Assassin’s Creed Valhalla | Price, Specs and Gameplay

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Assassin's Creed Valhalla, a riveting 2020 action role-playing video game developed by Ubisoft Montreal and published by Ubisoft, stands as the twelfth major installment in the esteemed Assassin's Creed series, succeeding its predecessor, Assassin's Creed Odyssey, released in 2018. Immersed in the years 872–878 AD, the game unfolds an enthralling fictional tale amidst the Viking expansions into the British Isles.

Guided by the player, Eivor Varinsdottir, a daring Viking raider, endeavors to forge a new Viking clan in England but finds herself entangled in a centuries-old conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood, champions of peace and liberty, and the Templar Order, fervent advocates of peace through control. The game also presents a framing story, set in the 21st century, revolving around Layla Hassan, an Assassin who relives Eivor's memories, seeking a path to save Earth from impending destruction.

Commencing its development in 2017, around the release of Assassin's Creed Origins, Ubisoft Montreal spearheaded the three-year creation process, collaborating with fourteen other Ubisoft studios worldwide, including Sperasoft. Notably, several key figures involved in previous Assassin's Creed games rejoined the endeavor, including Ashraf Ismail, renowned creative director for Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag and Origins, and Darby McDevitt, esteemed lead writer for Black Flag, Assassin's Creed: Revelations, and co-writer of Assassin's Creed Unity. The exceptional musical talent of composers Jesper Kyd, Sarah Schachner, and musician Einar Selvik graced the game's soundtrack.

Extensive research into the time period lent historical authenticity to the game world, while Norse mythology provided a wellspring of inspiration for certain narrative elements. Learning from player feedback on Odyssey, the team honed the game's focus, reintroduced traditional Assassin's Creed elements like social stealth, and crafted a captivating narrative that immersed players in the gripping Assassin-Templar conflict.

On November 10, 2020, Valhalla released for PlayStation 4, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X and Series S, and Stadia, followed by the PlayStation 5 version on November 12. The game garnered positive reviews, praised for its compelling narrative, well-developed characters, stellar voice acting, breathtaking visuals, captivating world-design, and interconnectivity of activities. However, some critics pointed out its length, technical issues, and occasional repetitive structure.

Proving its mettle, Valhalla achieved monumental success, boasting the most significant launch in the Assassin's Creed series, rapidly selling copious copies within its debut week, and ranking as Ubisoft's second most profitable title of all time. Ubisoft continued to support Valhalla ardently with two years of additional content, offering both free and paid story expansions, game modes, and events, elevating the game's enduring allure.

As the saga continues, Assassin's Creed Mirage awaits its 2023 debut, beckoning players to venture into Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age, to traverse the captivating narrative of Basim Ibn Ishaq, a pivotal character from Valhalla. The legacy of Assassin's Creed endures, weaving a tapestry of captivating worlds and mesmerizing adventures for eager gamers to explore.

Gameplay

Assassin's Creed Valhalla, an enthralling action role-playing video game, presents a captivating world filled with main story arcs and optional side-missions known as World Events. Players embark on a journey as Eivor Varinsdottir, a formidable Viking raider leading her clan in a daring conquest against the Anglo-Saxon kingdoms.

What sets Valhalla apart is its player-driven narrative, where gamers have the choice to embody Eivor as either a female or male protagonist. Throughout the game, players can customize Eivor's appearance, including hair, beard, war paint, clothing, armor, and tattoos. Combat mechanics have been finely tuned, enabling dual-wielding of various weapons, even shields, while preserving the core essence of the franchise.

Accompanied by the wise raven Sýnin, Eivor's companion animal, players explore a richly detailed world, using Odin Sight to scout areas and strategically plan their encounters. The game brilliantly incorporates stealth elements, allowing Eivor to skillfully traverse the world and engage in combat, employing cunning tactics to outwit enemies.

Intriguingly, Valhalla's storyline expands beyond the confines of typical Assassin's Creed games, as players frequently return to their main settlement and previously visited areas, unearthing new secrets about England. Diplomacy plays a significant role, offering non-violent resolutions to certain missions, and players' choices in conversations influence character dynamics and political alliances.

Rather than a traditional leveling system, players develop Eivor's skills through skill trees, impacting the game's difficulty. The development team meticulously crafted an array of unique enemy archetypes, ensuring engaging and challenging encounters that keep players on their toes.

The game also introduces Conquest Battles, now known as Assaults, where players lead armies to attack fortresses, alongside smaller Raids to secure resources for their settlement. Settlements hold newfound importance, allowing players to construct buildings and witness the settlement's growth as they embark on quests.

Romance options for Eivor, including same-sex relations, add depth to character relationships, fostering immersive storytelling. While naval transport makes a return, naval combat is scaled back, with the longship primarily serving as a means of travel and escape.

Valhalla offers players a wealth of activities to indulge in, such as hunting, fishing, brawls, drinking contests, and Viking rap battles known as flyting challenges. Additionally, players can enjoy original games like Orlog and Cairn construction, enriching the gaming experience. Assassin's Creed Valhalla stands as a magnificent addition to the iconic series, delivering a captivating narrative and an expansive world teeming with opportunities for adventure.

Synopsis

Setting

In the year 865 CE, as the Viking expansion surged across England, the Great Heathen Army orchestrated a bold and impactful movement. This historic event serves as the backdrop to the epic tale of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, immersing players in a world where they embark on a thrilling journey through various kingdoms. The game showcases the intricacies of this tumultuous period, allowing players to explore and experience the era's significant locations and events firsthand. As players navigate through the game's riveting storyline, they find themselves intertwined with the Viking legacy and the legacy of the Great Heathen Army, unveiling a saga of conquest, conflict, and the forging of an unforgettable legacy.

Plot

In the year 2020, a mysterious surge in Earth's magnetic field creates havoc on the planet's stability. Layla Hassan, alongside Shaun Hastings and Rebecca Crane, receive a puzzling signal with coordinates pointing to New England. Intrigued, they embark on an expedition, unearthing the remains of a Viking raider. Faced with the enigmatic power of the Staff of Hermes Trismegistus, Layla bravely delves into the raider's memories using the Animus.

Transported back to 855 CE in Norway, we witness the heart-wrenching tale of a young Eivor Varinsdottir. This fierce warrior watches her hometown fall prey to the merciless Kjotve the Cruel, who claims the lives of her parents. Rescued by Sigurd, son of King Styrbjorn of the Raven Clan, Eivor's path to vengeance is set in motion. After seventeen years under Styrbjorn's care, Eivor seeks to avenge her past and challenges Kjotve again, leading her to uncover visions of Odin and enigmatic prophecies.

As alliances form and betrayals unfold, Eivor and Sigurd, along with Basim and Hytham from the Hidden Ones, journey to England to forge a new destiny for the Raven Clan. They establish the settlement of Ravensthorpe and set out to secure alliances with influential Saxon kingdoms and Viking clans, all while navigating the intrigues of the Order of the Ancients. Eivor's journey unveils visions of Asgard, delving into Odin's perspective, and she uncovers hidden truths of the Isu civilization.

Struggling to decipher these visions, Eivor confronts the realities of the Isu artifacts and their immense power. Amidst battles, betrayals, and newfound revelations, Eivor, Sigurd, and Basim become entangled in the complex web of Loki, Odin, and Tyr's reincarnations. As the truth unravels, they uncover an Isu temple with an enigmatic computer system, which leads them to confront their past and their intertwined destinies.

Back in the present, Layla and her fellow Assassins embark on a mission to stabilize Earth's magnetic field, connected to the actions of Desmond Miles in 2012. Layla finds herself drawn into the simulation, encountering mysterious entities and making choices that will shape the fate of humanity and the Isu legacy.

In a thrilling and immersive saga, Assassin's Creed Valhalla weaves together the threads of the past and present, melding the struggles of historical heroes and modern-day protagonists. As the tale unfolds, ancient mysteries and human destinies collide in an epic odyssey that spans time and space.

Wrath of the Druids: A Tale of Alliances and Betrayals in Ancient Ireland

In the year 879 CE, Eivor receives a heartfelt missive from her maternal cousin, Bárid mac Ímair, now the esteemed King of Dublin. With great urgency, Bárid beseeches Eivor's aid in Ireland, seeking her assistance to secure a vital alliance with Flann Sinna, the soon-to-be High King of Ireland. Eivor, always the valiant warrior, heeds the call and embarks on a journey to the enchanting Emerald Isle.

As Eivor steps foot on Irish soil, she is immediately entangled in a web of intrigue and peril. A sinister plot to assassinate Flann before his coronation comes to light, compelling Eivor to thwart this nefarious scheme and safeguard the future High King. Flann, acknowledging Eivor's valor, entrusts her with a crucial task—to rally allies and fortify his rule.

Amidst breathtaking landscapes and ancient ruins, Eivor ventures to the castle of Cashelore, only to confront a grim discovery—Flann's army has fallen victim to a treacherous poison. Determined to find an antidote, Eivor joins forces with Ciara ingen Medba, Flann's trusted advisor. Together, they unravel the enigma of the culprits responsible—the enigmatic and elusive Children of Danu, a druidic cult with a fanatical agenda.

In a twist of fate, Eivor learns that Ciara herself is a former member of the cult, disillusioned by their extremist ideology. As Eivor relentlessly pursues the cult's members, she forms an unlikely alliance with Ciara, both united in their quest to dismantle this shadowy organization.

With every step closer to the truth, Eivor uncovers the shocking identity of the cult's enigmatic leader—Eogan mac Cartaigh, the Abbot of Armagh, who cunningly feigned Christian devotion. Eivor, ever the warrior, confronts Flann and Bárid with this grim revelation. However, Eogan, not one to back down, launches a relentless assault on Clogher, resulting in the tragic demise of Bárid.

Burning with vengeance, Eivor stands tall against Eogan, unleashing her wrath upon the false abbot. Victory is won, but at a grave cost. In the aftermath, the Kings of Ireland grapple with a momentous decision—to eradicate the druidic faith entirely. Flann, torn by this choice, reluctantly accedes to an inquisition against the druids.

Yet, amidst the tempest of emotions, a fierce awakening takes place within Ciara's soul. Driven by a profound desire to protect her culture and beliefs, Ciara makes a bold move. She seeks the power of the Lia Fáil, an ancient source of mystical energy, to alter the course of destiny.

In a climactic showdown, Eivor and Ciara collide at the heart of ancient power. With the fate of Ireland hanging in the balance, Eivor emerges triumphant, thwarting Ciara's plans and shattering the Lia Fáil. The High King Flann, enlightened by the consequences of his decisions, resolves to be a just ruler for all, decreeing the cessation of the inquisition.

As the sun sets on this tale of epic proportions, Eivor finds herself in the company of Sichfrith, Bárid's worthy successor and now the King of Dublin. They share memories and honor the legacy of a fallen king, uniting as family in this vast tapestry of adventure and camaraderie.

The tale of Wrath of the Druids weaves a saga of loyalty, betrayal, and redemption, transporting players to an ancient Ireland teeming with mysticism and intrigue. As Eivor's journey concludes, the bonds forged and the challenges overcome leave an indelible mark on the pages of history.

The Siege of Paris

In the year 885 CE, a momentous call to adventure beckons Eivor as she is enlisted by Toka Sinricsdottir, a bold Viking raider hailing from Francia. Together, they set their sights on an audacious raid upon the illustrious city of Paris. A family legacy of vengeance drives them forward, for Sigfred, Toka's uncle and jarl, seeks retribution against the Franks for the untimely demise of his brother, Sincric.

Engelwin, a sinister Frankish bishop and the orchestrator of Sincric's demise, crosses paths with Eivor, leading her and Sigfred on a dangerous pursuit to Paris. The shadowy Bellatores Dei, a zealous sect within the Church, becomes entangled in this enigmatic affair.

With hopes of a peaceful resolution, Eivor seeks an audience with the esteemed Frankish emperor, Charles the Fat. An intriguing exchange is struck, promising a chance for peace in exchange for the return of the emperor's missing wife, Richardis. As the Viking army prepares to lay siege to Paris, Eivor valiantly endeavors to avert further bloodshed. Negotiations with Count Odo, Paris' military leader, prove futile, and the city's fate hangs in the balance. In the face of uncertainty, alliances shift, and Eivor grapples with the harsh realities of war and the legacy of her actions. A tale of redemption and newfound friendship unfolds, leaving an indelible mark on both Eivor and her newfound ally, Toka.

A Fated Encounter

A riveting odyssey commences in 887 CE as Eivor sets sail to the mystical Isle of Skye, spurred by the plight of its afflicted inhabitants ensnared by harrowing nightmares. A chance meeting with the enigmatic Kassandra, a formidable figure with her own purpose, heralds an unexpected alliance.

Brought together by a common quest to confront a haunting artifact, Eivor and Kassandra navigate a journey riddled with secrets and suspicions. As they venture deeper into the mysteries of the isle, bonds of trust are tested, and destinies intertwine.

Amidst encounters with deranged warriors and the allure of a powerful artifact, Eivor's resolve faces the ultimate trial. The clash of two indomitable spirits gives rise to revelations and newfound revelations, forging an enduring memory of camaraderie.

Dawn of Ragnarök

A tapestry of divine conflicts unravels, as Odin and Frigg, parents of Baldr, embark on a daring quest to save their kidnapped son from the clutches of the Muspelheim warlord, Surtr. The realms of Svartalfheim and Muspelheim bear witness to an epic confrontation that will shake the very foundations of the world.

Odin, resolute in his pursuit, faces the trials and tribulations of a father's love. Amidst chaos and betrayal, he journeys to harness the power of the Salakar, a relic sought after by Surtr, in a desperate bid to reclaim his son.

Destinies intertwine as Odin encounters both allies and foes, seeking to secure the future of his lineage amidst the turbulent storm of Ragnarök. The weight of his decisions reverberates through the ages, leaving an indelible legacy.

The Last Chapter

In the twilight of her own epic saga, Eivor grapples with an internal struggle, striving to reconcile her past with her present self. Seeking answers and resolution, she ventures far and wide, leaving her cherished Raven Clan behind.

A chance encounter with Odin, an enigmatic entity, provides solace and revelation, as Eivor uncovers the profound truths of her connection with the ancient being. Confronting her own fate, she embarks on a personal quest of self-discovery, guided by the whispers of the past.

In the present day, the echoes of Eivor's journey resonate with Basim, a fellow traveler through time. His path interweaves with Eivor's, unveiling the intricacies of the Isu and the hidden truths of their shared lineage. As Eivor's memories unfold, the tapestry of past and present intertwines, revealing the timeless struggle between Assassins and Templars. Their destinies converge, setting the stage for a new chapter in the saga of ancestral legacies.

Development and release

Steeped in ambition, Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the thrilling installment in the acclaimed series, underwent over two and a half years of meticulous development before its grand unveiling in April 2020. Spearheaded by the talented team behind Assassin's Creed Origins at Ubisoft Montreal, a global collaboration of fourteen Ubisoft studios worked in unison to bring this Viking epic to life.

In the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, the game's development was not without challenges. Yet, the unwavering dedication of the Ubisoft staff, bolstered by seamless remote work arrangements facilitated by the company's robust information technology infrastructure, ensured the game's timely release in 2020.

Leaders of the Saga

At the helm of this captivating odyssey was the creative mastermind Ashraf Ismail, renowned for his previous contributions to Assassin's Creed Origins and Assassin's Creed IV: Black Flag. Fueled by his visionary spirit, Ismail endeavored to intertwine the essence of all past Assassin's Creed games into a cohesive, singular vision, a grand unifying theory that celebrates the franchise's iconic legacy.

Darby McDevitt, the gifted narrative director, crafted a tale that transcends time, seamlessly linking the threads of the Assassin's Creed narrative tapestry. With prior experience as the lead writer for Assassin's Creed: Revelations and Black Flag, McDevitt's ingenuity breathed life into Valhalla's intricate storytelling structure.

The Literary Foundations

Inspired by Michael Crichton's Eaters of the Dead, an imaginative retelling of the legendary Beowulf, Valhalla's setting took shape, encompassing a rich blend of history and mythos. Mindful of the delicate balance between history and mythology, the development team aimed to create a historically grounded experience, showcasing the Vikings' cultural intricacies and their response to unfamiliar foreign elements.

Gender Diversity in the Viking Age

Determined to respect the nuances of history, the team embraced the dynamic role of women in Viking society. Notable advisor Thierry Noël emphasized that Ubisoft chose to celebrate the prominence of women in Norse mythology and society, highlighting their equal prowess in battle alongside men.

Unraveling the secrets of the Viking Age demanded extensive research, as historical accounts were often biased, presenting Vikings solely as brutal invaders from the Anglo-Saxon perspective. However, the development team endeavored to showcase the Vikings' profound impact on England, their integration into society, and their contributions to agriculture and language.

Settlement as a Narrative Focal Point

The settlement emerged as a pivotal feature, akin to Skyhold in Dragon Age: Inquisition or the SSV Normandy in Mass Effect. It served to convey the Vikings' cultured side while accentuating the consequences of players' choices throughout the game.

The resonant melodies of Valhalla were brought to life by acclaimed composers Jesper Kyd and Sarah Schachner, complemented by the poetic essence of Einar Selvik's original songs from the famed show Vikings. Amidst Valhalla's majestic creation, challenges emerged. Ashraf Ismail's departure following accusations of extramarital affairs, coupled with revelations of editorial suppression of female characters within the franchise, sparked dialogue on gender representation in the game.

Seeking to ensure accessibility for all, Assassin's Creed: Valhalla introduced an array of features tailored for physically impaired gamers. From audio menu narration to adjustments for quick-time events, every step was taken to make the game an inclusive experience. In a symphony of craftsmanship, mythology, and history, Assassin's Creed Valhalla beckons players to embark on an unforgettable journey through the fierce landscapes of Viking lore. A saga that bridges the realms of past and present awaits, inviting all to carve their legend in the annals of history.

Release

The highly anticipated Assassin's Creed Valhalla first enthralled fans with an initial release date of November 17, 2020. However, much to the delight of eager gamers, the launch date was moved ahead to November 10, 2020, to coincide with the grand unveiling of the Xbox Series X/S. This momentous release encompassed platforms such as PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Stadia, Windows, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S, making it a groundbreaking entry in the acclaimed franchise.

As the first Assassin's Creed title tailored for the next generation of consoles—Xbox Series X/S and PlayStation 5—Valhalla became Ubisoft's crowning achievement, utilizing the enhanced capabilities of these systems, most notably faster loading times. This cutting-edge adaptation showcased Ubisoft's commitment to pushing the boundaries of gaming innovation. For avid collectors and true enthusiasts, four distinct editions of the game were made available, catering to diverse preferences: the standard edition, the Gold Edition with a bundled season pass, the Valhalla Edition with exclusive in-game customizations, and the ultimate Ragnarok Edition, featuring a steelbook and a personal statue.

Notably, players who initially embraced Valhalla on Xbox One or PlayStation 4 were generously offered the opportunity to upgrade seamlessly to the next-gen version on their respective platform at no extra cost, exemplifying Ubisoft's dedication to player satisfaction and loyalty.

A Serendipitous Easter Egg

Tom Clancy's The Division 2, Ubisoft's title from 2019, held an intriguing secret, an Easter egg that seemingly foretold the advent of Valhalla. Concealed within the game was a poster displaying a Viking garbed in a manner reminiscent of the series' iconic Assassins, brandishing an enigmatic Apple of Eden—an ancient Isu artifact. This cryptic clue fueled speculation among gamers and prompted Jason Schreier of Kotaku to report on the development of a new Assassin's Creed title slated for release in 2020.

However, when the official announcement of Valhalla occurred in April 2020, narrative director Darby McDevitt addressed the Easter egg, dispelling any deliberate teasing or reference to Valhalla. Instead, he revealed that the poster was a serendipitous coincidence, as the Swedish studio, Massive Entertainment, sought to infuse some Swedish iconography into The Division 2, unaware of its unintended connection to the forthcoming Viking epic.

With Valhalla's unprecedented journey, Ubisoft embarked on an awe-inspiring adventure, shaping the landscape of gaming innovation and weaving a tale that would etch itself into the hearts of players for generations to come.

Other Contents

Ubisoft's Valhalla brought forth a wealth of additional content to immerse players in a grand journey through time. For those who pre-ordered the game, an exclusive mission awaited them—the captivating "The Legend of Beowulf". This thrilling pre-order bonus added an extra layer of excitement to the gaming experience.

Post-release, Ubisoft unveiled a plethora of captivating content through the season pass. Leading the charge were the enthralling story expansions: "Wrath of the Druids" and "The Siege of Paris". In the former, Eivor voyaged to the enchanting landscapes of Ireland to confront the enigmatic cult of druids known as the Children of Danu. The latter took Eivor to the land of Francia, entangling them in the epic Siege of Paris.

Taking a cue from the success of the Discovery Tour modes in Assassin's Creed Origins and Odyssey, Ubisoft crafted "Discovery Tour: Viking Age" for Valhalla. This educational mode allowed players to bask in the rich history and culture of Medieval England and Norway, unhindered by combat, as they embarked on guided tours crafted by historians.

Demonstrating its commitment to Valhalla's enduring legacy, Ubisoft announced continued support for the game with a second year of updates and expansions. In a stunning crossover event, Eivor's path intersected with Odyssey's protagonist, Kassandra, in the free mission "A Fated Encounter", where they delved into the mysteries of the Isle of Skye. "Wrath of the Druids" merely scratched the surface of the Norse mythology that awaited players in the third story expansion, "Dawn of Ragnarök". As Eivor stepped into the shoes of Odin, they explored the awe-inspiring dwarven realm of Svartalfheim to rescue their son Baldr from the fiery jötunn Surtr.

Embarking on a bold experiment, Ubisoft introduced "The Forgotten Saga", a free rogue-like game mode where players guided Odin through Niflheim's treacherous dungeons, facing increasingly formidable foes while facing the risk of permadeath.

To provide a fitting conclusion to Eivor's epic journey and her profound connection with Odin, Ubisoft unveiled "The Last Chapter"—a free expansion to tie up loose ends and bid farewell to the beloved character. Surprising players, Ubisoft moved the release date earlier, offering the expansion on November 29, 2022, instead of the initially scheduled December 6. The update also came with a bonus mission featuring Roshan from Valhalla's successor, Assassin's Creed Mirage, a feature to keep Eivor's hood always on, and a legacy outfit inspired by the iconic Ezio Auditore.

Tourism Ireland seized the opportunity to promote Valhalla's first major expansion, "Wrath of the Druids", as an intriguing and captivating journey through the landscapes of Ireland, kindling tourism interest and sparking wanderlust among players worldwide.

As Valhalla continues to blaze its trail with a stunning array of content, Ubisoft sets the stage for an unforgettable and enduring odyssey for gaming enthusiasts everywhere.

Reception

Assassin's Creed Valhalla, the epic Viking saga, garnered a generally favorable reception from critics, according to the review aggregator Metacritic. Various reviewers praised different aspects of the game, showcasing its diverse appeal to players.

Game Informer lauded the narrative, gameplay mechanics, and the immersive world of Valhalla, highlighting a perfect balance achieved in the series for the first time. This Viking adventure weaves combat, exploration, storytelling, and settlement management into an engaging and satisfying experience for all players.

GamesRadar+ applauded the game's gameplay variety, narrative, and emphasis on player decisions. The review summarized Valhalla's triumph with a 4.5/5-star rating, hailing its blend of sprawling conquests, visceral combat, and the iconic hidden blade.

The Escapist celebrated Valhalla as a pinnacle in the Assassin's Creed franchise, commending its combat, characters, narrative, and its exceptional qualities as an RPG. The game's meaningful activities and open-world design elevate the RPG experience to new heights, leaving players eager to witness the series' future endeavors.

GameSpot's 8/10 review praised the captivating story and its resolution to various franchise plotlines. While acknowledging some shortcomings in character development, Valhalla is deemed a confident Assassin's Creed title that takes narrative risks yielding overall success.

IGN, also awarding it 8/10, characterized Valhalla as a massive and visually stunning open-world that embodies the brutality of conquest. However, it noted several technical issues that slightly marred the experience.

Hardcore Gamer favorably compared Valhalla to its predecessors, acknowledging its quality of life improvements while remaining true to the essence of Assassin's Creed. For players seeking more of what Odyssey and Origins offered, Valhalla delivers without straying too far from familiarity, though some might experience format fatigue after investing substantial hours in previous games.

GameRevolution's 2.5/4-star review contended that Valhalla should serve as a learning experience for Ubisoft, akin to Assassin's Creed Unity, by prioritizing gameplay strengths over excessive hours, lackluster stealth mechanics, and fragmented storytelling.

Rock, Paper, Shotgun's mixed review praised the game's scope, Eivor's character, and world design, while critiquing the progression system and lack of coherence in gameplay. Valhalla's diverse array of the series' best elements is appealing but may prove daunting for newcomers to the franchise.

NRK lauded the game positively, calling it an exciting, rewarding, and enjoyable journey back to the Viking Age, featuring the most stunning representation of Norway in any game.

However, Ubisoft faced criticism from fans in early February 2021 for what they perceived as prioritizing microtransactions over gameplay improvements and bug fixes. A Reddit post highlighted the presence of nine exclusive armor sets available in the in-game store, raising concerns about the balance between content and microtransactions.

Despite this controversy, Assassin's Creed Valhalla's remarkable reception demonstrates its prowess in delivering a thrilling and captivating experience in the world of Vikings and assassins.

Awards and Sales of Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Awards

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla received critical acclaim and garnered multiple award nominations. It was nominated for "Innovation in Accessibility" and "Best Action/Adventure" at The Game Awards 2020, and was recognized as an "Outstanding Video Game" nominee at the 2021 GLAAD Media Awards. Furthermore, the game earned an impressive seven nominations at the NAVGTR awards, including the prestigious "Game of the Year" category.

The soundtrack album for the game's expansion, Dawn of Ragnarök, composed by Stephanie Economou, achieved an incredible milestone by winning the first-ever Grammy award in the category of "Best Score Soundtrack for Video Games and Other Interactive Media" during the 65th annual ceremony.

Sales

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla proved to be a commercial success, breaking records and setting new benchmarks. During its debut week, it surpassed all previous Assassin's Creed titles in terms of copies sold, making it the most successful launch in the franchise's history. Additionally, the PC version achieved a remarkable milestone by becoming the most successful launch of any PC game published by Ubisoft.

By November 17, 2020, the game had already attracted a massive player base, amassing over 1.8 million players, as confirmed by Ubisoft. In Japan, the PlayStation 4 version recorded impressive sales figures, selling 45,055 physical copies in its first week, securing its position as the second bestselling retail game of that week. Meanwhile, the PlayStation 5 version ranked twenty-fifth in the country, with 4,227 copies sold during the same period.

Assassin's Creed: Valhalla proved to be a financial triumph for Ubisoft, becoming the second most profitable title in the company's history. In the United States, it continued to excel, earning the title of the fifth best-selling game of 2020 and the sixteenth best-selling game of 2021. By February 2022, the game's remarkable revenue had surpassed the impressive milestone of $1 billion.

Series Continuation

Following the success of Valhalla, the franchise will continue with Assassin's Creed Mirage. This upcoming title aims to return to the roots of the series, focusing on a smaller setting and stealth gameplay reminiscent of earlier installments. Set in 9th-century Baghdad during the Islamic Golden Age, the game will delve into the backstory of Basim Ibn Ishaq, serving as a prequel to the events of Valhalla. Expectations are high for Mirage, slated for release in 2023 on PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Windows, Xbox One, Xbox Series X, and Series S.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla's accolades and commercial triumphs solidify its position as a standout installment in the iconic franchise, leaving fans eager to explore the promising future of the series.