The Lost Vikings - Super Nintendo (Good, Loose)

Game Description

The Lost Vikings, developed by Silicon & Synapse (later known as Blizzard Entertainment) and published by Interplay in 1993, is a groundbreaking action adventure that mixes platforming with clever puzzle-solving. Players guide three Viking warriors—Erik the Swift, Baleog the Fierce, and Olaf the Stout—after they are kidnapped by the alien overlord Tomator. Each Viking has unique abilities, and success comes from using their skills together to escape and find their way back home.

The game’s innovation lies in its emphasis on teamwork and character-switching. Erik can sprint and smash through walls, Baleog wields sword and bow for combat, and Olaf’s shield can block attacks or act as a platform for reaching higher areas. Levels are designed so that no single Viking can progress alone, forcing players to think strategically about which character to use and when. This multi-character design added layers of depth rarely seen in platformers of the era.

With its witty dialogue, challenging puzzles, and quirky personality, The Lost Vikings became a cult favorite on the Super Nintendo. The game stood out for rewarding patience, planning, and problem-solving instead of pure reflexes. The Lost Vikings is an opportunity to own a title that not only entertained but also foreshadowed the creative DNA of one of gaming’s most influential studios.

Gameplay Features

• Control three distinct Viking heroes, each with unique skills
• Switch between characters to solve puzzles and overcome obstacles
• Use Erik’s speed, Baleog’s combat, and Olaf’s shield to complement each other
• Levels combine platforming, combat, and puzzle-solving for a unique experience
• Humorous story and dialogue that bring the Vikings’ personalities to life
• A standout SNES title known for blending action and puzzle gameplay

Historical Trivia or Fun Fact

The Lost Vikings was one of the first games created by Silicon & Synapse, the company that would later become Blizzard Entertainment. Long before creating hits like Warcraft, Diablo, and StarCraft, Blizzard honed their design philosophy with this clever, character-driven puzzle-platformer. Its unique mechanics were praised for innovation and set it apart in a crowded SNES lineup.

The game’s popularity led to ports on multiple platforms and eventually a sequel, The Lost Vikings II. Today, it is fondly remembered as a cult classic, both for its humor and its demanding puzzle design. For collectors, owning the SNES cartridge means securing an early piece of Blizzard’s creative legacy and a memorable oddity that has stood the test of time in the Super Nintendo library.