Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel is a thrilling addition to the horde-survivor genre, delivering an action-packed roguelite experience steeped in the dark, captivating realms of Norse mythology. Available on Xbox, this title from Games Farm and Grindstone shines with its engaging gameplay loop, impressive replayability, and a robust progression system that keeps you coming back for more.
One of the standout features of Jotunnslayer is its replayability. Each run feels fresh, thanks to a variety of objectives that challenge you to adapt your strategy, whether it’s defeating a chieftain or surviving relentless enemy waves. The game’s roguelite structure ensures that no two runs are identical, with randomized elements and a meta-progression system that rewards persistence. Unlocking new perks, skills, and upgrades keeps the experience dynamic, encouraging experimentation and long-term investment. The promise of becoming the ultimate Jotunnslayer by conquering the gods’ trials adds a compelling hook that fuels your drive to dive back in.
The game offers a diverse roster of playable characters, each with unique abilities and playstyles. From the melee-focused Berserker to the spell-slinging Seeress, and later unlocks like the Flame Sister and Revenant, there’s a character for every preference. The addition of a new Dwarven Warden class in recent updates further expands the options, ensuring variety in how you tackle the hordes. This diversity, paired with the ability to customize builds, makes every run an opportunity to try something new. The Berserker has been my go to!
The god powers, drawn from Norse deities like Thor, Odin, Loki, Freya, and the newly introduced Brokk and Sindri, are a highlight. These divine abilities range from lightning strikes to healing auras, offering both active and passive effects that dramatically shape your playstyle. The skill shop allows you to upgrade these powers using gold earned during runs, letting you enhance damage, boost survivability, or unlock special tiers of abilities. This progression system is satisfying, as it empowers you to refine your builds and tackle higher difficulties like Hard or Insane mode with confidence (I have yet to do either).
The level design is nothing short of wonderful. Realms like the icy Niflheim, fiery Muspelheim, and the newly added Svartalfheim are visually striking, with dynamic environmental hazards like storms or fiery wastes that heighten the tension. Each map feels distinct and immersive, complementing the game’s gritty, Diablo-esque aesthetic. The attention to detail in the environments makes every run visually engaging, even after hours of play.
Performance on Xbox is generally smooth, with only minor stutters noted during chaotic moments. These are likely to be ironed out with day-one patches, as the developers have shown a commitment to polishing the game based on community feedback. While the music could use more variety to match the intensity of the gameplay, the sound design, particularly the thunderous effects of god powers, adds to the epic feel. Some more character dialogue would be much appreciated also.
Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel is a very fun horde-survivor with ample roguelite depth, blending intense combat, strategic build-crafting, and a richly realized Norse mythology setting. With its diverse characters, upgradeable god powers, stellar level design, and near-endless replayability, it’s a must-play for fans of the genre. A few minor tweaks could elevate it further, but as it stands, it’s a rewarding experience that’s easy to recommend.
8/10
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