Play the ancient game of "Hnefatafl" in style on your PC, in Singleplayer mode against the AI or Multiplayer over the internet. "Hnefatafl" is a strategic, chess-like boardgame with assumed origins all the way back to the Viking era.
The game features an asymmetric setup, with the Attacker faction controlling 24 pieces and the Defender faction controlling 13 pieces, including the King. Defenders aim to move the King to one of the four corner tiles to escape, while Attackers seek to capture the King by surrounding him on four adjacent sides or enclosing all his escape routes.
All pieces move vertically or horizontally like Rooks in Chess, allowing for a range of strategic maneuvers. This movement style, combined with the asymmetric setup, creates a gameplay experience distinct from traditional Chess.
Players can execute several exciting capture techniques, including flanking moves, "Shieldwall" traps, and "Multi-capture" moves that can send the opponent's pieces back to their "viking boat in tears." These capture mechanics add depth and variety to the gameplay.
The game provides both Singleplayer and Multiplayer modes. In Singleplayer, players can compete against an AI, which reviewers have noted can be challenging, especially when playing as the Attackers. The Multiplayer mode allows for two-player games over the internet or local co-op, offering a more competitive experience.
Reviewers praise the game's strategic depth, noting that the simple rules and chess-like mechanics mask a complex and engaging gameplay experience. The asymmetric setup and varied win conditions create a unique strategic landscape, where players must carefully plan their moves and anticipate their opponent's strategies.
The game features an interactive tutorial that helps players learn the mechanics, making it accessible for newcomers. Additionally, the unlockable prefixes and the game's overall replayability have been highlighted as positive aspects of the experience.