Nidhogg 2

{{Infobox video game

| title = Nidhogg 2

| image = File:Nidhogg 2 cover art.png

| developer = Messhof

| publisher = Messhof

| designer = Mark Essen

| programmer = Mark Essen

| artist = Toby Dixon

| composer = Mux Mool

| engine = GameMaker Studio

| platforms = Microsoft Windows
macOS
PlayStation 4
Xbox One
Nintendo Switch

| released = Microsoft Windows, macOS, PlayStation 4{{vgrelease|WW|August 15, 2017}}Xbox One{{vgrelease|WW|July 18, 2018}}Nintendo Switch{{vgrelease|WW|November 22, 2018}}

| genre = Fighting

| modes = Single-player, multiplayer

}}

Nidhogg 2 is a fighting game and sequel to Nidhogg by indie developer Messhof. It was released for Microsoft Windows, macOS and PlayStation 4 in 2017. An Xbox One version was released in July 2018 and the Nintendo Switch version was released in November 2018. The game received generally positive reviews from critics upon release.

Gameplay

Nidhogg 2 is a fighting game in which two players duel against each other. The player has to reach the end of their opponent's side first to win. Players have a variety of moves, including sliding and leaping. They can deflect their opponents' attacks. Weapons, such as daggers, throwing knives and bows, as well as a character creator, are introduced.{{cite news|url=https://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2017/07/14/nidhogg-2-release-date-announced/|title=Nidhogg 2 starts duelling on August 15th|first=Alice|last=O'Connor|website=Rock Paper Shotgun|date=July 14, 2017|access-date=May 23, 2019}}

Development

The title was announced in September 2016 and demonstrated at the 2016 TwitchCon{{r|PCG: on the way}} and 2017 Electronic Entertainment Expo Indie Megabooth.{{r|Polygon: Indie Megabooth}} It was released on August 15, 2017, on macOS, PlayStation 4, and Microsoft Windows platforms.{{r|Engadget: release}} A Nintendo Switch version was released on November 22, 2018.{{cite web|url=https://gematsu.com/2018/11/nidhogg-2-for-switch-launches-november-22|title=Nidhogg 2 for Switch launches November 22|website=Gematsu|date=November 5, 2018|access-date=November 5, 2018}} Unlike the original game, which features a minimalistic art style, the game's creator Mark Essen and artist Toby Dixon decided to use a more detailed graphical style with a higher resolution so as to reflect the game's increased depth. Another reason for the change is that Essen considered Nidhogg 2 a "spectator game". The art style allowed spectators to have more things to look at when they were watching the gameplay.{{cite web |last=Couture |first=Joel |url=http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/283714/Why_Nidhogg_2_ditches_the_minimalism_of_the_original.php |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161021125552/http://www.gamasutra.com/view/news/283714/Why_Nidhogg_2_ditches_the_minimalism_of_the_original.php |url-status=dead |archive-date=October 21, 2016 |title=Why Nidhogg 2 ditches the minimalism of the original |work=Gamasutra |date=October 20, 2016 |access-date=August 20, 2017}}

Reception

{{Video game reviews

| MC = 80/100{{cite web |url=https://www.metacritic.com/game/nidhogg-2/critic-reviews/?platform=pc |title=Nidhogg 2 Critic Reviews for PC |work=Metacritic |access-date=August 20, 2017}}

| GI = 8/10{{cite magazine |last=Vazquez |first=Suriel |url=https://www.gameinformer.com/games/nidhogg_2/b/pc/archive/2017/08/14/nidhogg-2-review.aspx |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170817115710/http://www.gameinformer.com/games/nidhogg_2/b/pc/archive/2017/08/14/nidhogg-2-review.aspx |url-status=live |archive-date=August 17, 2017 |title=Nidhogg 2: A Bloodthirsty Rematch |magazine=Game Informer |date=August 14, 2017}}

| GMaster = 80%

| GTM = 7/10

| OPMUK = 7/10

}}

The game received "generally favorable" reviews, according to the review aggregator website Metacritic.{{r|Metacritic}} GamesMaster said it was "An excellent sword-fighting game that at times has trouble remembering its brilliant roots." Game Informer said, "Though it doesn’t add much for players looking to play around with its improvements solo, Nidhogg 2 adds layers of depth to a simple formula without breaking what made it so appealing in the first place." Destructoid said, "It has expanded on the wonderful mechanics of the original and has one of the best soundtracks in recent memory. There isn't much content here for the solo player, but if you've got friends coming over for some friendly competition, the night would not be complete without Nidhogg 2." PlayStation Official Magazine – UK said it had "wicked local multiplayer appeal", while GamesTM said it was "Fast, intense, but flawed".

The game was nominated for "Best Fighting Game" and "Best Multiplayer" in IGN's Best of 2017 Awards.{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Fighting_Game |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Fighting Game |work=IGN |date=December 20, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017}}{{cite web |url=http://www.ign.com/wikis/best-of-2017-awards/Best_Multiplayer |title=Best of 2017 Awards: Best Multiplayer |work=IGN |date=December 20, 2017 |access-date=January 19, 2017}}

= Accolades =

Year	Award	Category	Result	{{Refh}}
class="wikitable sortable"
rowspan="2" style="text-align:center;" \| 2017 \| Golden Joystick Awards \| Best Multiplayer \| {{Nom}} \| style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|last=Gaito \|first=Eri \|url=https://www.bestinslot.co/golden-joystick-awards-2017-nominees/ \|title=Golden Joystick Awards 2017 Nominees \|work=Best in Slot \|date=November 13, 2017 \|access-date=January 19, 2017}}
The Game Awards 2017 \| Best Fighting Game \| {{Nom}} \| style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|last=Makuch \|first=Eddie \|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/the-game-awards-2017-winners-headlined-by-zelda-br/1100-6455467/ \|title=The Game Awards 2017 Winners Headlined By Zelda: Breath Of The Wild's Game Of The Year \|work=GameSpot \|date=December 8, 2017 \|access-date=January 19, 2017}}
style="text-align:center;" \| 2018 \| 21st Annual D.I.C.E. Awards \| Fighting Game of the Year \| {{Nom}} \| style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|last=Makuch \|first=Eddie \|url=https://www.gamespot.com/articles/game-of-the-year-nominees-announced-for-dice-award/1100-6456107/ \|title=Game Of The Year Nominees Announced For DICE Awards \|work=GameSpot \|date=January 14, 2018 \|access-date=January 19, 2018}}
style="text-align:center;" \| 2019 \| 2019 Webby Awards \| Best Multiplayer/Competitive Game \| {{Nom}} \| style="text-align:center;" \| {{cite web \|url=https://www.webbyawards.com/winners/2019/ \|title=2019 Winners \|work=The Webby Awards \|date=April 22, 2019 \|access-date=April 25, 2019}}

References

{{reflist|refs=

{{cite web |last=Fingas |first=Jon |url=https://www.engadget.com/2017/07/16/nidhogg-2/ |title=The frantic swordfighting of 'Nidhogg 2' arrives on August 15th |work=Engadget |date=July 16, 2017 |access-date=August 20, 2017}}

{{cite web |last=Davenport |first=James |url=http://www.pcgamer.com/nidhogg-2-is-on-the-way-with-axes-arrows-and-a-grotesque-new-art-direction/ |title=Nidhogg 2 is on the way with axes, arrows, and a grotesque new art direction |work=PC Gamer |date=September 29, 2016 |access-date=August 20, 2017}}

{{cite web |last=Hall |first=Charlie |url=https://www.polygon.com/2017/5/26/15701948/indie-megabooth-lineup-e3-nidhogg-2 |title=Here's the Indie Megabooth lineup for E3 (update: public access has been canceled) |work=Polygon |date=May 26, 2017 |access-date=August 20, 2017}}

}}