Kicking off our roundtable discussion, we’ve got the Viking clan builder, ASKA, from Sand Sailor Studio with distribution by Thunderful Publishing. Reading user reviews, it’s evident that the core audience has found something to love, but there’s a fair share of criticism too.

Yes, it seems many players praise the game’s unique blend of survival and city-building mechanics. Setting up a village and training NPCs to build and defend it is a captivating process. However, feedback also points to issues with pacing and resource-management. It appears the speed at which seasons change or resources deplete can feel unbalanced.

That’s something I’ve noticed too. While exploring ASKA’s colourful and procedurally generated world is intriguing, the pace can feel urgent, even for seasoned survival players. Yet the thrill of discovering hidden caves or secret enemy locations makes exploration still rewarding.

Struggling with the pacing myself, I did appreciate the challenge. The alternating weather systems and enemy invasions make you adapt your strategies frequently – quite a thrill for someone who loves constantly optimizing their gameplay.

What about the game’s controls and overall gameplay mechanics?

ASKA has a deep gameplay loop that involves assigning tasks to NPCs, building and upgrading structures, hunting for resources, and preparing for enemy attacks. Some players find these mechanics a tad tedious or overwhelming, but the depth is impressive. For instance, nurturing a skilled blacksmith or a proficient hunter can significantly alter your clan’s progression, giving the game a layer of strategy and personal touch.

Interacting with the environment is another aspect to highlight. Trees not respawning is a crucial survival element, teaching you prudent resource management. But it also underscores one of the criticisms, potentially leaving you resource-strapped in the later stages.

I think the game’s narrative is as nuanced as its gameplay. Your struggle to thrive against the elements and ancient threats forms an engaging, albeit implied, storyline. However, clearer instructions would make mastering the mechanics less frustrating for new players.

Let’s talk about the visuals and graphic design. How do they contribute to the immersion and overall experience?

Sand Sailor Studio has done an excellent job infusing an atmospheric quality into ASKA’s detailed environments. The changing weather conditions, day-night cycles, and realistic Viking village design provide a truly immersive experience.

Can’t help but mention the stunning auroras during the winters. They add an eerie but beautiful visual image that perfectly underscores the survival narrative.

Translate that to the audio?

There isn’t a lot of voice acting, which might be a letdown for some. But the ambient sounds, from the rustling of trees to the howling of wolves bring the environment to life. Background music subtly enhances the mood, adding intrigue to exploration and tension during enemy invasions.

Onto the villagers. What’s their role in the gameplay and narrative?

The villager system is pivotal to both story and gameplay. Your villagers aren’t just mindless workers, they have needs – they rest, eat, drink. It’s this NPC system that sets ASKA apart, evolving from a city-building survival game to an insightful socio-economic simulation.

The challenge level of the game has divided players. Some are enjoying the steep learning curve, while others are finding it frustrating. Thoughts?

The sudden ramp-up in difficulty, especially during bear attacks, hasn’t been received well by everyone. However, survival game veterans may appreciate the challenge. The scripted bear attacks are a little formulaic, so there’s room for improvement.

I agree. A bit more balance would be beneficial. However, learning how to effectively combat these challenges adds to the game’s replayability. It warrants return visits just to beat that bear!

Final thoughts?

Despite its hiccups, ASKA has made a mark with its unique blend of survival, village simulation, and exploration elements. The realistic portrayal of Viking clans offers a fresh perspective in the survival genre. Gamers who enjoy titles like The Long Dark, Valheim, or Northgard should definitely give ASKA a shot.

Add ASKA to your Steam Library today!