Note I'm really only reviewing this game based on a multiplayer experience, which is the reason I bought it. I'll also be comparing it to Nidhogg [1], which may seem irrelevant to anyone who hasn't played it. I also originally gave it a thumbs down based on terrible framerate and crashes. For now I've resolved that so changed my review.

I really wanted to love this game, and despite some of the other reviews here I really like the grotesque art style. I think it's a fitting succession from Nidhogg 1.


*Note on performance*
My main problem with this game is performance. I have a pretty decent PC that can run games like Witcher 3 with high specs, but for some reason this game is sluggish as hell, even on medium settings - which suprises me considering it's sprites. So I'm running it on low and only sometimes get framerate issues. I'll give the game benefit of the doubt and blame windows. The video above shows the game running smoothly, however that may be altered for the trailer?

On my 2017 Macbook pro it sometimes crashes with a fatal error! I know this is due to it opening windowed, but it seems out of my control when it comes to a fix. When it runs, it works well, although I still run into framerate issues on 'High' setting.
-----

While this game is a successor to Nidhogg [1], it feels like a step backwards and several areas. I'll start with spawning, it doesn't happen often enough, and when it does you will most find yourself on the wrong side of the screen (e.g. you'll be spawned left to a player who is running right). Ultimately you will find yourself waiting for your opponent to get to the next screen. This can be made worse with the random weapon generation, if you spawn with a bow, the odds are against you...

Speaking of, the addition of the bow, sword and dagger seem like great developments, however I feel they lack any design or weighting that benefits the game. I still find the sabre the most well rounded.


*Sabre*
Works great. Well rounded. No suprises.

*The Sword*
The sword is cool, it has stronger damage,and you can easily knock weapons out of opponents hands or kill them with a single strike. It's great, just like the sabre. Some say it's overpowered... but I've managed to successfully beat it with a sabre.

*The Bow*
The bow is slow to fire, and arrows can be reversed, meaning it has less benefit than throwing a sword, as you have more chance of ending up dead. Because of the slow fire rate, jumping and firing was either non-existent or extremely hard to utilize. In situations where both me and my opponent had a bow, it was a matter of either thowing it away and grabbing a knife or dying and waiting to respawn with something else. If the game is running slow, this weapon is pretty unbearable.


*Dagger*
This again seems like a useless addition, as it's short blade means you're likely to get skewered by a longer blade. I didn't see any advantage to throwing it or jumping and attacking. It's alright when you're fighting aother dagger, bow or melee opponent.


*Melee*
Still great, now with more kicking and stomping. I actually find this a bit better than the predecessor, as it seems more controlled and predictable

It's worth mentioning that all weapons can be turned on or off... so despte the bows disadvantages gainst other weapons, maybe you'll enjoy a game consisting of "bows only".

*Aesthetics*
The new levels and reimagining of old favourites are great. Again, I love the art style and these levels are visually STUNNING. It's so nice to have more variation.

So many people are saying they wont get this game based on the style, that I can't understand*. The original was lo-fi and quirky, but this one is really special. If you don't like tastefully drawn mutated skin, poo, anuses etc etc, then fine, avoid. To me it is incredibly fitting for the hellish landscape where you're racing to sacrifice yourself to the Nidhogg.

(* on the community page, someone is complaining this isn't appropriate for kids. Seems like a stupid argument given the cartoony nature, and plethora of other more violent games out there. On top of that, not all games need to be made with kids in mind.)

The levels have beautiful colouring, detail and animation. You can also customise the look of your character. No huge advantage, but nice if you don't like orange or yellow.

There's also a nice little addition to the HUD which shows who's got the advantage and which screen you're on.

As per the last game, the music is exceptional.


*Overall*
If you are having performance issues, try and persevere and lower settings. If you're on a crashing mac, update steam. I wouldn't recommend it over the original, but if you want something more, its great.

TLDR:

Pros
Great art style
Awesome level design and variety
Customisation is a nice touch
Great sound
Fun

Cons:
Bad performance in my case (tried mac and PC)
Pointless-ish weapon additions
Frustrating spawning
Not as tight as the original.


If you don't have Nidhogg 1, get that. If you need more, then maybe consider this.

Note I'm really only reviewing this game based on a multiplayer experience, which is the reason I bought it. I'll also be comparing it to Nidhogg [1], which may seem irrelevant to anyone who hasn't played it. I also originally gave it a thumbs down based on terrible framerate and crashes. For now I've resolved that so changed my review. I really wanted to love this game, and despite some of the other reviews here I really like the grotesque art style. I think it's a fitting succession from Nidhogg 1. *Note on performance* My main problem with this game is performance. I have a pretty decent PC that can run games like Witcher 3 with high specs, but for some reason this game is sluggish as hell, even on medium settings - which suprises me considering it's sprites. So I'm running it on low and only sometimes get framerate issues. I'll give the game benefit of the doubt and blame windows. The video above shows the game running smoothly, however that may be altered for the trailer? On my 2017 Macbook pro it sometimes crashes with a fatal error! I know this is due to it opening windowed, but it seems out of my control when it comes to a fix. When it runs, it works well, although I still run into framerate issues on 'High' setting. ----- While this game is a successor to Nidhogg [1], it feels like a step backwards and several areas. I'll start with spawning, it doesn't happen often enough, and when it does you will most find yourself on the wrong side of the screen (e.g. you'll be spawned left to a player who is running right). Ultimately you will find yourself waiting for your opponent to get to the next screen. This can be made worse with the random weapon generation, if you spawn with a bow, the odds are against you... Speaking of, the addition of the bow, sword and dagger seem like great developments, however I feel they lack any design or weighting that benefits the game. I still find the sabre the most well rounded. *Sabre* Works great. Well rounded. No suprises. *The Sword* The sword is cool, it has stronger damage,and you can easily knock weapons out of opponents hands or kill them with a single strike. It's great, just like the sabre. Some say it's overpowered... but I've managed to successfully beat it with a sabre. *The Bow* The bow is slow to fire, and arrows can be reversed, meaning it has less benefit than throwing a sword, as you have more chance of ending up dead. Because of the slow fire rate, jumping and firing was either non-existent or extremely hard to utilize. In situations where both me and my opponent had a bow, it was a matter of either thowing it away and grabbing a knife or dying and waiting to respawn with something else. If the game is running slow, this weapon is pretty unbearable. *Dagger* This again seems like a useless addition, as it's short blade means you're likely to get skewered by a longer blade. I didn't see any advantage to throwing it or jumping and attacking. It's alright when you're fighting aother dagger, bow or melee opponent. *Melee* Still great, now with more kicking and stomping. I actually find this a bit better than the predecessor, as it seems more controlled and predictable It's worth mentioning that all weapons can be turned on or off... so despte the bows disadvantages gainst other weapons, maybe you'll enjoy a game consisting of "bows only". *Aesthetics* The new levels and reimagining of old favourites are great. Again, I love the art style and these levels are visually STUNNING. It's so nice to have more variation. So many people are saying they wont get this game based on the style, that I can't understand*. The original was lo-fi and quirky, but this one is really special. If you don't like tastefully drawn mutated skin, poo, anuses etc etc, then fine, avoid. To me it is incredibly fitting for the hellish landscape where you're racing to sacrifice yourself to the Nidhogg. (* on the community page, someone is complaining this isn't appropriate for kids. Seems like a stupid argument given the cartoony nature, and plethora of other more violent games out there. On top of that, not all games need to be made with kids in mind.) The levels have beautiful colouring, detail and animation. You can also customise the look of your character. No huge advantage, but nice if you don't like orange or yellow. There's also a nice little addition to the HUD which shows who's got the advantage and which screen you're on. As per the last game, the music is exceptional. *Overall* If you are having performance issues, try and persevere and lower settings. If you're on a crashing mac, update steam. I wouldn't recommend it over the original, but if you want something more, its great. TLDR: Pros Great art style Awesome level design and variety Customisation is a nice touch Great sound Fun Cons: Bad performance in my case (tried mac and PC) Pointless-ish weapon additions Frustrating spawning Not as tight as the original. If you don't have Nidhogg 1, get that. If you need more, then maybe consider this.