Sailing, trading, managing armies and fleets, and when push comes to shove, third-person combat. This is the upcoming sandbox sim "The Viking Way," which is superficially similar to "Mount & Blade," but with more axes and added looting.

The game promises "groundbreaking naval battles" in addition to a detailed trading system and, of course, plenty of conquests. There is a story mode where you can complete NPC missions to become "the most powerful Viking leader," but it seems that you are free to sail around the world to build your Viking empire, whether by peaceful means or whatever.

There is also an RPG element to raise a chieftain to be the best Viking he can be. You can "attribute skill points" and "loot legendary medieval weapons. There are also hidden quest lines that lead to ancient loot, and don't forget to tip your bartender well to get the best rumors.

The game will soon be available on Steam Early Access and will remain there for 18 months so that the developers can gather feedback and adjust accordingly.

According to Ice Lava Games, "The full version will include a complete campaign mode with numerous NPC characters, quests, an expanded overworld map, and more weapons, units, and ships. The final version will also improve skirmishes, naval battles, and sieges.

For more information, please see the official website.