Are you a bit bored of learning Norwegian the traditional, dare we say analog way? Do you feel like doing something fun while you improve your vocabulary? You do, but you don’t know where to start? We got you covered!
We know that language learning can at times seem pretty tedious, even for the true language enthusiasts out there. In the past, we have given you a few tips on some more interesting ways to expand your skills, by watching movies or even by listening to music. To continue on that tangent and bring something new to the table, we did a bit of research and compiled a list of a few games that are playable in Norwegian, so you can fully immerse yourself in a story while also learning the language.
Most of the games from this list are actually set in Norway throughout the ages, so you’ll also be able to learn about Norse mythology and history as an added bonus. Four of these are available for PC by downloading them from Steam or GOG for example, for the last one you’d need to have a PlayStation console. Whether you’re an experienced gamer or a novice, you’ll have a few options to choose from. We made sure to choose games where not only the interface is available in Norwegian, but also the subtitles, meaning you’ll be able to read the whole story in Norwegian while listening to English audio, just like when watching a movie. So, without further ado, here’s our list of Norwegian games.
The Frostrune
This is a relatively short and easy-to-play game with gorgeous, hand-painted art, that takes about 2 to 5 hours to complete. It’s a point-and-click adventure game inspired by Viking myth and folklore. You’ll have to solve challenging puzzles while exploring a deserted island full of ancient rune stones, hidden relics, and unsolved mysteries. According to the developers, this is a culturally and historically accurate game where the player can immerse themselves in an authentic Norse environment with Old Norse speech and artifacts recreated from archaeological sources. Another cool thing about this game is that it’s also available in the App Store and Google Play.
Draugen
Another visually appealing, award-winning game, Draugen is a “single-player, first-person Fjord Noir tale of suspense, mystery, and deception, set in 1920s Norway”. You play as the American Edward Charles Harden who comes to Norway in 1923 to find his missing sister. Together with your companion, you have to explore a forgotten coastal village hidden between the breathtaking fjords and towering mountains and get to the bottom of some truly terrible secrets. It is a psychological mystery set in the picturesque rural Norway of the early 20th century.
Through the Woods
For the fans of scary stories, desolate environments, and nightmarish landscapes, we have an excellent suggestion. Through the Woods is a “third-person Norse horror adventure set in a forest on the western shores of Norway that tells the story of a mother and her missing son”. This one also draws inspiration from Norse mythology and art, while allowing you to venture through the stunning landscapes. If you’re not the type to shy away from a grim tale and a frightening journey, you should definitely give this award-winning horror game a try. It gets another plus point for the fact that the audio is also available in Norwegian, not just the subtitles.
Little Big Planet 3
I wouldn’t be surprised if you have already played this game either at your own or at a friend’s house. A very stark contrast to our previous recommendations, this adorable, quirky little game is perfect for you even if you aren’t a huge fan of video games. Little Big Planet 3 (and its previous installments) is a beautifully made puzzle-platformer game that you can play alone or in multiplayer. The graphics and the audio are pure joy to look at and listen to and the gameplay can provide you with hours and hours of (language-learning) fun. Both the screen language and the voice can be set to Norwegian, so this one is a definite winner as well. The only downside is that you actually need to own the PlayStation console to be able to play it.
Ori and the Will of the Wisps
Another absolute stunner, Ori and the Will of the Wisps is a platform-adventure game in which you embark on a quest in a “vast, exotic world where you’ll encounter towering enemies and challenging puzzles”. It is beautifully made, with an exhilarating story and exceptionally beautiful artwork. Immerse yourself in the tale of the little spirit Ori while reading the story in Norwegian.
So, if we have piqued your interest and you feel like giving any of these video games a try, we’d love to hear what you think of them. Share your thoughts in the comment section below and let us know if you’d like more content like this in the future.
