Steam Next Fest has once again proven to be an excellent platform for discovering hidden gems, and Norse: Oath of Blood has made a compelling case for itself with an impressive debut. This title marries the tactical combat finesse of renowned turn-based RPGs like Baldur’s Gate 3 and XCOM 2 with the vibrant charm reminiscent of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2. While the early gameplay may exhibit some rough edges, it is undeniably rich in character and flavor.
Gameplay Overview
The demo introduces players to Gunnar Gripsson, an exiled protagonist, and his band of mercenaries as they embark on a quest to find a new home. Their journey begins with a deal struck with local inhabitants: eliminate a band of marauding bandits, and in return, the villagers will assist in establishing their camp. The exploration and combat mechanics echo the feel of Baldur’s Gate 3, offering players the choice between click-to-move or WASD controls for navigation.
Dialogue flows naturally, infused with a touch of roughness that is likely to resonate with fans of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2. Although some animations lack refinement, there are standout moments, such as a local farmer’s bewildered reaction to his wife’s playful insinuation about his skills, which adds a humorous touch to the interactions.
Combat Mechanics
The combat system is where Norse: Oath of Blood truly shines. Utilizing a grid-based approach, each character in your party brings unique abilities to the battlefield. The movement mechanics are particularly engaging, reminiscent of the strategic depth found in Into The Breach. For instance, Gunnar can physically maneuver an enemy, tossing them behind him to set up a decisive strike.
Other abilities are equally captivating. Shield slams allow players to knock foes into one another, drawing their focus away from other characters. Meanwhile, the archer Sigrid boasts a cooldown-based skill that unleashes a volley of arrows at all enemies within range, making her a formidable presence when positioned strategically in combat.
Settlement Building
Once the bandit threat is neutralized, players can shift their focus to establishing a thriving settlement. This aspect of the game allows for the recruitment of villagers and the development of essential facilities such as a smithy, armory, and workshop. Players can engage in trade and resource gathering, enhancing their gear and fortifying their new home.
As players progress, the full game promises to delve deeper into the narrative, culminating in a confrontation with the treacherous Steinarr Far-Spear, as Gunnar seeks to avenge his father, Jarl Gripr. While the demo reveals several minor issues and unfinished elements, the foundational gameplay is compelling enough to keep players intrigued. The ongoing development by Arctic Hazard is certainly one to watch.
The Norse: Oath of Blood demo is currently available as part of Steam Next Fest, which runs until Monday, October 20. Interested players can download the demo and experience it firsthand. Additionally, there are numerous other RPGs and highly anticipated PC games to explore for the remainder of 2025 and beyond.
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