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From the nine core members of the game dev studio that brought you…well, nothing you’ve heard of before, SouthPaw Games presents their very first title: Skul: The Hero Slayer. After years of hard work (possibly starting from a college history class some pre-COVID years ago), they’ve crafted a fast-paced, action-packed rogue-lite 2D side-scrolling adventure.
With a flood of positive reviews from players, Skul: The Hero Slayer has joined the ranks of Metroidvania-style games across multiple platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. Does it live up to the hype? I’m Darrkat from GGN, and this is my review of Skul: The Hero Slayer.
The Good Stuff
A Unique Gimmick
Let’s kick things off with the skull-swapping mechanic, the standout feature of this game. Swapping skulls isn’t just a cosmetic change—it completely transforms your character’s abilities, attack combos, attributes, and playstyle.
This keeps Skul: The Hero Slayer’s gameplay fresh and exciting, as each new skull introduces a new way to approach combat. With so many skulls to discover, the thrill of finding the next one keeps you hooked. I can’t wait to see what other skulls are out there!
Smooth and Responsive Controls
The controls in Skul: The Hero Slayer are on point. Movement is fluid, and the combat mechanics are easy to grasp but challenging to master. Any sluggishness in movement is usually tied to specific skulls and clearly explained in their descriptions. So, if your attacks feel slow, don’t lose your mind—it’s intentional.
Modern Pixel Art Mastery
As a long-time gamer from the days of Super Metroid and Super Mario, I truly appreciate the way developers have modernized pixel art in games like this. The art style is detailed, vibrant, and a joy to behold, blending nostalgia with cutting-edge design.
If you’re new to gaming, the pixel art might not stand out in a world filled with jaw-dropping 3D graphics, but trust me, it’s a labor of love—and it shows.
Detailed Stages and Immersive Music
The game’s stages are well-designed, with rich details in the foregrounds and backgrounds that make every level feel alive.
The soundtrack, while repetitive at times, is rich and fitting. Play with good headphones, and you’ll find yourself drawn into the world of Skul and his quest to save the Demon King.
Little Touches That Shine
It’s always the small details that stick out. Whether it’s the idle animations or subtle movements reminiscent of classic adventure games like Sonic, these little touches show just how much care the developers put into the game.
The Not-So-Good Stuff
A Confusing Start
The equipment page at the beginning of the game is poorly explained. Without any clear guidance, I was left wondering what to do with all the items I was gathering. It wasn’t until much later in the game that things began to make sense.
In most Metroidvania games, players are given a bit of handholding at the start to familiarize them with mechanics before being set loose. SouthPaw Games decided to skip that step entirely, and while it might appeal to some, it left me feeling a bit lost early on.
Enemy Overload
Here’s the thing: Skul: The Hero Slayer The Hero Slayer throws a lot of enemies at you. Sometimes, they pop up out of nowhere, catching you completely off guard. While clearing waves of enemies can be satisfying, the sudden onslaught can also feel overwhelming, especially when you’re already trying to plan your next move.
It’s a bit of a mixed bag. Clearing waves feels great, but getting stomped repeatedly by endless enemies? Not so much.
The Skeletal Scarecrows
After clearing certain levels, you’re greeted by skeletal scarecrows—and they don’t seem to serve any purpose. They don’t drop items, they don’t do anything interesting, and their presence feels unnecessary. Whether this is intentional or just something that will be updated later, it’s hard to say.
Final Thoughts
Despite its flaws, Skul: The Hero Slayer has tremendous potential. The skull-swapping mechanic, great controls, stunning visuals, and creative level design make it a game worth playing.
Yes, it has a few issues, like the confusing early game mechanics and overwhelming enemy waves, but these are small hurdles in an otherwise enjoyable experience. With a few updates and tweaks, Skul: The Hero Slayer could stand tall as one of the best in its genre.
That’s it from me, Darrkat, here at GGN. What are your thoughts on Skul: The Hero Slayer? Have you played it yet? Share your experience in the comments, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on notifications for more reviews, gaming news, and updates right here on GGN.
Thanks for reading, and see you in the next gamescape!
