More recently, it has become seen as a desirable place to move for those who want to escape the stresses of city living or raise a family closer to the nature. Its exponential growth over the next decades came from the rise in trade due to the bridge, and the establishment of a large dairy farm and local store which needed employees. The town was small at the beginning of the 20th Century with just around 40 inhabitants.

This bridge was so important to the country’s infrastructure and economy that is was guarded by British troops in World War Two, after the Allies invaded Iceland following the fall of its colonial ruler, Denmark, to the Nazis. More commerce came to the region in 1891, when a suspension bridge was built over the river Olfusa, connecting the agricultural south to the capital. However, it was not permanently settled, according to the Book of Settlements, until just after 1000 AD.īeing inland, Selfoss was an agricultural centre, at a time when most economic centres were the fishing towns (the coastline is 15 kilometres, or nine miles, away). It’s a satisfyingly immersive game and an all-around pleasure, since new discoveries can keep players just as engaged as if the combat took a more dynamic approach, rather than strategic.Records of the lands near Selfoss date back to the first man to permanently move to Iceland, Ingólfur Arnarson it was said he spent the winter of 873 to 874 AD here, beneath the mountain that overlooks the town, Ingólfsfjall. Travelling by boat has a way of making the world seem nearly infinite rather than limited, and the slower pace almost forces players to appreciate the beautiful post-impressionist art style. It may not be the most fast-paced adventure experience, though that’s not exactly what Goodwin was aiming for with Selfloss and its more laid back sense of exploration. The soft tones of the art style appear to draw inspiration from the post-impressionism era, and instill a vibrant palette of blues and greens for a truly Icelandic fairy tale feel. For the most part, the staff is levitated around the player to ward off combatants with powerful shields of light, though there are still some dynamic elements within Selfloss’s combat system to keep players engaged. The combat system in Selfloss isn’t very fast-paced, and is far from a hack and slash - yet again, powers within the old man’s staff are what keep players protected from mythical enemies. The game’s title, Selfloss, is also the name of a wake ceremony used by players to heal the old man’s soul, or health. Upon hearing the cry of these mystical whales, the old man’s adventure begins as players make unique discoveries along their healing quest. Upon helping these wounded whales, they transform into a spirit-like version of their past form and rise into the sky, now swimming through the clouds rather than beneath the water. Much of the game centers around using the old man’s enigmatic staff to heal the world around him, such as whales punctured by giant swords which require removal. This can make gameplay feel a bit drawn out at times, though it also allows players to notice more about the surrounding environment rather than rushing past important items or side actions. Another method of travel which opens up whole new areas to explore is the use of a small boat, and the protagonist’s age clearly shows through his paddling speed.

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