The massive conflicts are a stunning sight, with hundreds of character models flooding the screen. Actual player involvement is not so impressive. The goal is usually to take down enemy Shamans that act as spawn points for enemy troops. The hundreds, if not thousands, of enemies can be completely ignored.

Death in Viking is also forgiving. In non-combat intensive scenes, dying can actually spawn you back at the main camp on the island, a quicker mode of transportation than trying to find teleporters strewn about. In the end-level fights, you have infinite chances to make it to your goal, limiting the intensity.

Summoning dragons to your aid is a nice idea, though all you’ll need to do is pick a spot once the opportunity arises and the game handles the rest. You have no control over friendly troops, so actual involvement in the fight is meager at best.

Undoubtedly an acquired taste, Viking’s sheer brutality will be enough to carry it through to the end for some people. The concepts are strong enough and the world is fun to traverse. The monotony begins to set in once you realize you’ll be repeating the same missions on each island and the design makes no attempt to break the mold or help it feel fresh.

Viking: Battle for Asgard is rated M (Mature) by the ESRB for Blood and Gore, Intense Violence. This game can also be found on: PS3.