Playing History: Vikings is the third, and currently last, release in the Playing History series. While this installment is yet another point and click like its predecessors, the game has gotten a major graphical overhaul and many new mechanics that make it stand out beyond the previous titles. This includes the ability to maneuver the camera, and completely explore a level without having to transition to, or load another screen.
You will take on the role of Erik, starting during his preteen years up through his early adult life. Along the way you will meet many friends and foes, and you will engage in a few minigames; sparring, delivering trade goods, sailing, and more. The title focuses more on having a storyline rather than presenting any facts, although pupils will learn about Aesir and Vanir gods and goddesses, along with tip-of-the-iceberg quality information about viking beliefs and customs. One aspect that is rather annoying, is that the voice overs are done in a different language; which I suppose was the developer's way of trying to add authenticity to the game, but instead it distracts from reading the dialogue more often than not.
During your journey throughout the five chapters, there are coins and hammers to collect, as well as Chrono-Busts to perform; as in previous titles, you still have the Chrono Goggles that you can use when you see an item or person that does not belong within the time period that the game is set in. Finding these items gives you bonus facts as rewards, and for every three hammers you collect, you get another skill from the gods, however the coins do not grant anything other than achievements. If you take into account all of the collecting, the game will last around two hours; without collecting, you're looking at roughly 40 minutes of play time.
Along the way, you will also unlock several skills to use in combat, and you will have the choice between two skills each time. The combat in the game is very simple, but there is one battle during chapter three that is so difficult that the developer even said he did not complete it... which makes me wonder why, if the creator of the game cannot even beat it, is it even present within a title intended for children. Winning or failing the battle makes no difference in the long run, but it's still a major pain for any achievement hunter.
For the most part, Playing History: Vikings is a fun little game, and it plays far better than either of its predecessors. The aforementioned battle, and the silly sailing minigames, are the only real frustrating points of the gameplay. While the developer claims that the target audience is intended for 8-14 year olds, I would say that due to the complexity of the game, it's better suited for 10-14 year olds. Younger children may find themselves frustrated with the sparring and sailing minigames. For the price and the content within, it's not a bad game at all, although the game is sorely lacking any music or soundtrack.
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