S&S Review: ScaryGirl XBLA

January 24, 2012

S&S Review: ScaryGirl XBLA

Title: ScaryGirl
Format: Downloadable Title
Release Date: January 18, 2012
Publisher: Square Enix
Developer: TikGames
Price: 1200 Microsoft Points
ESRB Rating: E10+

After browsing through the Xbox Live Arcade store, I noticed ScaryGirl. The trial certainly pulled me into the game. Its very unique and intricate, it was developed from an ward winning graphic(one that I've never heard of). After being merchandised into toys and made into a Flash game, it finally made it to the XBLA and PSN. I'm checking this out on the XBLA, and from what I read, they are pretty identical on both platforms.

Presentation-Story:
First off, you'll notice the unique art style in the game is stupendous. The game features a cool 2.5 dimensional look and feel to platforming. ScaryGirl's stylish visuals paint imaginative and eccentric characters and a diverse world of, high mountains, oceans and caves. The colors really pop out of my HD set, they will on yours too. You'll notice busy traffic during some of the levels that adds diverse and new game elements. The animation is ok, its sports a cartoony style to it. The story is a little bizarre at times, maybe not as crazy as a Metal Gear though, but it still stands on its own in the weird field. A floating bunny lives under the girls house, and she's having dreams about a guy(who's the villain) with a comically large head. The story doesn't really drive the game forward, the art does most of the heavy lifting. Sound is good in the game, with some hit-and-miss voice overs. The Presentation in the game is my favorite and the best part of the game.

Core Gameplay-Multiplayer:
The game has a simple platformer feel to it, it doesn't shine as bright as the presentation components of the game. With the creepy girls tentacle-arm ability to hover and grapple certain environmental objects, missing a jump doesn't mean you have to start over. This is a good thing, in my opinion, with other hardcore players will look at this with scorn. Tentacle augments allow ScaryGirl to float across longer distances or attack with more power. These abilities come from an in-game shop which you can buy these things with the gems you pick up during gameplay. Fighting in the game is a little mundane, with different combos to pull off for more damage. There is multiplayer in the game, just local with no online. Multiplayer is fun if you have someone to play it with you.

Final Thoughts:
ScaryGirl looks great and plays well, even with the average level of combat. With the great pacing and smooth difficulty, its a great overall game. The $15 price or 1200 MS points maybe a little steep in my book, you need to try the trial before you make a full decision.