If you have no interest in digital art or nor an digital artist then the 8 hour teaser must’ve been a grueling experience. While the wait was long, we do however recommend to check out BossLogic‘s works through his Social Medias. Nonetheless the teaser itself has finally confirmed the previous leaks that has been going around for quite some time. This time we are heading into the dark ages of the vikings.
After the release of the Cinematic trailer, more information has started to trickle down from the background of the story to the driving force in the lore as well as what you will be getting from pre-orders. Without further ado, let us break things down.
What is Assassin’s Creed Valhalla?
The Assassin’s Creed series has always pride itself in its historical accuracy while blending in changes to fit into game-play. This is no different as well. Valhalla takes place around the end of the ninth century where the Norse tribes are leaving Scandinavia in search of a new settlement.
Based on the art reveal as well as the cinematic trailer, the story will take place in Norway and in the process towards England. It is also a period where England was a multi-ethnic society and was dominated by the Anglo-Saxons.
The journey of the vikings will also place them in the eyes of King Aelfred. According to Darby McDevit, the narrative director, he is the only English king of Wessex at the southern England. He is considered as the strongest of many kings as he was the only that was able to repel back the viking invasion. Furthermore, King Aelfred is also the voice that narrates in entire cinematic trailer.
Who will be taking lead in the story?
In Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, you will be placed in the shoes of Eivor. Much like in Odyssey, Eivor can be played as either a male or a female. Eivor is a viking raider from Norway that will lead the tribe to find a new home.
According to Thierry Noël, a historian, the main reason for Eivor to lead the tribe out is still highly debatable. Nonetheless, it is during the Dark Ages where endless wars and conflict has resulted in the scarcity of resources and land. While Noël and the developers did not reveal much but we will definitely know more as the game development progresses.
We highly encourage to check out Ubisoft’s blog to read further details on the history and more by Thierry Noël.
Whats new in Valhalla?
As what you come to expect a game the revolves around vikings, there will be raids and there will epic scale battles. The way a viking fights is all about ruthlessness and exuding much raw energy as you charge towards the enemy. The game-play battle promises to be very visceral and violent.
As a viking, your repertoire of weapons include dual axes, swords and shields. However, lets not forget about the staple weapon in any Assassin’s Creed game, the Hidden Blade.
As seen in the cinematic trailer and confirmed by Ashraf Ismail, the creative director of the game, there will be raids featured in the game. As a viking raider, you will be leading a crew and launch surprise attacks on Saxon armies as well as invade fortresses throughout the English land.
A new feature this time around is the ability to customize and grow your settlement. You have the ability to build and upgrade structures such as barracks, blacksmith and even a tattoo parlour. As you progress in the game, you will be able unlock further features of the settlement.
Another cool feature added is the ability to to recruit mercenary vikings by other players. You can also create and customize your very own mercenary and share with other players. Rewards will be earned as other players recruit your mercenary and fight in their battles.
What is in the package?
Pre-orders for the game is already open through the Ubisoft webpage.
In following the traditions of Ubisoft games, there will be four Editions to choose from.
Standard Edition as one would expect is just the base game.
Gold Edition includes:
- Base game
- Season Pass
Ultimate Edition includes:
- Ultimate edition of the game
- Season Pass
- Ultimate Packs: equipment sets, settlement items, a ship and a set of Runes
The major highlight of will definitely be the Collector’s Edition which include:
- Ultimate Edition of the game
- 30 cm replica of female Eivor
- Collector’s Steelbook case
- Soundtrack CD
- 5 cm male Eivor Viking Statuette
- A certificate of Authenticity
- 3 sets of Lithographs
All pre-orders will be entitled to get an extra bonus mission called The Way of The Berserker.
When is it coming out?
Assassin’s Creed Valhalla is set for Holiday 2020 and will be released on all current platforms which include PS4, Xbox One, PC and Stadia. That said, the game is considered a next gen title hence it will be launch also on the PS5 and Xbox Series X.
