doesn't bring much fun.

　NOT ENOUGH PIXELS

　　Nidhogg has enough of advantages to buy it. But there are some unpleasant drawbacks. Too few maps, quickly bored gameplay, inconvenient system for playing online with friends (A friend is not always able to connect to your game). These shortcomings, in fact, are not much spoiling the gaming experience. If it were not for one thing. Too high price. Seriously. It should cost twice less, judging on how many content in it.

　Multiplayer:
　　Online: ☺☺☺☺☺OOOOO
　　Co-op: Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ
　Storyline: Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ Θ
　Graphics: ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺OOO
　Gameplay: ☺☺☺☺☺☺☺☺OO

　Complexity of the achievements: Some achievements will make you play this game for a long time. And not all of them can be easily performed.

　　　Nidhogg is a game with a so much
　　fun and madness, but with so few
　　levels and other content. If you're don't
　　mind to spending so much money on it,
　　then you'll are sure to spend a few fun
　　evenings.
　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　　To buy or not to buy, that is the question [6.5/10].

Way too expensive for what it is. Although it's a very fun local game or just to play online with a friend that's close, there's barely any content here. I believe there's just 4 maps in this, only 1 type of weapon, and no netplay with random people. Once in awhile it's fun to pick up and play, but definitely not worth the price.

Are you into intense, fast, and satisfying sword-fighting action? Nidhogg is just that.

Nidhogg has simple, intuitive controls, but a lot of moves to master. You can play with bots, which get progressively harder every level, but Nidhogg reaches its peak when you have someone else to play, scream, and battle with. The online multiplayer certainly needs a lot of work, but local multiplayer is really fun and fast-paced. The ability to play in tournaments is also really good, if you're having a party with a lot of people. With various different moves and tactics Nidhogg gets super heated. If you don't like the way the controls work, you can just configure them yourself! The soundtracks meet the battle to a T and the stages are amazing.

However, this game does have some flaws. The online multiplayer is pretty bad, considering the fact that it's pretty laggy, and more often then not, the host has some kind of advantage. If you're only looking to play online and don't enjoy playing with bots or don't have friends over frequently to play locally, this game may not be right for you. This game also has only four (albeit beautiful) stages and overall doesn't have a ton of content for ~$15.00.

So, tl;dr, this game has awesome speedy sword-fighting down completely. Good music, good stages, and decent "replayability". Fun is increased when you have more friends to play with, but online play is not recommended and may be a bit small for $14.99 (plus tax).

This game is somewhat of a double-edged sword.
If you have a friend (or enemy) who is in the room with you, this game is great. Otherwise, you probably shouldn't get it.

The game plays like an elaborate dance; two players fighting for the honour of being consumed by the titular serpent- the Nidhogg. The controls are simple: one button jabs your sword, one button makes you jump. The real beauty is how the mechanics blend together. Swords can be moved up and down to reach a jumping or ducking enemy. Swords at the same height will clash, and can block the opposing player's attacks. Swords can also be knocked out of a players hand by some particularly crafty swordplay. Jousting with your sword fully raised throws your sword through the air, which is hard to dodge, but leaves you without your best weapon. Thrusting in midair results in a divekick, a techniquie used to relieve the enemy of their weapon (that is, if you don't impale yourself on their weapon first).
The result is an EXTREMELY intense sword battle. Matches can last for seconds, others can last for half of an hour or more. The ducking and dodging and jumping and running blends brilliantly with the game's glitch-art style and kickass music. You can play this before the start of a lecture. You can play this at a party, with a tournament of eight players. You can use it as a substitute for rock-paper-scissors in decision-making situations. It's become one of my go-to games when friends are over (see also: touhou 9).

However, this only applies if you have real-life friends. Sure, the game has online play, but it's horribly laggy and bugged, with no sign of a fix. The lag ruins the crucial fast-paced action of the game and usually results in the host player winning. Because of this, you'll be very lucky to actually find anyone through the matchmaking service. The single-player mode is basically multiplayer but against a series of bots, which each have distinct playstyles and weaknesses. It's very much like playing against real players, but nowhere near as fun as having friends to play with in the same room. Additionally, the price is VERY steep for what the contents of the game are: only four (admittedly BEAUTIFUL) levels.

Overall: One of the best local multiplayer games that exist. If you have real friends that can come over and play: get this game ...but get it during a sale. If you have no friends: sorry, this game isn't for you. Go out and make some friends instead!

If you don't have anyone to play with locally, don't buy it.

There's not enough content in Nidhogg to justify buying it for 14€, but discounted it's a helluva lot of fun in multiplayer.

Want a fun little game where the pure aim is to stab your friends repeatedly and run to the other side of the map? Then this is the game for you!

Pros:
The game is fun, fast paced, keeps you on your toes, music is perfect for the game and comedic moments are never far behind.

Cons:
It's very limited, you fight your way to the other side of the map then rinse and repeat.
Matchmaking is terrible it takes too long to find an opponent unless you are playing against friends, this is primarily due to the fact that having very little to do in the game results in short play times and once you've done it there's really no need to go back.

Overall:
It's not really worth the money for what it is. It's very fun but the fun will soon run out. I would only recommend it if you have the money to spend on it for only a couple hours of fun.

This is certainly one of my favourite local multiplayer games. Although it's 2 player, this actually works in its favour as it means you can have a great game with a smaller group than many local multiplayer titles, and it's so fun to watch that it works well with spectators.

From a small series of moves, Nidhogg produces often hilarious fencing moments, either from daring displays of skill or comical misjudgements resulting in failure.

I'd like to see more environments in this game, but it remains a great one to have in a collection to pull out when you've got guests over and there's a bit of a lull.

The pure esscence of a fighting game. No combos to memorize. No special moves. Just whoever is best at dueling with their sword (and throwing it).

This game was meant for LOCAL play only, the online play is horribly laggy and they devolopers haven't updated this game since it's release date.

DO NOT buy this game if you plan on playing this online.

Fun game that loses so much potential because of the lack of a working (no lag) multiplayer. This is a game I could see people playing tournaments in if they could just fix the terrible multiplayer. Fix that and I can give this a thumbs up.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=O2CARfc3khU&index=1&list=UURLmXiAxqgzAGPO64W78sSg


While many wait for the next big title, smaller indie games fill the gaps within the major AAA releases. Among these titles is Nidhogg from developer Messhof. At first glance the portrait displayed isn't anything that would take a spot in a respectable museum but take another look and the fine details may surprise you. Nidhogg's image may not be of this generation or the last few for that matter but for all it's simplicity does its transcend to the height of AAA titles?

Focused on it's combat Nidhogg offers very little in content, the single player consists of dueling several enemies within the four available stages in side-scrolling fashion. The goal is the same throughout, make it across to the opposite end whist in numerous duels of death. The respawns are unlimited but once either makes it across 3 screens the game is over and the victor is eaten by the Nidhogg, the world tree chomping worm of Norse mythology.

If there is anything that Nidhogg does extremely well is its combat, the intricate system requires quick reflexes, perfect timing and finesse. Considering the simple premise, the multitude of stances and moves offer up a good amount of depth. Duels expanding across the pixilated canvas aren't uncommon and it's a testament to how deep the combat is. Stage hazards do play their role but in the end the better fighter will come out on top. It's any easy game to get into and one that offers up some intense moments with duels reaching ridiculous heights.

Without a doubt the visuals of Nidhogg are not the main attraction, it's sprite based aesthetics do enough to portray the environments and figures throughout the world. Though limited the end result gives Nidhogg some visual charm and identity. Seeing the floor and walls painted with the players matter is chuckle worthy and a nice touch displaying the chaos among adversaries.

However, the small amount of stages leaves much to desire, considering how simple the levels are it's hard to imagine why any DLC has not been introduced. Stages present little in the imagination department with minimal inspiration. In light of how much was presented in the combat one would imagine a larger emphasis in the level design to promote replayability.

Nidhogg's multiplayer is crippled by the absence of any online lobby system that could in fact strengthen the competitive mode drastically. The limited online mutliplayer consist of single encounters unless played locally via the bracket based tournament mode. The idea behind the mode is brilliant but why it isn't available online is a major misstep in the design.

Nidhogg is a charming experience that could of been greater if not for it's lack in content and multiplayer options. The simple to execute yet deep combat system is offset by many other flaws in design. Nidhoggs first attempt has the most important aspect of any game of this style right, it may be completely lacking in narrative but definitely a game made for competitive multiplayer. Playing with some buds is fun and Nidhogg does a great job with contact kills allowing you to embellish every neck break or impalement of a friend. It's simple, stupid, and addicting fun. Pick it up on a sale, the asking price might be a bit steep for the short but humorous experience.

+Great Combat
+Unique Identity
+The Nidhogg has no Mercy

-Lack of online options and lobbies
-Cloud stage is weak
-Lag can be an issue
-Flat soundtrack

6.9

I love this game, I love it soo much. But I'm nearly very close to giving it a thumbs down due to the somewhat buggy gameplay and shallow content. I have played this game extremely competitively and have a current record of 9:11, and from that 27 hour experience I can say I've speculated about every mechanic in this game down the very brim and have noticed extremely miniscule mistakes in the programming. This game needs to be more polished. Thank you. 7 / 10

This game is very well-made. I say this because it requires skill to play, is fast-paced, has wonderful backgrounds, and simply has an interesting and fun concept behind it. It's also very satisfying to fake out your opponent with a tricky sword maneuver and jam a rapier through his head. Additionally, the soundtrack is phenomenal!

However, the replayability of the game is limited, as there are only four maps and the online multiplayer is a bit rough around the edges (it's much better and more responsive while playing local multiplayer or singleplayer), and once you beat the singleplayer campaign you need friends who enjoy playing it as much as you do.

Overall, I would highly recommend this game, as it is entertaining, satisfying, and while it is easy to learn, it is difficult to master (but very rewarding when you get it down pat). I actually have more hours on record than Steam reports I do, because I've played it on a different computer and the transfer of playtime between computers was not very good; I have about 10 hours more than the amount shown above invested in this game, and I still play it and recommend it heartily. Well worth the money, and well worth the time you'll spend playing it.

This is a good game, but it really needs functional online multiplayer to make it worth the asking price.

Let's be honest: unless you have friends in the same room willing to play with you, rinse and repeat the simple process over and over, this game's not gonna fly. Even if you do, it won't more than 10hrs probably. 4 simple levels, dull workable music, variations--but nah. Maybe it's too competitive for this generation?

Run Forest, run! Less you stop to see the forest through the trees... ~

You start off simply fighting, and end up simply fighting... Kinda Static gameplay? NO! It is ULTRA-DYNAMIC, you have 3 or 4 ways to position or sword to attack, and 3 or 4 to defend, still can throw, and have a fast-paced combat with full adrenaline!
Challenge friends, challenge your computer... Challenge yourself!

Don't know exactly how to describe this beside being wickedly good, both solo and on a party :)

Don't always go for the top reviews like I did with this one. This game looked fantastic in the videos. It actually is if you go by the single player mode which doesn't last long and (more importantly) local multiplayer. Local multiplayer is where this shines. If you engage in this frequently, get it. I only have occasional local multiplayer games and this is why it was a bad purchase for me and might be for you.

There hasn't been one update since this game's release. The guy ignored EVERY support request and then had the cheek to release it on the PS4. Why is this a problem? The netcode is HORRIBLE, and latency is the most important factor with a game where reaction time can be very important. If you play online and enjoy it consistently, get back to me, because that would be the first I've heard about it. Players will teleport more than in Counter-Strike in the '90s and is more buggy than the Master Chief Collection.

Amazingly smooth, addictive. It makes you feel awesome inside.
10/10 game of the year