ALLFATHER is an action RPG that blends old-school RPG aesthetics with souls-like combat intensity. Players take control of a shield maiden cast aside by the Valkyries, fighting upward from the depths of Helheim toward the halls of Valhalla. The experience emphasizes precision, stamina management, and repeated attempts that build skill and power over time.
Gameplay
Combat relies on a straightforward set of mechanics that demand careful execution in a hostile Norse-inspired setting. Encounters pit the shield maiden against skilled duelists, hordes of undead, aggressive beasts, and towering bosses. Stamina must be conserved across swings and dodges, with timing critical for landing decisive strikes amid chaotic fights. Environmental hazards add further layers as players ascend through different realms.
Exploration takes place in procedurally generated dungeons where experience gained from defeated foes fuels leveling. Rewards come in the form of divine blessings that shape each attempt, alongside rule-altering relics that introduce fresh variables. These systems encourage experimentation while punishing reckless play through permadeath.
Game Modes
The core structure revolves around roguelike runs marked by permanent death. Each attempt begins anew in the depths, with progress erased upon failure yet permanent resources carried forward for future tries. Players select blessings and relics at the start of every run to create varied builds, then navigate floors that introduce new enemies and environmental obstacles drawn from Norse sagas.
Meta-progression supports these runs through collected iron and runes spent at merchants in Hel's Hall. Weapons crafted from these materials alter combat approaches permanently, while ability runes provide lasting boosts allocated before departure. This setup ensures every death contributes to long-term strength without resetting all advancement.
Progression and Customization
Weapon crafting forms a key pillar of advancement. Earned materials allow creation of distinct armaments that shift playstyles across runs. Runes enhance abilities in customizable ways, offering flexibility in how the shield maiden approaches threats. These elements persist across deaths, creating a foundation that grows stronger with persistence.
Blessings from various gods and powerful relics further expand options. Blood sacrifices and dealings with dwarven merchants provide additional paths to power. Each realm climbed presents escalating challenges that test both combat discipline and decision-making under pressure.
World and Aesthetic
The setting draws directly from Norse mythology, with realms featuring environmental dangers and foes that reflect saga lore. Floors increase in difficulty as the ascent continues, layering new threats atop established ones. The visual and audio presentation uses retro techniques achieved through modern tools, with all models, textures, animations, voices, sounds, and music crafted by hand rather than filtered assets.
Is It Worth Playing?
ALLFATHER suits players who value challenging, precision-focused combat paired with roguelike structure and meaningful meta-progression. Those drawn to repeated attempts that reward observation and adaptation will find the loop engaging, particularly when combined with the persistent weapon and rune systems. The emphasis on human-crafted retro presentation adds a distinct layer for fans of that style. Availability on PC makes it accessible for those matching this preference profile.
