Heimdall (video game)

The 8th Day

Company type	Video game developer
Industry	Video games
Headquarters	United Kingdom
Products	Heimdall, Heimdall 2

Heimdall is an action role-playing game crafted by The 8th Day and published by Core Design. Initially launched in 1991 for the Amiga, it was subsequently adapted for Atari ST and DOS platforms in 1992, with a Sega Mega-CD edition arriving in 1994. The gameplay merges elements of puzzle-solving, exploration, and real-time combat as players embark on a quest across islands to retrieve legendary weapons from Norse mythology. Upon release, the game was generally well-received, although the console version garnered mixed opinions.

In 1994, the same developer introduced a follow-up titled Heimdall 2.

Gameplay

At the outset, players control Heimdall through various arcade-style challenges such as axe throwing, boar hunting, and ship battles. Performance in these trials influences character attributes and the selection of crew members. Following these tests, players choose five companions to accompany Heimdall, who assumes the role of "Chieftain." Available crew roles include Warrior, Wizard, Shipwright, Navigator, Druid, Blacksmith, and Berserker, each bringing unique abilities that affect both combat scenarios and exploration tasks. The primary attribute to monitor is Energy; it can be replenished by consuming food items but will lead to death if fully depleted unless magical revival is used.

The game features three distinct modes: Navigation Map, Island Exploration, and Combat. During Island Exploration, presented from an isometric perspective, Heimdall and two selected crew members navigate islands teeming with traps and creatures drawn from Norse legend. Players discover weapons, scrolls, gold, and food either through combat or exploration. Certain non-player characters function as merchants for buying and selling items.

Combat begins upon encountering enemies and involves one character at a time engaging foes using melee weapons such as swords or axes or by casting spells. This real-time fighting rewards successful players with loot obtained from defeated adversaries.

The Navigation Map mode facilitates world traversal and party management. Players travel between interconnected islands to advance quests spanning three major realms. This mode also allows inventory adjustments and crew reorganization to enhance effectiveness during exploration and battles.

Plot

The storyline opens with the Norse god Loki stealing three powerful weapons: Odin's sword, Freyr's spear, and Thor's hammer, which he conceals within the human Viking realm. Rendered powerless by this theft, the gods orchestrate the birth of a mortal child destined to reclaim these artifacts. In a Viking settlement, a young woman gives birth to Heimdall through magical means. Upon reaching maturity and completing initial trials, Heimdall embarks on a journey across Utgard, Midgard, and Asgard, facing numerous traps and mythological beasts. Ultimately, he returns with the recovered weapons and is honored by the gods as one of their own.

Reception

Computer Gaming World observed that Heimdall primarily appeals to newcomers to role-playing games while suggesting that seasoned players might prefer more complex titles. Reviewer Gary Whitta awarded the Amiga version a score of 895 out of 1000, commending its diverse gameplay mechanics, cartoon-like visuals, and lasting appeal.

The Sega CD edition received varied critiques; GamePro characterized its exploration graphics as average but noted improved combat visuals. The soundtrack was described as unobtrusive but below expectations for a CD-based game. Similar to Computer Gaming World, they recommended it mainly for beginners rather than experienced fans of the genre.