Summary
Roots of Yggdrasil had the potential to offer a unique blend of mythology and gameplay, but its inability to break free from the shackles of repetitiveness and lackluster execution of key features relegates it to mediocrity. The vibrant world and diverse characters offer fleeting moments of intrigue, but they are ultimately overshadowed by the game’s failure to deliver a consistently engaging experience. Roots of Yggdrasil struggles to plant its roots firmly in the competitive landscape of roguelike city-building games.
Developer – ManaVoid Entertainment
Publisher – ManaVoid Entertainment, Indie Asylum
Platforms – PC (Reviewed)
Review copy given by Developer
Roots of Yggdrasil beckons players with the allure of a Norse Mythology-infused roguelike city-building experience, where the impending Ragnarok sets the stage for an epic journey. Unfortunately, despite its promising premise, the game stumbles early on, failing to weave a captivating narrative and maintain player interest in its repetitive gameplay.
At the core of the experience is the perpetual time loop that ensnares Sunna and her Viking tribe. The quest to ascend the fractured World Tree, Yggdrasil, should be an exhilarating adventure, but it quickly devolves into a monotonous grind. The urgency imposed by the looming Ginnungagap, coupled with the punishing reset mechanism, leaves players feeling trapped in a cycle devoid of meaningful progression.
The storytelling, a critical aspect for a game rooted in mythology, struggles to capture the imagination. The initial premise of facing Ragnarok and exploring the nine realms holds promise, but the narrative fails to evolve beyond a superficial backdrop. The lack of character development and an engaging plot leaves players yearning for a deeper connection with the game world.

The Holt, touted as the game’s central hub, is meant to be the heart of the experience. It serves as a permanent, customizable home where players can unlock upgrades and mechanics to aid in rebuilding their tribe. Unfortunately, the Holt’s potential to infuse vitality into the game is hindered by its inability to evolve dynamically. It becomes more of a routine pitstop rather than a thriving center of activity, failing to foster a sense of attachment.
The diverse cast of Scions, while visually appealing, falls short of expectations. The promised unique playstyles and modifiers each Scion brings to the table prove to be more cosmetic than transformative. The interactions lack depth, and the impact of these characters on gameplay feels inconsequential, robbing the game of the mythology-infused charm it could have achieved.
Procedural generation, a key selling point, attempts to inject variety into the game through randomly generated islands, encounters, and events. Yet, the excitement of exploring different biomes is overshadowed by the repetitive nature of the core gameplay. What initially feels like a promising feature soon reveals itself as a thin veil covering the lack of true diversity in the gameplay experience.

The drafting/deckbuilding hybrid system, while a commendable attempt to introduce variety, falls short of its potential impact on the overall experience. The customizable deck adds some strategic elements, but the lack of tangible consequences or meaningful choices undermines its significance. It becomes a mere distraction from the game’s overarching monotony rather than a compelling aspect driving engagement.

Roots of Yggdrasil had the potential to offer a unique blend of mythology and gameplay, but its inability to break free from the shackles of repetitiveness and lackluster execution of key features relegates it to mediocrity. The vibrant world and diverse characters offer fleeting moments of intrigue, but they are ultimately overshadowed by the game’s failure to deliver a consistently engaging experience. Roots of Yggdrasil struggles to plant its roots firmly in the competitive landscape of roguelike city-building games.