Sunday, November 10, 2024

Breaking Through Bridges and (Almost) Breaking Bulbs in Asgard’s Wrath

I'm so happy I was able to play Asgard's Wrath again this weekend!  Jumping back in to play this game again was difficult for me for some reason.  I don't know if VR just felt too athletic an experience right now or if I was just too into Diablo, Brawl Stars, and all that other stuff I've been playing. I don't want to say I've been lazy with it, just haven't really been heavily wanting to play this game when I sit down . . . more like . . . lemme just veg out. 

That all said, I’ve made some progress in Asgard’s Wrath over the weekend! I’ve officially unlocked Astrid as a companion, which has added a whole new dynamic to the game. She's an Eagle Valkyrie with some solid ranged attacks. There’s something about her that feels cool. So far, she’s been essential not just for story but also for helping me navigate the game’s many puzzles.

EAGLE POWA!

And let me tell you, these puzzles are part of what make Asgard’s Wrath so satisfying. I do hope they get a bit more difficult as I go on here. Case in point: the recent God Puzzle challenge I encountered, the solution was pretty simple. I just had to grab a few pieces and assemble a broken bridge to allow my avatar to get across. Easy. If it's anything like my experience in AW2, it'll get much more complex later in the game.

Easy, make a bridge from two pieces. Got it.

The next puzzle I encountered however was more involved and brought Astrid into the mix. This time, I needed to lower a bridge to retrieve a handle, which was essential to get me ready for the upcoming fight with Tyr’s bruiser. The trick here was using Astrid's wind wings to blow a windmill that adjusted the wooden stops on either side of the bridge. The puzzle demanded some patience at first because I wasn't understanding what my eyes were seeing. I had to pay close attention to the stops on the right and left sides as the bridge lowered, making sure it hit just the right angle. After a bit of trial and error, the bridge finally lined up, and I got what I needed. It’s these kinds of puzzles, sprinkled throughout the gameplay, that make the world feel interactive and alive.

Lower a bridge . . . seemed easy enough at first.

Speaking of the Tyr’s Bruiser, that mini-boss fight was no joke. He’s one of those Etins who doesn’t give you much breathing room, and timing is everything. After blowing up the meteor above his head while he was summoning it a few times, it was game over and the game actually asked me to rip his two heads off, which was incredibly satisfying. Ripping the heads off an ettin wasn't on my dance card this weekend, but I'm so glad it happened.

Add another defeated enemy to the codex!

Overall I'd say my biggest hurdle to returning to play Asgard's Wrath again is simply parrying. After taking a break from the game, my timing was completely off, and I could feel it in every swing. Each missed parry is a reminder that this game’s combat demands a bit more precision than just sword wagging on an enemy. I’m slowly shaking off the rust, but getting that timing back has been a challenge all its own. 

Of course, the bruiser wasn’t the only danger I faced this weekend. In the heat of battle, I managed to pull off some accidental real-world damage to my finger—thanks to my current VR setup. Right now, my playspace has its own hazards: the most worrisome being a ceiling fan with exposed bulbs. I’m genuinely surprised I haven’t shattered a bulb by now. If I don’t swap out this fan for a regular light fixture soon, there’s bound to be an incident, especially since games like Asgard’s Wrath require some serious arm-swinging action.

Bandaid please!

In short, Asgard’s Wrath continues to keep me hooked with its thoughtful puzzles, intense battles, and a world that feels surprisingly immersive. Astrid’s arrival has marked a new phase in the adventure, adding a bit of guidance and grounding to the otherwise chaotic Norse world I’m navigating. Here’s hoping that next time, I’ll nail those parries without needing a Band-Aid in real life!

Happy Dueling!

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