Summary
Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel is a promising and ambitious entry in the roguelike horde-survivor genre. Its combination of high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and deep progression systems offers a compelling experience for both genre veterans and newcomers. While there are areas that need improvement—such as performance optimization, music variety, and skill balance—the game’s Early Access status provides an opportunity for these issues to be addressed. As it stands, Jotunnslayer is a title worth exploring for anyone seeking a challenging and immersive adventure through the perilous realms of Norse mythology. With its strong foundation and the developers’ dedication to continuous improvement, the game has the potential to become a definitive entry in the genre.
Developer – Games Farm, ARTillery
Publisher – Grindstone
Platforms – PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Publisher
NOTE:
The following game is being reviewed in an Early Access State, the game may change after the release of this review, this review reflects the game at the time of publishing.


Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel is a roguelike horde-survivor game that immerses players in the dark, treacherous, and mythologically rich world of Norse legends. The game challenges players to step into the boots of one of several cursed heroes, each doomed to endure the trials set forth by the gods. These trials involve battling relentless waves of mythical adversaries, ranging from lesser minions to towering bosses, all while striving to survive and prove their worth. The ultimate goal is to conquer all challenges and earn the revered title of the Jotunnslayer, a champion capable of standing against the Hordes of Hel. This narrative framework not only provides a compelling backdrop but also fuels the player’s drive to push through the game’s intense, action-packed gameplay.
One of the most striking aspects of Jotunnslayer is its exceptional graphical fidelity. In a genre often dominated by cartoony or pixelated aesthetics, the game stands out with its high-quality visuals that rival those of AAA titles like Diablo. The character models are intricately detailed, showcasing the unique designs of each hero and enemy. The environments are equally impressive, with richly designed landscapes that capture the haunting beauty and foreboding atmosphere of the Nine Worlds. From the icy, desolate plains of Niflheim to the fiery, volcanic terrain of Muspelheim, each location feels distinct and immersive, drawing players deeper into the game’s mythological setting.

The gameplay itself is both exhilarating and demanding, offering a perfect blend of fast-paced combat and strategic decision-making. Players must fend off endless waves of enemies, each more formidable than the last, while managing resources, dodging attacks, and executing precise maneuvers. Each run introduces a variety of objectives, culminating in epic boss battles that test both skill and endurance. Success in these trials rewards players with divine blessings from ancient Viking deities, which enhance their abilities and provide a tangible sense of progression. These blessings, combined with the game’s meta-progression system, ensure that even failed runs contribute to the player’s overall growth, making every attempt feel meaningful.
The roster of playable characters is another standout feature, offering a diverse selection of heroes, each with unique skills, abilities, and weapons. This variety allows players to experiment with different playstyles, whether they prefer close-quarters combat, ranged attacks, or strategic support roles. The game further deepens its gameplay mechanics through the introduction of “god skills”—cross-class permanent passives—and “class skills,” which are specific to each character. This combination encourages players to mix and match abilities, creating unique builds tailored to their preferred strategies. The result is a gameplay experience that feels fresh and dynamic, with countless possibilities for customization and experimentation.
The meta-progression system is a key component of Jotunnslayer’s appeal, offering a wealth of unlockable perks, in-game skills, and upgrades. As players progress, they gain access to new abilities, weapons, and bonuses that allow them to refine their playstyles and improve their chances of survival. This system ensures that each run contributes to the player’s overall progression, even in the face of failure. It also adds a layer of replayability, as players are incentivized to revisit earlier levels and challenges to unlock new content and strengthen their characters.

Currently, the Early Access version of the game includes four playable heroes and two distinct levels: Niflheim and Muspelheim. These levels are just the beginning, as the developers have teased the addition of three more realms—Midgard, Jotunnheim, and Alfheim—in future updates. Each level promises unique environments, enemies, and challenges, ensuring that the gameplay remains fresh and engaging. The inclusion of these new realms will not only expand the game’s world but also provide players with new opportunities to test their skills and strategies.

However, as with any Early Access title, Jotunnslayer is not without its flaws. Some players have reported performance issues, particularly during intense boss encounters, where frame rates can drop significantly. These issues have been noted on both Steam Deck and PC platforms, and while the developers have been proactive in releasing hotfixes, some performance concerns persist. Additionally, the game’s music has been described as repetitive by some players, which can detract from the overall immersion during extended play sessions. While the soundtrack effectively captures the game’s Norse aesthetic, a greater variety of tracks could enhance the experience.

Another area for improvement lies in the balance of skills and abilities. While the game offers a wide array of options for customization, some players feel that certain skills are overpowered or underutilized, leading to a tendency to favor specific builds over others. This can result in a less diverse gameplay experience, as players may opt to cherry-pick the most effective skills rather than experimenting with different combinations. Addressing these balance issues could further enrich the game’s strategic depth and encourage greater variety in playstyles.
Despite these drawbacks, Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel excels at creating a solid gameplay loop with considerable replay value. The combination of intense combat, character progression, and the allure of unlocking new content keeps players engaged for hours on end. The game’s impressive visuals and unique take on Norse mythology further enhance its appeal, making it a standout title in the crowded roguelike genre. The developers have demonstrated a strong commitment to expanding and refining the game during its Early Access period, with plans to introduce more levels, unique heroes, and new challenges and mechanics. This ongoing development, coupled with the active involvement of the community, bodes well for the game’s future.

Jotunnslayer: Hordes of Hel is a promising and ambitious entry in the roguelike horde-survivor genre. Its combination of high-quality graphics, engaging gameplay, and deep progression systems offers a compelling experience for both genre veterans and newcomers. While there are areas that need improvement—such as performance optimization, music variety, and skill balance—the game’s Early Access status provides an opportunity for these issues to be addressed. As it stands, Jotunnslayer is a title worth exploring for anyone seeking a challenging and immersive adventure through the perilous realms of Norse mythology. With its strong foundation and the developers’ dedication to continuous improvement, the game has the potential to become a definitive entry in the genre.