Ruggnar

Really nice game. Love the voice acting.

C était trop trop bien . Mon parcours préféré était le chariot , et vous? [N.B. : de la part d'Emma, 9 ans, qui a découvert Ruggnar à Anim'Asia 2021, puis 2022, et a enfin pu faire son premier jeu vidéo sur PC!]

The game is a mix of platformer and random generated maps that are run as levels. The gameplay loop goes around traversing really dark levels, avoiding traps and collecting gold coins to get to the exit as fast as possible. I haven't seen any enemies and upgrades are basically to the amount of light you have available. You die in one hit and go back to the last checkpoint, and many levels seem to have no checkpoints at all. Visibility is very bad in this game, not only that objects don't have enough differentiation from the background, so you're going to spend a lot of time looking for levels, or falling off platforms because you hit a wall you can not even distinguish right in front of you. The game preview screenshots of the big maps make it seem this is a metroidvania, but there's nothing metroidvania about it, it's a precision platformer in the dark. I would say it's a waste of money even on sale, but there may be people who like this type of game.

this game is surprisingly fun. The pixel art is really good too

Très bon jeu de plateforme. Parfait pour initier les plus jeunes (mon fils de 9 ans adore) car il n'y a pas de méchant à combattre, mais seulement des pièges à éviter. Les textes sont drôles et la voix française est excellente. Mes enfants reprennent les voix et imitent.

While not perfect it is fun and well made game. Unfortunately, it gets boring quickly due to lack of additions of new gameplay mechanics.

I like it. The voice acting is cheesy yet charming and the gameplay is simple yet fun. There's nothing revolutionary about it but it's a Dwarf game which is obviously one of the best genres to ever exist.

商店页面没几个好评，也有质量，至少鼓励性好评是可以的。 we need chinese. 我们需要中文。 202512，steam，steam掉卡掉物抵扣，它处自定义包入的本体约9元。 爱人如己，目前就这，看以后追评。

Ruggnar is a distinctive indie platformer that deliberately turns away from traditional combat-driven design and instead builds its identity around exploration, atmosphere, and environmental challenge. Developed by Sword N’ Wands and published by PID Games alongside Dear Villagers, the game feels like a thoughtful experiment in restraint, asking players to engage with danger not by fighting it, but by understanding it. From the outset, it establishes a slower, more contemplative rhythm that emphasizes planning, observation, and patience over reflex-heavy action. You play as Ruggnar, a gruff but endearing dwarf who leaves his struggling hometown in search of treasure hidden within abandoned ruins and forgotten dungeons. The premise is intentionally simple, serving mainly as a framework for the journey rather than a deep narrative arc. What makes the adventure compelling is not a grand story twist, but the way the world itself becomes the primary antagonist. There are no enemies to defeat, no monsters to battle—only darkness, traps, and the constant uncertainty of what lies just beyond your field of vision. The game’s defining mechanic revolves around light, specifically candles, which are both your lifeline and your limitation. Darkness is not just an aesthetic choice; it is a functional obstacle that obscures platforms, hides traps, and forces players to make decisions with incomplete information. Candles can be placed or thrown to illuminate areas ahead, reveal safe paths, or trigger mechanisms, but they are a limited resource that must be retrieved to avoid running out. This transforms every section into a subtle puzzle, where progress depends as much on candle placement and foresight as on precise jumping. Platforming in Ruggnar is deliberately cautious rather than fast-paced. Hazards such as spikes, fire traps, swinging blades, and collapsing platforms are common, but they are rarely visible all at once. This creates a tension between curiosity and caution, as players must decide whether to push forward into the unknown or carefully light the way step by step. Some sections reward meticulous planning, while others test adaptability when things go wrong, reinforcing the idea that survival comes from understanding the environment rather than overpowering it. Progression is supported by light RPG elements and exploration incentives. As Ruggnar ventures deeper, he encounters merchants who sell upgrades that enhance candle effectiveness, visibility, or traversal comfort. These improvements do not trivialize the challenges, but they do provide a sense of growth and relief, making later sections feel more manageable without undermining the core tension. Cosmetic options and small quality-of-life enhancements add personality and charm, reinforcing the game’s whimsical tone despite its often oppressive darkness. Visually, Ruggnar blends pixel art with dynamic lighting to strong effect. The contrast between deep shadows and warm candlelight creates a striking atmosphere that feels both cozy and threatening. Environments are varied enough to maintain interest, with ruins, caverns, and dungeon interiors that feel cohesive and intentionally designed. The lighting system does much of the storytelling work, guiding the player’s eye and shaping the emotional tone of each area. Sound design complements this well, using subtle ambient cues and understated music to reinforce immersion without overwhelming the experience. The game’s tone is further enhanced by its humor and voice work. Ruggnar himself is expressive and memorable, with voiced reactions that add personality and prevent the experience from feeling too lonely or grim. These touches of humor help balance the frustration that can arise from repeated deaths or misjudged jumps, reminding players that the game does not take itself too seriously even when it demands careful attention. That said, Ruggnar is not without its rough edges. The darkness mechanic, while central to the game’s identity, can sometimes cross the line from tension into frustration. Certain hazards are difficult to anticipate even with careful candle placement, leading to moments that feel more like trial and error than thoughtful problem-solving. Backtracking to retrieve candles or repeat sections after a mistake can occasionally slow the pace, especially for players who prefer smoother momentum in platformers. Overall, Ruggnar stands out as a platformer that dares to slow things down and rethink how challenge is presented. Its focus on light, resource management, and environmental awareness gives it a unique flavor in a genre often dominated by speed and combat. While its mechanics may not appeal to everyone, particularly those seeking action-heavy gameplay, it offers a rewarding experience for players who enjoy atmospheric exploration and puzzle-inflected platforming. Imperfect but full of personality, Ruggnar is a memorable journey that proves tension and engagement can exist without a single enemy in sight. Rating: 7/10

Ruggnar est un peu étonnant, et se classe dans la catégorie des jeux ou il faut "ramasser des trucs dans un tableau dans un temps imparti". Et le tout sans ennemis ni touche d'attaque, mais seulement notre habileté à trouver des clés, résoudre des énigmes très basiques (pousser des caisses et tirer des leviers) et éviter différents pièges (pics, boules de feu, etc...). La petite particularité étant que votre nain est dans le noir complet et ne peux s'éclairer que via des bougies en nombre limité. Il peut aussi les lancer devant lui pour avoir un aperçu du parcours, et allumer des candélabres faisant office de check-point. Chaque niveau a un objectif de temps, un nombre de pièces à ramasser, et un bonus lié au fait de ne pas mourir. Le 100% de chaque niveau demandera d'ailleurs de réaliser tous les objectifs en même temps, ce qui ne sera pas toujours facile. Ma surprise a été de constaté que le jeu se termine après seulement 2 mondes et 20 niveaux, après à peine 3h de jeu. Et même s'il y a une certaine rejouabilité, je trouve que c'est un peu chiche. Les deux boss du jeu sont aussi vraiment nuls et laborieux. Par contre, le jeu est plutôt joli, et surtout les voix sont assurées par le très drôle PADG, bien connu des joueurs. Bref, à faire tranquillement le temps d'une aprem ou d'une soirée.