Heimdall (1991). Play online

Summary

Heimdall thrusts players into a cartoon‑styled, isometric world that feels like a Norse‑themed Zelda. You start by proving your mettle in arcade‑style trials—axe‑tossing, boar hunting, a ship‑battle that shapes your crew’s stats—then choose five companions from classes such as Warrior, Wizard, Navigator or Blacksmith, each bringing unique skills for island forays.

Exploring the three linked archipelagos—Utgard, Midgard and Asgard—means navigating traps, puzzles and monsters ripped from myth, while the crew’s energy must be managed via food or magic revives. Only Heimdall and two allies may step onto an island, and you can rearrange the party at any time on the navigation map, letting you fine‑tune who scouts, fights or handles supplies.

Combat snaps to a separate screen where real‑time attacks, spells and defensive moves determine victory; defeated foes drop loot ranging from weapons to scrolls. The Sega CD edition impressed with sharper combat visuals, though GamePro noted the exploration graphics looked mediocre and the soundtrack, while unobtrusive, fell short of CD expectations.

Storyline

Heimdall opens on a classic Norse crisis: Loki has stolen Odin’s sword, Freyr’s spear and Thor’s hammer, scattering them across the mortal Viking world. To recover their power, the gods arrange for a child to be born among humans—a young woman in a remote village becomes magically pregnant and delivers the destined hero, Heimdall. As he matures, he endures a series of trials that test his strength and wit, then sets out to retrieve the hidden weapons. His quest carries him through the perilous realms of Utgard, Midgard and Asgard, where he battles traps and monsters while reclaiming each divine artifact. Returning to his village with the recovered armaments, the gods summon him, honor his deeds, and officially adopt him as one of their own.