Helheim Hassle is a comedic yet macabre narrative adventure game, from the same universe as previous hit Manual Samuel, that is as much about friendship as it is about body parts. You play as Bjørn, a pacifist Viking who hates the idea of dying and going to Valhalla (who then ends up dying and getting taken to Valhalla) as he seeks to negotiate his way out while helping the mysterious Pesto on a quest to retrieve a certain magical item… In return, Pesto will try to grant Bjørn a permanent residence in Helheim – what a hassle! Players will be tasked with completing up to 70 quests over 14 levels, requiring the use of all manner of different body part combos to complete the game’s unique puzzle-platforming challenges.
Story
The story begins when Bjørn Hammerparty, a viking who hates to fight, dies. When he ends up in purgatory, he has the ability to detach his head, both arms and both legs in order to get to heaven aka Helheim.
Graphics
Helheim Hassle has a slick 2D presentation with a strong art style that permeates throughout the visual presentation. The characters are full of life and personality, and the comedic aspects of the story are well told visually. The animation can be a tad stiff at times but nothing that draws back from the experience as a whole.
Gameplay
The real star of Helheim Hassle is the fun and unique puzzle solving gameplay. You can remove any one of five parts of your body to solve a wide variety of puzzles. These puzzles are implemented in creative and fun ways throughout the game. There is a memorable part where Bjørn throws his arm into the belly of a dragon and fights it from the inside. If I had any complaints, the controls aren’t as s The game lasts about 6 hours which is the perfect length.
Overall Impressions
With a strong combination of unique gameplay, creative art style and comedy that is actually funny, Helheim Hassle is a puzzle platformer that finds its place as one of the best in 2020.
Score: 8.5/10
Dive deeper into the Perfectly Paranormal universe and witness yet another unlikely friendship on an adventure that takes place the same Tuesday as Manual Samuel!
Helheim Hassle is a narrative adventure game with puzzle platforming elements. Play as Bjørn, a pacifist Viking that can detach and combine limbs at will to solve challenging puzzles and get out of uncomfortable situations involving desperate Norse Gods, Goblins, Dragons, wild animals and angry horsemen.
