Welcome to Best Games of the ‘90s! This is the place where we celebrate the greatest games from one of the most iconic decades in gaming history.
Today, we’re diving into one of my all-time favorites; The Lost Vikings – a one-of-a-kind puzzle platformer with charming characters, great humor, and clever puzzles, making it one of the coolest games of my childhood.
HISTORY
Originally released way back in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, The Lost Vikings was created by a small studio called Silicon & Synapse—a name you might not recognize. But you definitely know what they became: the gaming powerhouse we now call Blizzard.
And that’s the reason why you can even run into The Lost Vikings in World of Warcraft.
THE STORY
In Lost Vikings players need to guide three stranded Viking warriors back home after they are unexpectedly abducted by an alien emperor Tomator, who wants to add them to his intergalactic zoo. Now, they must work together to escape and find their way back to Earth, traveling through strange and diverse worlds along the way.
At its core, The Lost Vikings is a puzzle-platformer that revolves around strategic teamwork between three uniquely skilled characters. Each Viking has a distinct skill set that players must use to solve increasingly difficult puzzles.
THE CHARACTERS
Erik is the agile one—he can run, jump, and break through walls with his powerful helmet. Baleog is the warrior, armed with a sword and bow to defeat enemies and activate distant switches but he can’t jump. Olaf, my favorite, is the defensive anchor of the group. He wields a sturdy shield that blocks attacks, doubles as a glider, and even act as a stepping platform for his teammates. Mastering when and how to switch between them is key to overcoming the game’s very difficult puzzles and combat challenges.
GAMEPLAY
The journey takes players through a variety of unique worlds, from prehistoric lands and ancient Egypt to futuristic factories and surreal dreamscapes. Though the puzzles become progressively more difficult, the game provides helpful hints and allows for some flexibility in solving obstacles. While there’s always an “optimal” way to complete each level without taking damage, players can experiment with different strategies—sometimes brute-forcing through an enemy if necessary.
The only real downside is the lack of an in-game save system, forcing players to rely on passwords to continue their journey. Some levels can be lengthy, and having to replay sections due to a mistake can be frustrating. However, The Lost Vikings remains a standout classic from this bygone era.
WHERE TO PLAY IT
If you want to play The Lost Vikings today on modern devices, you’re in luck!
The game is available on PC, Nintendo Switch, PlayStation and Xbox as part of the Blizzard Arcade Collection. This updated version includes conveniences like the ability to rewind time and save anywhere—modern comforts we could only dream of back in the ‘90s.
THE UGLY SEQUEL
The sequel, Lost Vikings II: Norse By Norsewest expands on the original with 2 new heroes, new abilities, and even tougher puzzles. Originally released for the Super Nintendo, it was later ported to the PlayStation 1 with revamped—though arguably less appealing—graphics. While it may not have the same charm as the original, it still delivers a fun and challenging experience for fans of the series.
How about you? Did you play this classic? Let us know in the comments below!
Stay tuned for more of the Best Video Games of the ‘90s! Next time: I’m taking a look at one of the OGs of survival horror: Silent Hill.
