TL;DR
Niffelheim brings Norse mythology to your iOS device with a focus on exploration, resource gathering, and crafting, all wrapped in impressive graphics and environmental effects. You'll battle enemies, gather materials to build your castle and upgrade your gear, but be warned: death comes with a penalty and combat often devolves into a repetitive grind reliant on brute force rather than strategy. If you enjoy games where progression is driven by resource management and don't mind a less tactical combat system, this might be your next adventure. Discover if its ambitious scope and visuals are enough to overcome its grindy nature – read the full review to find out!
Niffelheim (derived from Nifelheim or Nivelheim), in Norse mythology, designates the northern realm of ice and, metaphorically, the subterranean land of the dead. Initially released in 2016, Niffelheim is now available for iOS, enabling gameplay on your iPhone, iPad, or even Apple TV.
Players control a character with lateral movement capabilities, complemented by a range of interactive options. These include combat, resource gathering (wood, herbs, etc.), and crafting. The game world features numerous accessible doors and entrances, indicating a vast and explorable environment. Niffelheim boasts extensive upgrade possibilities. The graphics are well-rendered, showcasing environmental details like weather effects that enhance depth and immersion. However, enemy AI is simplistic, resulting in attrition-based combat encounters. Success hinges on possessing superior strength, armor, and weaponry, rather than strategic skill. Upon death, the character’s total health points are reduced (requiring subsequent rebuilding), and players must retrieve their corpse, a common roguelike mechanic. Progression relies heavily on resource accumulation, essential for crafting effective equipment and overcoming challenges.
A core concern is that Niffelheim can devolve into a repetitive grind, undermining its entertainment value. The necessity of acquiring every minor resource to progress and engage enemies can feel more like a chore than engaging gameplay. A more nuanced combat system, where skill influences outcomes, would significantly improve the experience. Currently, combat primarily involves sustained button presses until resolution.
The initial gameplay loop often involves repeated deaths, leading to increased vulnerability and accelerated demise. Gameplay can transition into a resource-gathering simulation. Collected items are used either in crafting or for constructing armor and weapons. Players also have the option to build and furnish their castle.
In conclusion, Niffelheim did not fully resonate, primarily because its core mechanics are not aligned with preferred gameplay styles. The desire for gameplay where skill impacts the result, rather than inventory management, remains unmet. However, the game features strong graphics and ambitious scope, making it a potentially worthwhile investment for iOS users who appreciate the genre.
