Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Rune delivers a ferocious melee combat system that emphasizes timing, weapon selection, and strategic use of Rune Powers. Players guide Ragnar through sprawling Viking-inspired landscapes, taking on hordes of supernatural creatures with a suite of weapons that includes swords, axes, maces, and hammers. Each weapon feels distinct, with weighty swings and sound effects that make every strike resonate.

The Rune Power mechanic adds an engaging layer of depth to combat. By harvesting energy from scattered runes in the environment, Ragnar can activate weapon-specific abilities—such as a flaming sword or a shockwave mace—that turn the tide in tougher encounters. These powers recharge at a balanced rate, encouraging players to explore and probe enemy formations to keep their enhancements active.

Shield usage also factors heavily into encounters. Blocking at the right moment can deflect incoming blows, creating openings for brutal counterattacks. Mastering the dance between offense and defense is key to overcoming elite foes, including the fearsome Viking warlord Conrack and magical guardians of the runestones.

Beyond the single-player campaign, Rune offers a multiplayer component where up to several players can face off in melee skirmishes. Each participant selects a warrior loadout similar to Ragnar’s, complete with Rune Powers and shields. While not revolutionary, this mode extends replayability and provides a fun arena for testing builds against friends.

Graphics

Visually, Rune transports players into a rugged Norse realm. The game’s art direction leans into muted earth tones punctuated by the glow of runestones and magical effects. Forests, fjords, and ancient ruin backdrops all feel authentic, instilling a sense of mythic grandeur without overstaying their welcome.

Character models reflect the brutality of Viking combat. Ragnar and his foes bear armor dents and blood spatters, and weapon details—from engraved runes to chipped edges—lend credibility to every swing. Animations flow smoothly: heavy weapons slam with convincing momentum, while lighter armaments allow for quicker combos without sacrificing weight.

Environmental effects, such as drifting mist, falling leaves, and dynamic lighting during Rune Power activations, enhance immersion. Cutscenes make good use of these same assets, seamlessly blending pre-rendered moments with in-engine action. Performance is solid on modern hardware, with minimal frame drops even during the most chaotic battles.

While the visuals don’t push the bleeding edge of today’s engines, they strike an admirable balance between artistic cohesion and technical stability. Rune’s presentation feels focused, ensuring that graphical flair never comes at the expense of gameplay clarity.

Story

At its core, Rune spins a classic Norse mythos: Odin versus Loki, with the world teetering on the brink of Ragnarok. You play Ragnar, a newly initiated member of the Odinsblade order charged with safeguarding powerful runestones capable of sealing away Loki’s rising threat. It’s a straightforward premise, but one enriched by Norse lore and a genuine sense of impending doom.

As Ragnar, you’re thrust into a narrative that balances battlefield heroics with smaller-scale village defenses. Protecting a neighboring settlement from Conrack—a rival Viking bent on seizing the runestones—adds human stakes to the cosmic conflict. These village sequences provide breathing room between the larger quests to reforge ancient artifacts.

Cutscenes and dialogue moments are succinct but effective. Ragnar’s interactions with fellow bladesmen, and his confrontations with Loki’s minions, build tension without bogging down the pace. While character development isn’t the game’s primary focus, you come to appreciate the weight of the runestones and the sacrifices required to prevent Ragnarok.

The story’s progression mirrors Ragnar’s journey from novice blade-warrior to a seasoned hero making critical choices about the world’s fate. By the time you face the final confrontation, the stakes feel personal, and the narrative payoff resonates—especially if you’ve invested time in the world-building and side challenges.

Overall Experience

Rune stands out as a robust 3D action title that successfully marries melee combat with mythic storytelling. The combat mechanics are satisfying and varied, the Rune Powers introduce tactical flair, and the shield-based defense system rewards skillful timing. Multiplayer adds breadth, giving players an additional outlet for the same core mechanics.

The world design and graphics hold a strong thematic identity, immersing you in Viking-era battles against supernatural forces. Though not cutting-edge in every visual aspect, Rune’s presentation is coherent and atmospherically rich. Performance remains steady throughout, ensuring gameplay remains fluid even during large-scale skirmishes.

Narratively, the game captures the grandeur of Norse legend, balancing epic conflicts between gods with grounded tasks like village defense. While the characters aren’t profoundly complex, the story delivers enough intrigue and mythological weight to keep motivated through the campaign’s final rites.

For fans of hack-and-slash action set against a vividly realized Norse backdrop, Rune offers a compelling adventure. Its combat depth, RPG-adjacent rune system, and multiplayer modes make it a worthwhile addition to any action enthusiast’s library. Whether you’re drawn to mythic tales of Ragnarok or simply crave visceral melee combat, Rune has much to recommend.

Retro Replay Score

7.5/10