Vikings: War of Clans is a strategy simulation. The combination of rough barbarism, primitive imperialism, and vicious sea battles that defined the era of vikings makes it perfect fodder for games, and War of Clans does a pretty good job of doing this era justice. While the mechanics aren't terribly different from any number of other strategy and base building games on the market, it manages to differentiate itself through its strong aesthetic and commitment to the thematic elements of its cultural milieu.

The graphics especially stand out for being beautifully lush and colorful, and the art team deserves high praise for creating an environment that so clearly stands out in a market dominated by more conventional notions of high fantasy. This commitment is reflected in the details placed in the sea vessels as well as the gorgeously stylized map used for online battles.

Beneath the aesthetics is a deep combination of city building fundamentals and both sea and land warfare systems. Players need to find the right balance between growing their city and growing their troops, but luckily, a wide range of units are available to them. Additionally, players can craft and develop a selection of weapons and armor to further bolster their units in player vs. player combat.