REVIEW: Griefhelm on PC (Steam)

Review by Jon Donnis

I was kindly sent a review code by Renaissance PR

Griefhelm is a tactical dueling game set during medieval times, so no laser guns people, just big swords and shields.

Unlike your typical beat em up, there is no 100 hit combo, or coming back after being hit 50 times, Griefhelm takes a realistic approach in that a few hits and you are dead, and the same with your enemies. They attack you, you deflect or defend their blows and when you see an opening you take your chance to strike.

This is a 2D fighting game, but with very striking graphics, the backgrounds are beautiful and the characters look great. You progress through the game by choosing different routes on a map, different locations will give different benefits, you have 5 "lives" and no saves as such, in other words you cant keep trying to beat an opponent by loading up a save point. And yes you can kill an opponent with just one hit. You have three ways of attacking, low, mid and high attacks. If using a gamepad, as I did, you use the right stick to choose your attack, but this position will also decide how you will defend, if you match the attack of your opponent with your defensive position you will parry their attack which allows you to then go in for the kill.

Trust me hack and slash won't work here outside of the first level. You can't luck your way through this game, there is a specific way to attack and defend and for you to progress you have to follow that way. And this means a steep learning curve.

There are multiple weapons to collect, each are different, but are controlled in basically the same way.

As you play through the story you will encounter different styles of fight, from one on one, to "tug of war" which has nothing to do with pulling a rope, you beat opponents and get closer to their side of the screen and once you have beaten enough you will win that level, you will lose if they push you back far enough. There is also a horde mode, and of course you will have your fair share of bosses to beat.

There is also multiplayer mode, but I have not been able to play that.

The Good

Graphically impressive.

The Bad

I was hoping for more of a medieval beatem up, so for me this game was a bit limited in what it offered.

Summary

Just didn't quite offer enough for me as a whole, and although it tries to add longevity with different weapons, armour and so on, it just wasn't quite enough.

I score this game 5/10

Prove Yourself Worthy and Ascend to Griefhelm

Developer Johnny Dale Lonack and Thorrnet Publishing are thrilled to announce that the highly anticipated medieval tactical duelling game Griefhelm, will launch on PC via Steam today.

https://store.steampowered.com/app/1125330/Griefhelm/

Set in a deadly, violent medieval world, Griefhelm is an award-winning* tactical duelling game with lethal medieval weaponry. Wage battle and skewer your enemies, deflect their blows, and push your advantage as your tactically overcome foes in fast-paced duels. Every engagement begins a new dance to the death as warriors search for an opening. Master the art of combat to overcome your enemies and claim victory.

Experience a challenging, replayable campaign that will test the limits of your abilities on the battlefield. The replayable campaign will react to the paths you choose from over 500 narrative responses making each campaign run through feel fresh. Share your best battlefield experiences as each campaign can be played co-op with a friend or you can go solo and test your brutal skills as you take on the hordes of sword wielding enemies. Up to 4 players can battle it out in local multiplayer so you can fight with or against friends without leaving the safety of your couch! Abandon the heresy of peaceful rest. Reach out and lay claim to your eternal reward.

There are four factions represented in the world of Griefhelm, The Flames of Thorny Mountain, First Comet Alliance, The Brilliant Dawn Corps and the Order of the Emerald Scale, each with their own unique history, loyalties and preferences. Players can join a faction and carry its colours onto the battlefield during multiplayer battles, but choose wisely as your place in Griefhelm may depend on it.

Features of Griefhelm: 
Master fast, white-knuckle combat using a wide arsenal of medieval weaponry including long swords, flails and spears.
Use torches and flame weapons to set fire to your opponents or take to horse back for a tactical advantage as your enemies attack.
Challenge a dynamic, replayable campaign and claim your reward in Griefhelm.
Battle with or against your friends with online matchmaking.
Slay on the same couch with up to 4 people in local multiplayer.
Visually striking art style and hand crafted environments bring the world of Griefhelm to life.

Griefhelm will be available to purchase for PC via Steam today for £15.49GBP / $19.99USD / €16.79EUR

Griefhelm - Medieval Tactical Dueling Game Arriving on PC This Summer

Developer Johnny Dale Lonack and Thorrnet Publishing have announced that following a hugely successful debut during the Summer Steam Game Festival the highly anticipated medieval tactical dueling game Griefhelm, will be slashing its way onto PC on August 20, 2020.

Set in a deadly, violent medieval world, Griefhelm is an award-winning tactical dueling game with lethal medieval weaponry. Wage battle and skewer your enemies, deflect their blows, and push your advantage as your tactically overcome foes in fast-paced duels. Every engagement begins a new dance to the death as warriors search for an opening. Master the art of combat to overcome your enemies and claim victory.

Experience a challenging, replayable campaign that will test the limits of your abilities on the battlefield. The replayable campaign will react to the paths you choose from over 500 narrative responses making each campaign run through feel fresh. Share your best battlefield experiences as each campaign can be played co-op with a friend or you can go solo and be a lone wolf testing your brutal skills as you take on the hordes of sword wielding enemies. Up to 4 players can battle it out in local multiplayer so you can fight with or against friends without leaving the safety of your couch! Abandon the heresy of peaceful rest. Reach out and lay claim to your eternal reward.

"We've been working hard to finish our tactical dueling game, Griefhelm, and are thrilled that we'll be launching this Summer" Commented Johnny Lonack, the game's solo developer. "I've been spurred on by the fantastic response during the Steam Game Festival, and can't wait to see players battle it out in online multiplayer!"

A new teaser trailer for Griefhelm has been released and provides a taste of the brutal medieval combat that awaits you on your quest for ultimate victory on the battlefield.


Features of Griefhelm:
Master fast, white-knuckle combat using a wide arsenal of medieval weaponry.
Challenge a dynamic, replayable campaign and claim your reward in Griefhelm.
Battle with or against your friends with online matchmaking.
Slay on the same couch with up to 4 people in local multiplayer.
Visually striking art style and hand crafted environments bring the world of Griefhelm to life.
Griefhelm will be available to purchase for PC via Steam on August 20, 2020.