Skully

I was unexpectedly charmed by Skully. With some excellent controls and a story told earnestly, I was gripped throughout its entire run. Sure, its shorter time might turn off some and its collectables aren’t that worthwhile, but it more than makes up for that. It doesn’t waste time and it makes for a pleasant romp. Suffice to say, I’m curious to see what Finish Line Games makes next.

Skully has everything it needs to impose himself as a mix between a frantic platformer like Marble Blast Ultra and an original take on Metroidvania genre, but it wastes too much time before showing its true potential. The lack of enemies and situations to deal with does not help to keep you engaged until the game unleashes all its features, and it is a shame because it’s a pretty game, and also very responsive to player input. Anyone willing to bear with the first few hours will be rewarded with fascinating gameplay.

Personally, as mentioned, my interest in this game came to a screeching halt but I still appreciate what it is and I have no doubt that those who don’t mind platform hopping will enjoy it. If that’s your thing then certainly consider giving it a go. If like me the term parkour causes an instant eye roll and sigh then I’d suggest giving this a miss.

A very respectable attempt at creating a 3D puzzle platformer but its pacing issues and somewhat frustrating camera design prevent Skully from being a great game. Still, there's some good value there for those willing to dish out the hefty $30 price tag.

Skully is, for the most part, a delightful little game. It is little, though; it can be played all the way through in just a few hours. But the island setting is rendered beautifully and the platforming challenges are a lot of fun to tackle. Some of the puzzles drag down the experience more than they elevate it, but they're easy enough, for the most part. Platformer fans who are on the hunt for a good alternative to everyone's favorite plumber should definitely consider giving little old Skully a try.

Skully has its heart in the right place but can't quite execute things correctly. The movement is zippy when you're in ball form, but you're not going to find too many things to challenge you. The puzzle mechanics are good, but you won't have to think too hard about your next move. It's a fine experience that's not too enthralling due to its unevenness, so it's difficult to stick it out to the end.

Intentions are good and the game has attractive ideas. However, the design of its scenarios, well thought out but poorly finished puzzles and the lack of replayability make Skully a minor title within its genre. It is not a bad experience and the combination of abilities between its different forms is something worth exploring. However, it leaves me with the feeling that he could have given so much more of himself. It is one of those enjoyable games in which there are no flagrant failures but is satisfied, too, with sufficiency.

I feel Skully had huge potential but due to the overall low quality (dated visuals, samey levels, poor voice acting, terrible camera) I can’t recommend it. If you choose to play it for the story (which is actually quite good), remember to use a gamepad, because keyboard and mouse controls are horrible. [10/2020, p.71]

Skully, in many ways, felt like a rehash or, more specifically, like a cross between Marble Madness gameplay and Zelda puzzles, but done in a hurry.

Across the board, Skully occasionally shows signs of strong, creative design, but often in isolated, incomplete forms. A cutscene's well-written dialogue gets hamstrung by its animation. A strong platforming sequence feels hollow because its challenge offers little reward. A puzzle takes more time to complete than to solve. Even with those flaws, Skully isn't altogether unpleasant. It lacks the depth and attention to detail to make the act of rolling, running and jumping an act of joy unto itself.

Disappointing, but with a glimmer of hope down the line for a better iteration.