Search for games

Type three or more characters to search...

Links

Twitch

MONSTER

Assassin's Creed Valhalla

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Item: Assassin's Creed Valhalla
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2020

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Open World, RPG, Single Player

AvailableNov 10, 2020

PlatformXbox One, Xbox Series X, PC, PlayStation 5, PlayStation 4

DeveloperUbisoft Montreal

Overview

In Assassin's Creed Valhalla, become Eivor, a legendary Viking raider on a quest for glory. Explore a dynamic and beautiful open world set against the brutal backdrop of England’s Dark Ages. Raid your enemies, grow your settlement, and build your political power in the quest to earn a place among the gods in Valhalla.

Elsewhere

Game analysis

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

74%

Mixed (50-79)

23%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the story of Assassin's Creed Valhalla are varied. Several critics praised the engaging and immersive narrative, highlighting its exploration of war, peace, complex characters, and consequences of actions. Game Rant commends the game for pulling together several smaller stories into something genuinely epic, while TheGamer describes the story as cohesive, fascinating, and inventive. The Sydney Morning Herald appreciates the localized and contained storytelling, with satisfying conclusions for each arc. The Digital Fix finds the story to be enough to propel the player through the open-world tasks, surprising in places and evoking emotions. The inclusion of sci-fi elements and the balance between historical and modern-day narratives is well done, according to Windows Central. Jeuxvideo.com praises the more serious and grounded narrative, focusing on developing the colony and gaining favor with local leaders, with each region and kingdom in England presenting a unique narrative arc with diverse and interesting characters. However, there are also critics who express disappointment with the story of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. GameWatcher describes it as horrible and nonsensical, with a disappointing plot twist conclusion. Quarter to Three criticizes the story as tedious, absurd, and humorless, with an unpleasant and forced main character. RPG Site points out that the narrative consists of smaller, separated storylines rather than a continuous plot, and the initial story thrust of gaining revenge against the protagonist's parent's murderers is pushed to the side. Game Revolution criticizes the disconnected and aimless story, lack of a bigger picture, and the game's failure to address the inherent issues of violent expansion. Destructoid states that the game trades a compelling plot for all-out conquest, resulting in a largely disjointed plot that usually only serves the immediate cause. Worth Playing finds the story interesting but inconsistent, with a heavy focus on mystical elements and ancient technology. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed. While some critics appreciate the engaging and immersive storyline, the exploration of war and peace, and the well-written narrative, others express disappointment with the disconnected and aimless story, lack of a bigger picture, and inconsistent plot. The positive aspects of the story, such as the engaging characters, satisfying conclusions for each arc, and the balance between historical and modern-day narratives, are acknowledged by several critics. However, the negative aspects, such as the disjointed plot, forced main character, and lack of a cohesive and continuous narrative, are also highlighted. It is clear that the story of Assassin's Creed Valhalla has its strengths and weaknesses, leaving room for improvement in future iterations.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics are divided on Assassin's Creed Valhalla's story. Some praise its engaging narrative exploring war and peace, complex characters, and satisfying conclusions. Others criticize it as disjointed, aimless, and inconsistent, with disappointing plot twists and a forced main character. While some appreciate the balance between historical and modern-day elements, others find the plot lacking a bigger picture. Overall, opinions are mixed, highlighting both strengths and weaknesses in the game's storytelling.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

56%

Mixed (50-79)

44%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Assassin's Creed Valhalla are varied, with both positive and negative aspects highlighted. In terms of positives, several critics praised the combat system, with GameCrate noting it as the best iteration of the style that started with Origins. TheSixthAxis also mentioned that combat is enjoyable in small bursts, particularly during Viking raids which provide chaotic battles. The variety of weapons and abilities, as well as the ability to dual-wield, were also appreciated by Worth Playing and Game Informer. The settlement building mechanic was seen as interesting and impactful by CGMagazine and Windows Central, providing a home base for upgrades. However, there were also several criticisms regarding the gameplay. GamePro Germany and GameOver.gr mentioned that gameplay became repetitive and monotonous, with players constantly performing similar tasks and engaging in repetitive combat. GameSpace and Game Over Online noted issues with animations and clunky combat mechanics, with the latter also mentioning problems with group combat. Malditos Nerds and USgamer highlighted the overwhelming nature of the vast map filled with icons, making it time-consuming and potentially tedious to explore and engage in various activities. The lack of innovation and disjointed pace were criticized by GameOver.gr, further noting that attempts at role-playing fell flat due to a lack of connection to the protagonist. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Assassin's Creed Valhalla offers a mix of combat, stealth, and exploration, with some positive aspects such as enjoyable combat in small bursts, the ability to dual-wield weapons, and the settlement building mechanic. However, there are also negative aspects, including repetitive gameplay, overwhelming map mechanics, lack of innovation, and clunky combat animations. Despite these criticisms, the overall sentiment seems to be that the gameplay is engaging and enjoyable, capturing the adventurous Viking spirit, as mentioned by Game Informer and DarkStation.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Assassin's Creed Valhalla's gameplay. The combat system receives praise for its variety and dual-wielding feature, while settlement building is seen as impactful. However, criticisms include repetitive tasks, clunky combat mechanics, and an overwhelming map. Despite flaws, the game offers engaging combat and captures the Viking spirit, according to some critics.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

68%

Mixed (50-79)

31%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla received predominantly positive feedback from critics regarding its graphics and visual design. Many critics praised the game's stunning visuals, with detailed environments and diverse landscapes. The open-world of England and Norway were particularly highlighted for their beauty and immersive atmosphere. Critics such as USgamer and Game Informer commended the game for its beautifully rendered landscapes and the depiction of ninth-century England. The game's attention to historical detail and the presence of greenery were also appreciated by VideoGamer. Additionally, the game's art design was praised for capturing the architecture and culture of the Viking era by Everyeye.it. The visuals were described as breathtaking, with impressive lighting effects and graphics by We Got This Covered and Metro GameCentral. The game's world was often described as visually stunning, with TrueGaming and Easy Allies mentioning the diverse and enchanting environments. The graphics were also commended for their top-tier quality, with a native 4K resolution and improved visuals on the Xbox Series X, according to Hardcore Gamer. However, there were some criticisms regarding the graphics and visual design of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Some critics pointed out technical issues and inconsistencies in the game. M3 mentioned bugs and glitches that affected the graphics quality and stability, including water graphics that looked like hard plastic and unnatural animations. KeenGamer highlighted minor glitches such as items phasing through clothing and characters teleporting when hit, as well as more serious bugs like game-saving issues and random crashes. Game Over Online mentioned that while the graphics were nice, they were not as impressive as those in Red Dead Redemption 2. The lack of iconic landmarks in the open world was also mentioned by SpazioGames as a drawback. Additionally, some critics, such as BaziCenter and Everyeye.it, noted occasional pop-up issues and graphical bugs. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Valhalla delivers a visually impressive experience. The majority of critics praised the game's graphics and visual design, emphasizing the stunning landscapes, attention to detail, and immersive atmosphere. The game's world was described as vast and visually stunning, with diverse environments and meticulous details. Positive mentions from critics such as GameSpew, PCMag, and GameMAG further support the overall positive sentiment towards the game's graphics. While there were some technical issues and inconsistencies mentioned by a few critics, they did not overshadow the general appreciation for the game's visual presentation. The game's graphics and visual design were considered a step in the right direction for the series, with improvements in graphical fidelity and overall quality, as noted by Jeuxvideo.com.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Assassin's Creed Valhalla wows critics with stunning graphics and immersive visuals of ninth-century England and Norway. Despite some technical issues like bugs and glitches, the game impresses with breathtaking landscapes, historical accuracy, and top-tier quality graphics. Critics appreciate the attention to detail and the game's ability to capture the Viking era's architecture and culture. Overall, Valhalla delivers a visually impressive experience, although some minor criticisms exist about pop-up issues and lack of iconic landmarks.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

79%

Mixed (50-79)

21%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

In analyzing the opinions of multiple reviewers regarding the Sound Design and Music of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, it is evident that there is a general consensus among the critics that the game excels in this aspect. The positive aspects highlighted by the critics include the well-crafted and immersive music, the atmospheric sound design, and the quality of voice acting. Many critics praise the music in Assassin's Creed Valhalla, with several mentioning specific composers such as Jesper Kyd, Sarah Schachner, and Einar Selvik. The soundtrack is described as haunting, fabulous, and fitting, with ethereal and folk-tale-like sounds that enhance the gameplay experience. The inclusion of traditional Norwegian legends and Norse chants adds to the immersive and Viking atmosphere of the game. IGN Italia specifically mentions the soundtrack featuring melancholic melodies that complement the landscape, while RPG Fan praises the music for creating an auditory portrait of the game's environments. The sound design in Assassin's Creed Valhalla is also highly regarded by the critics. The attention to detail in creating a realistic and immersive soundscape is praised, with ambient sounds, realistic sound effects, and lively villages being highlighted. The inclusion of diagetic music on the longboat and the crew singing period songs during sailing sequences adds to the sense of verisimilitude and enjoyment. Critics such as LaPS4 and TheXboxHub specifically mention the impressive sound design and the enjoyable experience it provides. While the majority of critics have positive opinions regarding the Sound Design and Music of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, there are a few negative aspects mentioned. Some critics, such as Malditos Nerds and New Game Network, point out issues with music playing at inappropriate times and audio synchronization problems. Additionally, New Game Network mentions unimpressive battle effects and bland dialogue. However, these negative aspects are outweighed by the positive opinions expressed by the majority of critics. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Assassin's Creed Valhalla excels in its Sound Design and Music. The well-crafted and immersive music, along with the atmospheric sound design, adds to the Viking experience and enhances the gameplay. The soundtrack is praised for its haunting melodies, folk music elements, and fitting accompaniment to the game world. The attention to detail in the sound design, including ambient sounds and realistic effects, contributes to the immersive and enjoyable experience. While there are some minor criticisms regarding music timing and audio synchronization, the overall sentiment is overwhelmingly positive, with critics praising the Sound Design and Music as standout features of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics unanimously praise Assassin's Creed Valhalla for its exceptional Sound Design and Music, highlighting the haunting and immersive soundtrack by composers like Jesper Kyd and Sarah Schachner. The atmospheric sound design, realistic effects, and Viking-inspired music contribute to the game's immersive experience. Though some critics mention minor issues like music timing and audio synchronization problems, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, with the Sound Design and Music standing out as key strengths of the game.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

57%

Mixed (50-79)

38%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The voice acting in Assassin's Creed Valhalla has received a mix of positive and negative feedback from the critics. Several reviewers praised the voice acting performances, highlighting the strong performances from the lead actors and minor characters. Critics such as GameCrate, Gamer Escape, and TheXboxHub commended the well-voiced and well-written dialogue, with GameCrate specifically mentioning the protagonist and the rest of the cast. RPG Fan even highlighted the standout performance of Cecilie Stenspil as the protagonist Eivor. The Italian voice acting also received praise from Everyeye.it, MondoXbox, and SpazioGames, with the Italian dubbing being described as commendable and closely resembling the original actors. The voice acting in the present/near-future day interludes was criticized by Gaming Nexus for being poorly acted. However, there were also some negative opinions regarding the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. BaziCenter pointed out the lack of lip-syncing and delayed execution of dialogue, which detracted from the immersion of conversations. Comicbook.com mentioned that while the voice acting for the protagonist, Eivor, improved as the game progressed, it may not be as expressive as previous protagonists. IGN Portugal also noted that while the voice acting of Eivor was praised for its balance between aggression in battle and subtlety in diplomacy, some accents drifted a bit and some random NPCs were over the top. Quarter to Three criticized the male voice for sounding uninterested and the female voice for being hoarse and forced, with the protagonist lacking the strength and conviction of the previous game's protagonist. Shacknews also mentioned that some voice acting performances were criticized for being silly or weak. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Valhalla has its strengths and weaknesses. While there were positive remarks about the performances of the lead actors and minor characters, as well as the Italian voice acting, there were also criticisms regarding lip-syncing, delayed execution of dialogue, and the lack of expressiveness in certain characters. The voice acting was generally considered solid, but there were no standout performances like in previous games, according to Worth Playing. Despite the mixed opinions, the voice acting, along with the well-written dialogue and immersive atmosphere, contributes to the overall experience of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed feelings about the voice acting in Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Some praised the strong performances and well-written dialogue, especially the Italian dubbing and standout work by Cecilie Stenspil. However, others criticized issues like lip-syncing, delayed dialogue, and lack of expressiveness, with some voices being labeled as silly or weak. While the voice acting has its strengths and weaknesses, it adds to the immersive atmosphere of the game overall.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

13%

Mixed (50-79)

68%

Negative (0-49)

18%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance on different gaming platforms, Assassin's Creed Valhalla receives mixed reviews. On the positive side, several critics highlight the improvements and stability of the game on next-gen consoles. DarkStation and Screen Rant note that the PlayStation 5 version offers significantly reduced loading times and improved graphical quality compared to the previous generation version. Pure Xbox praises the flawless 60FPS/4K performance on Xbox Series X, with only minor bugs and occasional screen-tearing. PlayStation Universe also mentions that many bugs seen in the PS4 version have been removed in the PS5 version, resulting in a smoother experience with faster load times. However, the game faces numerous technical issues and bugs on various platforms, particularly on older consoles. Critics playing on PS4, such as Push Square, Malditos Nerds, and KeenGamer, report visual bugs, glitches, crashes, and issues with game-saving. Worth Playing and LaPS4 mention crashes, glitches, slowdowns, and lengthy loading screens that significantly impact the gameplay experience. Windows Central points out frequent performance issues, including screen tearing, visual glitches, and animation clipping, which may be more prevalent on older consoles. Jeuxvideo.com also mentions long loading times and pathfinding problems on Xbox One. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Valhalla suffers from technical performance and stability issues, especially on older consoles and PC. PCGamesN expresses frustration with the game's technical issues and doubts in its fundamentals. Siliconera and Metro GameCentral mention visual glitches, character movement issues, and crashes, indicating potential problems with technical performance or stability. Despite some positive reviews on next-gen consoles, the overall sentiment leans towards a game plagued by bugs and technical issues that significantly impact the overall experience. It is worth noting that some critics, such as Twinfinite and COGconnected, have a more positive outlook, highlighting that the game runs well overall on base PS4 and has minimal bugs that do not significantly impact the experience. However, these positive opinions are overshadowed by the majority of critics who mention various technical issues and bugs across different gaming platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Assassin's Creed Valhalla gets mixed technical reviews, with praise for next-gen console improvements but criticism for bugs and issues on older platforms. While some highlight smoother experiences on PS5 and Xbox Series X, others report visual glitches, crashes, and long loading times on PS4 and Xbox One. Overall, critics agree the game suffers from technical problems that impact gameplay, despite a few positive reviews on base PS4.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

70%

Mixed (50-79)

30%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla has received generally positive reviews regarding its replay value. Many critics highlight the game's vast amount of content and activities, which provide hours upon hours of entertainment. Reviewers such as DarkStation, Gaming Nexus, and Gamer Escape emphasize the game's plentiful content and enjoyable gameplay, with options to focus on the main story or get lost in side quests. The inclusion of side activities, such as collecting resources, building a settlement, and hunting down targets, adds depth to the gameplay and keeps players engaged for multiple playthroughs (Digital Chumps, Digital Trends). The game's integration of classic elements, like social stealth and the hidden blade, along with its renewed progression system and effective settlement feature, contribute to its overall appeal (Meristation). The choices with real-world consequences and multiple endings also boost the game's replayability (Daily Star, Hey Poor Player). However, there are some drawbacks to the replay value of Assassin's Creed Valhalla. Critics such as BaziCenter and Gameblog.fr mention the presence of numerous bugs and weak enemy AI, which can detract from the overall experience. Some reviewers, like Game Debate and Worth Playing, note that certain village upgrades feel pointless and the benefits of upgrading the village are nerfed, leading to a somewhat bloated content (Game Debate). Additionally, the sheer amount of content and activities may be overwhelming for some players (PlayStation Country, Xbox Tavern), and side activities can become repetitive (Gaming Age). The lack of depth in certain areas and player fatigue due to the game's length are also mentioned as negatives (Worth Playing). Overall, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Valhalla offers a significant amount of content and activities, providing high replay value. The game's combination of main story arcs, multiple approaches to scenarios, and diverse side activities contribute to its replayability (TheSixthAxis). The plethora of optional missions, mysteries, relics, and puzzles, along with the game's long-lasting and rich epic experience, make it highly recommended (Everyeye.it). The inclusion of player choices with real-world consequences, multiple endings, and a deep skill tree further enhance the game's replayability (Gamer Escape, RPG Fan). Despite some drawbacks like bugs, weak enemy AI, and repetitive side activities, Assassin's Creed Valhalla is considered one of the best entries in the series, offering a vast and engaging experience (Meristation).

TL;DR

replay value

Assassin's Creed Valhalla has been praised for its abundant content and replay value, offering hours of entertainment with its diverse activities and immersive gameplay. Critics laud the game's depth, player choices, and multiple endings, despite some drawbacks like bugs and repetitive side tasks. Overall, Valhalla is considered a standout entry in the series, providing a rich and engaging experience for players looking for a lengthy and rewarding adventure.

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive (80-100)

85%

Mixed (50-79)

15%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Assassin's Creed Valhalla has received a mix of positive and negative reviews from critics. Many critics praised the game for its expansive world, immersive experience, and captivating story. The Viking setting was particularly highlighted as a standout feature, with critics like We Got This Covered and TheXboxHub commending Ubisoft for successfully recreating the Viking experience. The game's visuals were also highly praised, with PCMag and RPGamer noting the stunning graphics and immersive environments. Additionally, the RPG elements and character-driven plot were seen as fresh and engaging, as mentioned by PCMag and Player 2. However, there were also several criticisms raised by reviewers. One common complaint was the overwhelming amount of content in the game, which some critics felt led to a lack of focus on quality storytelling and gameplay mechanics. Malditos Nerds and Gaming Nexus both mentioned the game's quantity of content as a drawback, with Malditos Nerds stating that it made the game feel overwhelming and underwhelming. Technical issues and bugs were another common criticism, with Worth Playing and Push Square highlighting the poor PS4 release and visual bugs and glitches respectively. Lack of innovation and repetitive gameplay elements were also mentioned by GameOver.gr and LaPS4 as areas where the game fell short. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a solid entry in the series, but it has its flaws. The game's strengths lie in its expansive world, immersive experience, and captivating story, which have been praised by multiple reviewers. However, the game's lack of focus on its strengths, limited innovation, overwhelming amount of content, and technical issues have been noted as areas for improvement. Despite these criticisms, many critics still recommend the game, with Merlin'in Kazanı describing it as one of the best games of 2020 and RPGamer considering it highly recommended.

TL;DR

Assassin's Creed Valhalla receives mixed reviews: Critics praise its Viking setting, visuals, and RPG elements, but criticize overwhelming content and technical issues. While it's a solid entry with strengths in world-building and story, lack of focus and innovation are noted flaws.

MONSTER

Reviews

266 reviews found

100

TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Nov 21, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a stunning and fluid game with mammoth amounts of content. It showcases the possibilities of the new Xbox Series X and is possibly the best entry in the series.

Read full review

100

Player 2

Xbox Series X

Nov 18, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a highly recommended open-world action RPG that combines the best elements of past games in the series. It is a visually stunning and immersive experience with engaging gameplay and a captivating story.

Read full review

100

Daily Star

PlayStation 4

Nov 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is praised as another success in the series, with a must-play game in the coming months. The visual detail, depth of the world, and variety of gameplay mechanics are highlighted.

Read full review

100

GamingTrend

Nov 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is considered the best open world RPG of the year, with its vast and beautiful world, intricate combat and stealth mechanics, and a wide range of activities to engage in.

Read full review

AusGamers

Xbox Series X

Nov 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a standout entry in the series and a must-play for fans of Viking culture and history.

Read full review

Digital Chumps

PlayStation 4

Nov 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a triumph that builds upon the series' legacy and sets the stage for future installments.

Read full review

Gamers Heroes

PlayStation 4

Nov 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is the best tale in the franchise with varied gameplay, stunning visuals, and some technical issues.

Read full review

Game Informer

Xbox Series X

Nov 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Valhalla addresses previous issues of the franchise and creates a rewarding experience. While it may not be perfect for all players, it is the reviewer's new favorite entry.

Read full review

Impulsegamer

Nov 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Assassin's Creed Valhalla is a fantastic adventure with a lot to do and a mostly satisfying story, but it falls short in combat and movement.

Read full review

PC Gamer

Nov 9, 2020

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Valhalla succeeds on many levels and is an enormous game. Despite some flaws, it is praised for its engaging story and improvements over previous Assassin's Creed games.

Read full review