King's Bounty: Warriors of the North (2012; Russian title «King's Bounty: Воин Севера») is a standalone game in the series, set in the world of King's Bounty: The Legend a generation later[1]. It was made by 1C-SoftClub rather than Katauri Interactive, the studio behind The Legend and Armored Princess; according to 3DNews, Katauri only advised the new team at the start of development[2][3][4].
Release
- It went on sale in Russia on 26 October 2012[4][5]; Steam lists 25 October 2012[1][6]. GameBanshee reported the release on Steam, GamersGate and at retail, in a normal and a Valhalla Edition[7].
- The Russian retail release came in a jewel case and a collector's DVD edition with a manual, a poster, five Valkyrie magnets and an in-game equipment set[5].
- The Valhalla Edition adds the in-game Valhalla Armor Set plus the soundtrack and wallpapers; the later Complete Edition bundles the game, that upgrade and the Ice and Fire add-on[8].
Story and gameplay
- The hero is Olaf, a Viking warrior and the youngest son of Tormund the Fierce, who must liberate the land of Nordig[1]. The Russian press text calls him the son of the konung of the Northlings and describes his war against the undead that have overrun the northern lands of Endoria — from the icy wastes and the dwarves' dungeons to the kingdom of Darion itself[5].
- The three classes are the Viking, the Skald and the Volkhv — the series' warrior, paladin and mage[2].
- Olaf is aided by five Valkyries[1].
- Rune Magic is the new school: units spend runes for powerful temporary bonuses in battle, one rune per turn from their own stock[1][2].
- New Viking-inspired units include Berserkers and Skalds[1]; the full roster is on Warriors of the North — factions and creatures.
Ice and Fire
The add-on Ice and Fire («Лёд и пламя») was announced by 1C-SoftClub on 29 December 2013[9] and released on 30 January 2014[10][4]. Its story moves to a small island called the Ice Gardens, which has grown warmer, alarming its frost spirits and snow elves[9]. It adds a unit experience system, the Snow Elves as a new faction, the Necrolizards as a new enemy and, per the store page, over 20 hours of play; Steam credits Revultive Games as its developer[10].
Reception
- Metacritic: 74 from 14 critic reviews[6].
- 3DNews found that it falls short of the adventures of Bill Gilbert and Princess Amelie in many respects, though still worth playing for fans[2].
The series continued with Dark Side (2014). The game is sold digitally — see where to buy the King's Bounty games.