thePULSEScarygirl
By Katey Khaos
Scarygirl has an insane array of cool looking scenery and a quirky plot, but let’s be honest, that’s not enough to call it anything more than an average platformer. However, for those looking for something fun and inexpensive to hold them over until the next big release, this game is definitely worth picking up.
Based on the graphic novel written by Nathan Jurevicius, Scarygirl sends the young female protagonist on a quest to decipher the meaning of her nightmares. The bizarre looking girl is an orphan who is raised by a highly intelligent octopus. Her journey sends her through crazy levels full of menacing yet adorable hedgehogs, skeletal birds, angry goats and unnerving black-tentacled plants. Okay, I know it sounds really weird, but honest, once you get going, the game is super fun.
A huge plus to this game is that Scarygirl offers plenty of combat options. For example, she can grapple with enemies and toss them aside, or throw them at other enemies to do some damage. Scarygirl can obtain new moves by saving up gems that can be picked up throughout the game and then trading them in at an in-game vendor. Scarygirl can also build up power by attacking enemies and using the resulting power to transform herself into a crazy Tim Burton-style creature that eats her ~ you guessed it ~ enemies. Be aware, though, this attack is more for show and isn’t incredibly effective. Realistically, you’d probably have more luck by mashing the basic attack buttons.
As far as the game mechanics go ~ they’re slightly lacking, i.e. camera angles can be difficult to deal with since they can’t be adjusted. Therefore, Scarygirl may fall to her death because the camera angle didn’t allow for a clear view of the platform. However, aside from small design flaws, the game is still fun to play.
Scarygirl has a co-op mode, but unfortunately, it’s offline, making it impossible to play with friends unless they’re in the same room. Player two plays Scarygirl’s buddy Bunnyguru ~ who by the way isn’t exactly the best sidekick. He can’t grapple or self-heal, making him fairly useless when it comes to boss fights where throwing enemies becomes imperative to clearing the level. Case in point? Single player is the way to go.
For ten dollars, Scarygirl is a cute game with crazy-fun graphics ~ and for those who are fans of Jurevicius’ art, the game is definitely worth the buy. If you’re still unsure, there’s a free demo available, so at least give it a try!
