SEGA has gone all 9th-century-and-horned-helmets on us at this year's Game Convention Developers Conference in Leipzig, by announcing "Viking: Battle for Asgard" for the Sony PlayStation 3 and Microsoft Xbox 360.

The adventure game features the story of Skarin, a Viking hero who is rebelling against the Norse Gods' selfish agenda. The Goddess Hel has been banished for defying Odin, Lord of Asgard. So like a grumpy teenager she raises an army of the un-dead to enslave Skarin's home of Midgard in an attempt to provoke Ragnarok - an apocalyptic battle that will destroy everyone and everything.

Why she couldn't just slam a few doors and listen to Creed at full volume, GamerSquad'll never know. Would have saved so much fuss.

SEGA promises vast open worlds, a "brutal" combat engine and intelligent A.I. enemies. Players will also be able to tame dragons and command them to fight, as well as having the capacity to summon magic and the power of the gods in an attempt to save the world from almost certain doom.

“Skarin is a cutting edge hero in a fantastic re-imagining of Norse Mythology. Skarin is obviously a very dangerous man.” said Gary Knight, European Marketing Director at SEGA Europe. “Add in his inner conflict, a confused heritage and a growing distrust of the Gods and you have the makings of gaming’s next great hero.”

Viking: Battle for Asgard is set for release in early 2008.