The latest Steam Next Fest has unveiled a treasure trove of gaming delights, but none have captured my attention quite like Norse: Oath of Blood. This title stands out among the best turn-based RPGs, joining the ranks of Clair Obscur Expedition 33 and Baldur’s Gate 3, by masterfully intertwining serious storytelling, exhilarating combat, and a sprinkle of light-hearted banter among its characters. Arctic Hazard’s medieval adventure has swiftly made its mark, blending tactical battle systems with the irreverent charm reminiscent of Kingdom Come Deliverance 2. The anticipation for its full release is palpable.
Storyline Insights
Narrative director Philip Stevens offers a glimpse into the gripping tale that awaits players. The story follows twins Gunnar Gripsson and Sigrid Gripdottir, who are thrust into a quest for vengeance after their Viking chieftain father is betrayed and murdered. “Our goal was to create a cinematic experience, a kind of playable historic epic,” Stevens articulates, emphasizing the importance of both the storyline and gameplay in crafting a memorable experience.
While the demo I experienced didn’t delve deeply into the narrative, it did provide moments of levity that hinted at the potential for a rich story. The gameplay, however, was undeniably engaging. It seamlessly integrates squad-based tactics akin to Baldur’s Gate 3 and XCOM 2, offering a plethora of strategic options.
What particularly captivated me were the movement abilities, allowing players to hurl and reposition adversaries across the battlefield, reminiscent of the mechanics in Into The Breach. This physicality not only enhances the tactical depth but also encapsulates the Viking spirit that the game embodies. Additionally, players will have the opportunity to develop their settlement from a modest village into a formidable stronghold as they gather followers and expand their retinue.
Narrative Techniques
On the storytelling front, Arctic Hazard employs advanced motion capture technology similar to that used in Expedition 33, which successfully brought characters to life in Sandfall Interactive’s previous work. Writer Giles Kristian notes, “Norse is an archetypal Viking story of revenge and honor. We’re not trying to reinvent the wheel, but we aim to capture the human aspects of the Viking world.” He elaborates on the journey of the young protagonist, who seeks vengeance against his father’s betrayer while evolving into a war leader, a narrative arc that echoes the appeal of Kingdom Come Deliverance’s lead character, Henry. Kristian’s background as a novelist, particularly with his Viking coming-of-age trilogy, the Raven Saga, promises to enrich this narrative journey.
To the delight of eager fans, the wait for the full game is shorter than anticipated, with a release date set for February 3, 2026. For those who can’t contain their excitement, the free demo remains available on Steam, offering a tantalizing taste of what’s to come. I entered the demo with uncertainty, only to find myself lamenting its conclusion, yearning for more.
The Norse: Oath of Blood release date is Tuesday, February 3, 2026, and it will launch on PC via Steam. Players can wishlist the game now or download the free demo to experience a preview of the adventure, though be prepared to wish for the winter months to pass swiftly if you do.
