Summary

Release Year: 2015
Genres: Adventure, Indie
Platforms: Linux, Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows)
Developers: Thunder Lotus Games
Publishers: Thunder Lotus Games

Jotun: A Hand-Drawn Masterpiece of Norse Mythology and Action-Exploration

Released in 2015, Jotun is a hand-drawn action-exploration game that takes players on a journey through Norse mythology. Players take on the role of Thora, a Norse warrior who has died an inglorious death and must prove herself to the gods to enter Valhalla.

Jotun’s hand-drawn art style is one of its most striking features. The game’s world is rendered in a beautiful and ethereal style, with vibrant colors and intricate details. The character designs are also top-notch, with Thora and the various jotun (Norse giants) being particularly well-realized.

The gameplay in Jotun is a mix of action and exploration. Players will travel through a variety of environments, fighting enemies and solving puzzles. The combat is fast-paced and satisfying, with Thora wielding a variety of weapons and abilities. The puzzles are also well-designed, and they often require players to use their wits to progress.

One of the things that makes Jotun so unique is its focus on Norse mythology. The game’s story is heavily inspired by Norse myths and legends, and players will encounter a variety of creatures and characters from Norse mythology, including jotun, valkyries, and even the gods themselves.

The bosses in Jotun are some of the most memorable and challenging in gaming. Each boss is a unique and formidable foe, and players will need to use all of their skills and abilities to defeat them. The final boss, Surtr, is a particularly epic encounter that will test players’ skills to the limit.

Jotun was a critical and commercial success, and it has been praised for its beautiful art style, engaging gameplay, and unique setting. The game has also been nominated for a number of awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Visual Art.

Gameplay

Jotun is a 2D action-exploration game with a focus on combat and puzzle-solving. Players control Thora, a Norse warrior who must travel through a variety of environments and defeat a number of jotun in order to prove herself to the gods and enter Valhalla.

The combat in Jotun is fast-paced and satisfying. Thora can wield a variety of weapons and abilities, including a sword, axe, and bow. She can also use her Valkyrie wings to dodge attacks and perform special moves.

The puzzles in Jotun are also well-designed. They often require players to use their wits and the environment to progress. For example, one puzzle requires players to use a mirror to reflect a beam of light onto a switch.

Setting

Jotun is set in Norse mythology. Players will travel through a variety of environments, including forests, mountains, and caves. They will also encounter a variety of creatures and characters from Norse mythology, including jotun, valkyries, and even the gods themselves.

The game’s art style is heavily inspired by Norse art and mythology. The characters and environments are rendered in a beautiful and ethereal style, with vibrant colors and intricate details.

Characters

Thora: The protagonist of Jotun. Thora is a Norse warrior who has died an inglorious death and must prove herself to the gods to enter Valhalla.
The Jotun: The antagonists of Jotun. The jotun are a race of Norse giants who are opposed to the gods.
The Valkyries: The Valkyries are a group of female warriors who serve the gods. They are responsible for choosing who will be allowed to enter Valhalla.
The Gods: The gods are the rulers of Asgard, the home of the gods. They are responsible for maintaining order in the world.

Themes

Jotun explores a number of themes, including:

Death and the afterlife: Thora must come to terms with her own death and prove herself worthy of entering Valhalla.
The power of nature: The jotun represent the forces of nature, and Thora must learn to harness their power in order to defeat them.
The importance of courage: Thora must face her fears and overcome great challenges in order to achieve her goals.

Reception

Jotun was a critical and commercial success. The game was praised for its beautiful art style, engaging gameplay, and unique setting. It was also nominated for a number of awards, including the Independent Games Festival Award for Excellence in Visual Art.

Legacy

Jotun is a unique and memorable action-exploration game that has left a lasting legacy on the gaming industry. The game’s beautiful art style, engaging gameplay, and unique setting have made it a favorite among gamers and critics alike. Jotun is a must-play for fans of action-exploration games, Norse mythology, and beautiful art.