Rune: Ragnarok trailer showcases vikings, dragons, and a gigantic puppy

Back in 2000, Human Head Studios released Rune, an action game with great cover art about the battle between Loki, who seeks to unleash Ragnarok, and Odin, who aims to stop him. 17 years later, the studio announced a sequel, and based on the title—and the pre-alpha trailer released today—it looks like Loki has got the upper hand. 

Rune: Ragnarok is an end-of-days, all-the-marbles affair in which gods, beasts, and humans decide to settle their differences once and for all. Players will pledge themselves to an Asgardian tenant of their choice, who will grant them divine favor and special abilities as they quest to "take down Loki and bring and end to Ragnarok." 

That presumably means you can't align yourself with Loki, which is kind of a shame; I know the Marvel Cinematic Universe portrayal isn't particularly close to the "real" Norse legends, but if I had to spend a day hanging out with anyone from that pantheon, you better believe it's going to be Loki. 

Rune: Ragnarok doesn't have a release date yet, but barring any problems it will enter beta testing later this year. If you want to get in on that action, you can sign up for a shot at a key at runeragnarok.com

Andy Chalk

Andy has been gaming on PCs from the very beginning, starting as a youngster with text adventures and primitive action games on a cassette-based TRS80. From there he graduated to the glory days of Sierra Online adventures and Microprose sims, ran a local BBS, learned how to build PCs, and developed a longstanding love of RPGs, immersive sims, and shooters. He began writing videogame news in 2007 for The Escapist and somehow managed to avoid getting fired until 2014, when he joined the storied ranks of PC Gamer. He covers all aspects of the industry, from new game announcements and patch notes to legal disputes, Twitch beefs, esports, and Henry Cavill. Lots of Henry Cavill.