Skautfold: Usurper, the latest release in the Skautfold franchise for the Nintendo Switch, had the potential to deliver a captivating narrative. Set in an alternative 19th-century London, where a crashed alien structure called the Citadel unleashed a dangerous Fog, the game introduces Saragat, a resurrected knight controlled by the necromancer Waltham. However, the plot falls short with its poor writing and stiff dialogue. The relationships between characters and their histories are difficult to follow, leaving players disconnected from the storyline.
One of the main flaws of Skautfold: Usurper lies in its combat mechanics. While the game adopts an action-focused Metroidvania template with influences from Soulslike games, the execution is lacking. The player’s character remains weak throughout the game, despite leveling up, and encounters often end in defeat due to a single mistake. This design choice contradicts the essence of Metroidvanias, where players aspire to gain power and strength as they progress.
Exploration is a crucial element in Metroidvania games, encouraging players to delve into intriguing, hidden secrets. Unfortunately, Skautfold: Usurper fails to provide a satisfying exploration experience. While the environments are easily navigable, they lack any secrets that feel worthwhile to pursue. The inclusion of new weapons and magic stones for leveling up is a step in the right direction, but the absence of additional gear or items to diversify gameplay is disappointing. Moreover, the map is poorly designed, making it challenging to extract valuable information.
Amateurish Spritework and Sound Design
Visually, Skautfold: Usurper leaves much to be desired. The spritework appears amateurish, reminiscent of mid-effort Flash games rather than a polished release. The lack of attention to detail and subpar animations detract from the overall immersion. Furthermore, the sound design fails to enhance the gameplay experience, lacking the nuanced audio cues that can greatly contribute to a game’s atmosphere and immersion.
Consider Other Games for a Polished Experience
Despite its potential, Skautfold: Usurper falls short in multiple aspects. With its underwhelming plot, lackluster exploration, poorly balanced combat, and amateurish spritework and sound design, the game fails to deliver a satisfying experience. Players seeking a solid Metroidvania with Soulslike elements would be better off exploring alternatives such as Blasphemous, Hollow Knight, or Salt and Sanctuary. These games offer a substantially more polished and enjoyable experience, making them more appealing choices in the genre.
The Fall of the Skautfold Franchise
Skautfold: Usurper’s shortcomings highlight the decline of the once-promising Skautfold franchise. While the series has previously been unafraid to experiment and introduce new elements, this latest installment fails to meet expectations. From its poor writing to lackluster exploration, and from terribly balanced combat to amateurish spritework and sound design, the game struggles to provide a compelling experience. As a result, players would be wise to look elsewhere for a more enjoyable and polished Metroidvania with Soulslike elements.
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