TL;DR
Forget bloody battles! Helheim Hassle stars Bjørn, a Viking who dodged death, only to accidentally end up in Valhalla. Now, he's breaking out to save the day by solving hilarious, limb-detaching puzzles. This quirky adventure boasts sharp writing and inventive gameplay where dismembered parts are your tools. While the graphics are a bit basic, the sheer originality and engaging challenge make it a must-play for puzzle fans. Discover why this unique experience is a strong recommendation!
In Helheim Hassle, you play as Bjørn, a Viking unlike his brethren, who typically yearn for glorious battles and a coveted death leading to Valhalla. Bjørn, however, actively avoids combat. Fate intervenes, and after an unfortunate demise involving a brown bear, Bjørn inadvertently earns his place in Valhalla, much to his dismay. Years later, he is awakened by denizens of Helheim attempting to infiltrate the Viking afterlife. Sensing an opportunity to escape Valhalla, Bjørn joins their cause. His mission: to solve intricate puzzles, meet the Goddess Hel, and secure passage to Helheim.
The premise of Helheim Hassle may seem unconventional, and indeed, the game world amplifies this eccentricity. The dialogue is sharp and engaging, the characters are larger than life, and the puzzles necessitate innovative problem-solving. Bjørn’s deceased state allows for gameplay mechanics distinct from typical protagonists. Players can detach his arms, legs, and head to overcome obstacles. Combinations of body parts, such as head and arm, or arm and leg, are required to solve riddles. Utilizing two legs is also an option. Individual body parts can be controlled independently, and the absence of a head enables higher jumps.
This design facilitates a wide array of puzzle-solving approaches. Detaching the head and launching it to another platform, followed by body traversal and button activation, becomes a routine tactic.
Helheim Hassle is a highly enjoyable experience. It’s a clever and engaging puzzle game with a unique identity. The puzzles are both entertaining and challenging, complemented by a compelling and eccentric narrative. The game’s expansive world and the inclusion of a fast-travel system are welcome additions, providing numerous hours of entertainment at a reasonable price point.
A minor drawback of Helheim Hassle lies in its graphical presentation. While the gameplay is engaging, the visuals are simplistic, impacting the fluidity of animations. Additionally, one particular character’s frequent digressions can become somewhat grating, leading to sections where the game feels overly verbose.
In conclusion, Helheim Hassle receives a strong recommendation. It is a wildly entertaining puzzle game featuring, in my opinion, a truly original gameplay mechanic.
