Jotun

Jøtun is an action-adventure game from 2015, created by Thunder Lotus Games. It features hand-drawn, frame-by-frame animation. The story follows Thora, a Viking woman who died without glory and arrives in Ginnungagap, the Void. Odin commands her to travel through five areas, each containing two stages (except Jera, which has one), to defeat five Jötunn—giant elementals of nature, power, and chaos. Collecting a Rune in each stage advances the story, and God Shrines let Thora unlock or upgrade God Powers. Secret locations hold Ithunn's Apples, which permanently boost her health. Combat is basic: a heavy axe swing, a light axe chop (usable in two- or three-hit combos), and a dodge roll. God Powers include Frigg's Healing, Freya's Speed, Thor's Hammer, Odin's Spear, Loki's Decoy, and Heimdall's Shield, each starting with two charges (some upgradeable to three) and replenished at Mimir's Wells. After defeating the plant giant Jera, warrior giant Fé, ice giant Isa, lightning giant Hagalaz, and fire giant Kaunan, Thora fights Odin himself and earns entry to Valhalla.

The game was announced at PAX 2015 with screenshots and a gameplay video. It released for Windows, OS X, and Linux on September 29, 2015. Wii U, PlayStation 4, and Xbox One versions followed on September 8 and 9, 2016. The Nintendo Switch version arrived April 27, 2018, and the Stadia version on May 26, 2020. Development was funded by a Kickstarter campaign raising over $64,000 from 2,299 backers, plus support from the Canadian Media Fund and Montreal Inc Foundation. In October 2016, Thunder Lotus partnered with IndieBox for a limited, numbered physical collector's edition including a DRM-free disc, soundtrack, manual, Steam key, and custom collectibles. Reception on Metacritic is 79/100. Game Revolution rated it 4.5/5, calling it "a wonderful experience with just a few sour notes." IGN gave 8.0/10, praising it as "a wondrous trek through Norse mythology." GameSpot also gave 8.0/10, noting Thora's story is "one for the ages."