Hooded Horse Rides Again: Norland Ushers In a New Age of Medieval Mayhem
If you’ve been following the indie strategy scene for any length of time, chances are you’ve seen Hooded Horse galloping across your timeline. The Texas‑based publisher has built a reputation for scouting deep, systems‑heavy games, titles that reward meticulous planning and story‑driven chaos. Their latest crown jewel? Norland, a medieval family‑management sim where betrayal, intrigue, and the occasional fratricide are all in a day’s work.
What Exactly Is Norland?
“Think RimWorld meets Crusader Kings… then hand the whole mess to a band of back‑stabbing siblings.”
Developed by Long Jaunt and published by Hooded Horse, Norland casts you as the head of a noble house in a procedurally generated kingdom. Your mission sounds simple: keep the dynasty alive and thriving. Reality? A swirl of political plots, city‑building logistics, and personal vendettas:
| Core Pillars | Why You’ll Love It |
|---|---|
| Family First… or Last | Every sibling, cousin, and in‑law has unique traits—and grudges. Keep them happy, or risk open revolt. |
| City‑Builder Meets Story Sim | Design farms, taverns, and fortifications while gossip and scandal ripple through the halls. |
| Dynamic Diplomacy & Warfare | Form alliances, declare war, or send that annoying uncle on a “peace mission” that might never return. |
| Emergent Drama | A drunken duel at dawn? A secret romance with the enemy? Norland’s AI loves surprises. |
Feast Your Eyes (and Ears)
Official Trailer
(Click to watch on YouTube—expect dramatic music, catapult fire, and more than one “accidental” swordfight.)
Quick Links for Would‑Be Monarchs
| Resource | Link |
|---|---|
| Steam Page | https://store.steampowered.com/app/1857090/Norland/ |
| Official Site | https://norlandgame.com |
| Publisher Site | https://hoodedhorse.com |
| Norland on Twitter (X) | @NorlandStorySim |
Why Hooded Horse Keeps Hitting the Mark 🎯
- Curated Catalogue – From Old World to Against the Storm, Hooded Horse only signs titles that marry deep strategy with narrative flair.
- Player‑First Ethos – Frequent dev diaries, transparent roadmaps, and a no‑crunch stance keep communities engaged and informed.
- Long‑Tail Support – Post‑launch updates aren’t a courtesy—they’re a promise. Expect DLC, patches, and quality‑of‑life tweaks long after release.
Final Verdict: Add Norland to Your Kingdom
Whether you’re the type who micro‑manages grain silos or just wants to watch your treacherous brother “accidentally” fall off the battlements, Norland is shaping up to be 2024’s must‑play medieval sandbox. With Hooded Horse in the saddle, expect polish, depth, and plenty of emergent stories you’ll be bragging about on social for weeks.
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