On a mysterious remote island, a skull washes up on shore and is reawakened by an enigmatic deity. Dubbed Skully, the newly reanimated being has been summoned to intervene in a war between the deity’s three siblings, whose quarrel jeopardizes the island they call home.
In all, Skully is a quirky and entertaining romp with fun puzzles and platforming, amusing character interactions, a good story, beautiful music, and awe-inspiring landscapes. Easily an entertaining game that this reviewer can and will gladly come back to time and time again, no bones about it.
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.
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]
With so few 3D platformers released, some fans of the genre may still be tempted to give Skully a chance, and it's hard to blame them. However, the game is just a frustrating experience from start to finish, with very few redeeming qualities. Those looking for a new 3D platformer to play may be better off just keeping their fingers crossed that the next game in the genre lives up to expectations.
November 23, 2020
Cyberpunk 2077 retail copies already out there, leaks are coming…. Read more
November 19, 2020
iO Interactive unveils its new project called Project 007. Watch video
November 19, 2020
Among Us is getting a new map. Read more
November 19, 2020
Far Cry 6 release date listed as May 26 in Microsoft store. Read more
August 17, 2020
Sony Confirms Work On ‘Next-Generation’ VR Headset That Might Not Be PSVR 2. Read more
August 17, 2020
About 40% of worldwide population plays video games of some form, only 8% on consoles. Read more
August 14, 2020
Ubisoft potentially teasing return of delisted Scott Pilgrim game. Read more
August 13, 2020
Fable job listings suggest game is still a long ways away. Read more