Platforms
- PCNov 16, 2018NAplayscoreNA0 Critics8.93.20K Players
- PlayStation 4Aug 28, 20187.6playscore6.63 Critics9.0966 Players
- Xbox OneAug 28, 20187.4playscore6.55 Critics8.8383 Players
- Nintendo SwitchAug 20, 2018NAplayscore6.812 CriticsNA0 Players
18 critic reviews · 4 community reviews across all platforms
Critic Reviews
If you can stomach the harsh consequences for failure then Bad North is a great little strategy game, perfect for playing on a break or in short bursts. I keep restarting in spite of the failures and the resets, so that probably speaks volumes for how compelling it is. There's just something about watching those little sprites batter each other that keeps me coming back. At least until I burn my house down.
Sam Greer · Oct 25, 2018 Reviewed on PCRead full reviewBad North strips away just the right amount of complexity and headache that real-time strategy games tend to have, resulting in a core experience that is challenging, rewarding, and very replayable.
Kendal Erickson · Oct 16, 2018 Reviewed on PCSmall flaws like the lack of customisation and differing styles in enemies can be overlooked if you treat the game as it comes. Bad North is a game that manages to balance the fine line between puzzle game and simulation delivering a tactical roguelike which constantly feels refreshing.
Dan Lipscombe · Sep 10, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewBad North makes decent use of the Switch controls. It’s easy enough to get the hang of the buttons, and if you’re playing in handheld mode you can do pretty much everything you need to using the touchscreen. This is definitely an addictive game. It is lovely to behold and can trigger surprisingly emotional reactions. Overall, it’s very well made, with enough of a challenge to keep sharp minds engaged.
Kirstie Summers · Sep 03, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewBad North is a fun, challenging RTS Roguelite. The visuals paint a charming picture, giving you a false sense of security until the Vikings begin their assault. As your island is bathed in their (or your own) blood, the game keeps you on your toes despite the simplistic interaction you have. This is absolutely worth your time, even if the genre isn’t usually up your alley.
Jamie Collyer · Sep 01, 2018 Reviewed on XB1Read full reviewBy taking a genre that thrives on its deep mechanics and attempting to streamline it into something anyone can pick up and play, we’re left with an experience that doesn’t wholly appeal to anybody. It sucks because there was so much potential here, and it ends up shooting itself in the foot before it really has the chance to bear fruit.
Kevin Mersereau · Aug 30, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewBad North succeeds in making real time strategy accessible to everyone with easy to grasp controls and a straightforward set of tactical choices. However, some may be put off by the difficulty of the latter half, and with just one mode of play at launch, it's a pretty light package. Aside from the occasional bug, the game runs very well, and the miniature battles make for a compelling experience.
Stephen Tailby · Aug 28, 2018 Reviewed on PS4Read full reviewBad North is, broadly speaking, a hard game to recommend even if I came out the other side enjoying it. The style and thoughtful minimalist reworking of the real-time strategy game is exemplary, but the unrelenting back half of the roguelike adventure can sour a good time. I can wholeheartedly recommend Bad North if you fall into either of these camps: someone who’s into a novel RTS twist on the good old-fashioned hard-as-hell roguelike or someone who can chill out to a brutal yet serene RTS that has some rough edges.
Neal Ronaghan · Aug 23, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewA slice of Viking strategic combat right out of the heart of Scandinavia’s indie development scene, Bad North joins the likes of Element at the vanguard of a new wave of smart yet intrinsically accessible real-time strategy titles. With enough enemy variance to convince you you’re playing an interactive episode of the Vikings TV show, this endlessly entertaining sea of bitesize battles will teach you to fear - and love - the sound of the oncoming horde.
Dom Reseigh-Lincoln · Aug 22, 2018 Reviewed on SwitchRead full reviewA minimalist's take on the real time strategy genre, with a strong pick and play quality that doesn't quite do enough to bridge the gap between novices and veterans of the genre.
Nicola Ardron · Sep 14, 2018 Reviewed on XB1, SwitchRead full review
Community Reviews
- Rated on PC
- Rated on PS4
- Rated on PC
- Rated on PC
About the game
Your home is under attack. The king is dead at the hands of viking invaders. The young Prince and Princess flee from their home and must gather whatever resources and loyal bannermen they can muster to survive the oncoming horde. Bad North is a minimalistic real-time tactics roguelite game that combines a charming aesthetic and simple, accessible controls with a surprisingly deep combat simulation.