Sometimes Halloween can just be a little too scary. There are ghosts and ghouls and undead and … assholes. Life is scary, as is the thought of death and mortality. That’s why Skul: The Hero-Slayer works as a convenient scary game. It is not Yes, really scary. It just pretends to be.
You play as Skul, a smol skeleton soldier whose short stature doesn’t determine the strength of his, um, mind? Humans have invaded the demon realm he lives in, attacked the castle and imprisoned everyone but him.
The meek-looking skeleton can transform into various shapes by swapping heads similar to Art in Heart Patron
Or something similar. The story sounds dramatic with cues that appear extremely dark. Perhaps that applies to the otherworldly characters in the game, most of whom are either biding their time in cages or waiting for an ass-fucking but Skul: The Hero-Slayer is a little more carefree than that.
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The game starts with Skul himself, who, despite its skeletal structure, is also quite adorable. He’s just a little guy who bobs and bounces while waiting for controller input. Every form he takes, from a fearsome werewolf to a broadsword-wielding knight, exudes cuteness. Really, it’s a testament to the game’s smooth pixel art animation. It is exquisite and the world, filled with opulence in some parts and rot in others, is alive.
skull is a Roguelite action platformer, so captivating and carefree, it still requires careful play. The action gets pretty intense as you move through the five different areas, each with a couple of levels and a mini-boss, before reaching the great evil of this biome. Nothing is static, not even the layout of the environment and the righteous minds. That’s perfectly fine as the game offers a surprising amount of variety.
There are 100 heads to pick up everywhere Skul: the hero-slayer, which give our Smol skeleton a wealth of capabilities. Some are better than others – like my personal favorite, the werewolf – but all are unique, full of different skills and play styles. There’s an ogre that reminds of Overwatch‘s Roadhog, stumbling around with a retractable sickle and machete, and a quick-footed fool who throws knives. Even the Dead cells Guy is here highlighting the sheer amount of creepy hell there is.
Still, Skul: The Hero-Slayer gets tough, especially towards the latter levels. In some cases, the game will throw multiple mini-bosses at you at the same time, and of course, each big boss has two phases. Those tense moments of dodging melee attacks and projectiles at the same time are as scary as it gets. Yes, you will likely die and have to start over, which is a shame. But you keep coming back to that cute little guy Skul.
He’s the reason I can’t tell Skul: The Hero-Slayer Low. As lifeless as he may be, the little guy has a fighting spirit that is ready to take on these hideous people. Somebody has to do it. After all, we are the true evil on earth.
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