Oddmar

Oddmar is a vibrant, action-adventure platformer steeped in Norse mythology, developed by MobGe Games and Senri. Originally released for mobile platforms (iOS and Android) in 2018 and 2019 respectively, it later launched on Nintendo Switch and macOS in 2020. The game follows the titular character, Oddmar, a Viking who struggles to fit in with his village and feels unworthy of a place in the legendary hall of Valhalla. Shunned by his peers for his lack of interest in typical Viking pursuits like pillaging, Oddmar is given a chance to prove himself and redeem his squandered potential. This opportunity arises when a fairy visits him in a dream, granting him special jumping abilities through a magical mushroom, just as his fellow villagers mysteriously disappear. Thus begins Oddmar's quest through magical forests, snowy mountains, and dangerous mines to save his village, earn his place in Valhalla, and potentially save the world. The gameplay primarily involves classic 2D platforming actions: running, jumping, and attacking. Oddmar navigates 24 beautifully hand-crafted levels filled with physics-based puzzles and platforming challenges. His movement feels distinct, described by some as slightly "floaty" but easily controllable for precise maneuvers like wall jumps. The ability to create mushroom platforms adds a unique mechanic, particularly useful for wall jumping. As the game progresses, players unlock new abilities, magically imbued weapons, and shields, which can be purchased using collectible triangles found in levels. These add depth to combat, allowing players to block attacks or use special elemental effects. Some levels vary the formula, featuring chase sequences, auto-runner sections, unique boss fights (like battling a Kraken with cannonballs), or moments where Oddmar rides companion creatures, temporarily changing the controls. Visually, Oddmar is renowned for its stunning, hand-crafted art style and fluid animations, often compared favorably to the quality seen in games like Rayman Legends. The entire world feels alive and detailed, with distinct designs for characters and enemies that add personality. The story unfolds through fully voiced motion comics, adding to the game's high production values. The soundtrack, while sometimes considered generic Viking fare, complements the adventurous atmosphere. Each level contains hidden collectibles, typically three golden triangles and often a secret fourth item found in challenging bonus areas. These bonus levels might involve time attacks, enemy gauntlets, or difficult platforming sections, adding replay value for completionists. Checkpoints are well-placed, making the game accessible for shorter play sessions, particularly on mobile. While primarily a single-player experience, it supports cloud saves (on Google Play and iCloud) and game controllers on various platforms. Oddmar received critical acclaim upon release, particularly for its mobile version, winning an Apple Design Award in 2018. Reviewers praised its gorgeous visuals, polished gameplay, intuitive controls (with touch controls often cited as particularly well-implemented), imaginative level design, and overall charm. While some noted the story as simple or the game as relatively short (beatable in a few hours), the quality of the experience was widely highlighted. It's often cited as one of the best platformers available on mobile, standing out for its premium quality without aggressive monetization (the Android version offers a free trial, with the full game unlockable via a single purchase). Overall, Oddmar is celebrated as a beautifully crafted, fun, and challenging platformer that successfully blends familiar mechanics with its own unique flair and stunning presentation.