Skul: The Hero Slayer

Skul: The Hero Slayer is barely a week old. Yet in that time, it has skyrocketed to stardom on the streaming platform Steam. Overall, most of its player base has looked on the game favorably, issuing a slew of 'very positive' reviews.

After seeing the game through to completion, I can't help but sit in the same camp as many of those critics. Even now, I find myself consolidating some of their viewpoints while siding with the overwhelming consensus.

As a firm fan of rogue-lite experiences, I've played my fair share. And admittedly, games belonging to the genre tend to be subject to stringent scrutiny.

Even so, Skul: The Hero Slayer stands proudly on two feet thanks to its uniquely stunning art style. But also, beyond the polished veneer of visuals lies a robust and rocksteady rogue-lite that revels in its charming oddity.

Though still in early access, Skul: The Hero Slayer has all the essential hallmarks of a competent rogue-lite. Although not fully flourished, at present, there's a sturdy foundation on which to build. Inevitably then, in time, the game will surely blossom to match its max potential.

But let's look at what it does well.

From a visual perspective, Skul: The Hero Slayer is a wonder to behold. Whether that's the eye-popping pixel art, charming character sprites, or detailed prerendered backdrops, the authentic art style on display lends itself to traditional rogue-lite titles. While simultaneously serving up a unique visual experience.

In all but every sense, Skul: The Hero Slayer acts as a real blast from the past. Albeit, with a modern twist, thanks to revamped visuals. And in many ways, that element is one of its most substantial assets.

Next up, we have the gameplay. At the core, and broken down to its constituent parts, Skul: The Hero Slayer is a side-scrolling action game offset by platforming segments. Along with various rogue-lite systems. What's great, though, is how map designs procedurally generate. As you might imagine, this brings a ton of variety. Not least so, in terms of enemies and the environment.

Thus, pressuring you to think on your feet.

As a result, you'll tackle each level differently. Hence, coming up with clutch tactics on the fly. If all goes well, you'll be hard-pressed not to be consumed by a strong sense of accomplishment. And that satisfaction sustains itself throughout the game's entirety. Hence, acting as a cerebral stimulant as you progress to the endgame.

Single-handedly take on the Imperial Army and rescue his King from captivity,

of each chapter. Thus, acting as a welcome send off to each area. Better still, the bosses themselves are strikingly imaginative and require the use of different tactics to defeat.

But much like Dark Souls in many respects, it's their artistic flair that stands out the most.

On top of that, the novel concept of collecting heads as a skeleton to switch up new powerups and skills is inspired. Also, it makes skirmishes even more satisfying.

All in all, Skul: The Hero Slayer may not be the most prolific rogue-lite in its field. Nonetheless, the bold art style, coupled with its varied gameplay, creates an old-school side-scroller that successfully synthesizes the best elements of old and new in an effective way.

If you haven't already, I'd suggest taking the plunge. More so, for fans of the genre.