Where’s Mulder?

Sometimes a game comes along that I somehow forget about before I even write the review. Skully is one of those games. While not offensive or bad in any fashion, it just doesn’t really do a whole lot to capture the attention of the player for more than a single session. I never clamored to go back to the game, and its linear and simplistic nature kept it from ever evolving into anything more than a distraction.

Taking on the role of a skull, players are quickly caught up in a feud between godlike beings. Skully (as he is eloquently dubbed) is resurrected by Terry to help him stop his other siblings from destroying the island. Skully is nothing more than a skull that washed up on the shore, but Terry does embed him with some unique abilities. This is where the game play comes into action.

MSRP: $29.99
Platforms: XB1 (reviewed), PS4, Switch, PC
Price I’d Pay: $19.99

Skully spends the beginning of his journey rolling around linear levels collecting items and performing light platforming tasks. The game opens up when he starts to obtain various forms that allow him to progress through the world. These forms allow him to engage in combat, move to new areas, and so on. There is a nice variety to the game, but it never feels like it hits that sweet spot of fun. The three modes are all unique and are summoned via tar pools. Up to three forms can be spawned at a time, which does lead to some interesting puzzle design.

Where things fall apart is that Skully is about as linear as it gets. Sure, there are side areas with extra collectibles, but none of it feels necessary or enjoyable. I was constantly making a beeline for the end of a level in hopes that things would spruce up in the next one. Outside of a few inventive puzzles it never really does. The game just seems content with being “one of those” without adding anything of substance to the experience.

The visuals are decent with some picturesque locales and genuinely sharp design. I found the camera quirky at times when I was trying to land a specific jump, but I did get accustomed to it. Sadly, the presentation is much like the game play in that it just feels commonplace. There is nothing that stands out about it and it feels mundane most of the time.

Skully is a game that is easily forgettable and hardly recommendable. It is something that if you got free through a Games with Gold you would be encapsulated for all of 30 minutes and then likely never play again. It had promise with its quirky story and unique mechanics, but it never capitalizes on any of them, making it feel like yet another game lost in the ether of releases in 2020.

Review copy of game provided by publisher.

Good
  • Slick visuals
  • Control feels good
Bad
  • Extremely linear
  • Mechanics grow tired quickly
7
Good
Written by
Ken is the Editor-in-Chief of this hole in the wall and he loves to troll for the fun of it. He also enjoys long walks through Arkham Asylum and the cool air of Shadow Moses Island. His turn-ons include Mortal Kombat, Metal Gear Solid and StarCraft.