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Mary Skelter might not be a household name in the West, but it enjoys a dedicated following in Japan. This dark fairy tale-inspired dungeon crawler series has captivated players with its intriguing storylines and deep gameplay. Mary Skelter Finale, the final installment, promises to deliver a thrilling conclusion, but does it live up to expectations? Let’s delve into the world of blood maidens, nightmares, and twisted fairy tales.

Mary Skelter Finale picks up after the true ending of Mary Skelter: Nightmares. Having escaped the living prison known as the Jail and defeated the Jail Nightmare, our heroes emerge into a world far from the paradise they envisioned. Instead, they are met with carnage, a new, even larger Jail looming overhead, and the terrifying Massacre Pink, four powerful antagonists named after historical execution methods. Scattered by Hikari’s desperate attempt to save them, the blood maidens must reunite and confront this new threat.

Mary Skelter Finale opening scene

A Dark and Twisted Narrative

Developed by Compile Heart, known for lighthearted titles like the Neptunia series, Mary Skelter takes a decidedly darker turn. While still featuring anime-styled characters, the series explores themes of despair, moral ambiguity, and visceral violence. Finale continues this tradition, weaving a compelling narrative filled with mystery and intrigue.

For newcomers, understanding the intricate plot can be daunting. Thankfully, Compile Heart includes summaries of Mary Skelter: Nightmares and Mary Skelter 2, offering crucial context for the events of Finale. These summaries essentially grant access to the narratives of the previous two games, albeit without the gameplay.

To briefly recap: a nameless city is overrun by mysterious creatures called Marchen, and a living prison called the Jail holds captive and tortures countless people. Blood Maidens, young women with unique powers, fight alongside Blood Youths, who use their blood to support them. Players follow Jack, the first Blood Youth, and a group of fairy tale-themed Blood Maidens as they strive to destroy the Jail.

Scene showing the aftermath of the escape

Finale’s narrative is fragmented by design, following multiple groups of characters as they navigate interconnected dungeons. This structure adds complexity to the exploration and storytelling, as players must switch between groups to progress. While occasionally disruptive, this approach enhances the overall sense of mystery and discovery.

Blood Maidens in Mary Skelter Finale

Engaging Gameplay, Frustrating Elements

As a first-person dungeon crawler, Mary Skelter Finale offers a unique experience in the JRPG landscape. Exploration involves puzzle-solving, utilizing the Blood Maidens’ special abilities to bypass traps and obstacles. Each Maiden has a distinct skill, adding strategic depth to dungeon navigation.

Gameplay screenshot showing dungeon exploration

Combat is equally complex, featuring a deep and customizable system. Managing HP, SP, Blood Youth blood levels, and Blood Maiden madness gauges adds a layer of challenge to battles. While engaging for those who enjoy intricate mechanics, the sheer number of systems to track can be overwhelming.

Unfortunately, the dungeon design suffers from inconsistencies. Some dungeons feature visually jarring color palettes, while others feel repetitive and uninspired. The overuse of traps can also detract from the exploration experience.

Character interactions in Mary Skelter Finale

Technical Shortcomings and Accessibility Issues

Graphically, Mary Skelter Finale fails to impress. The visuals show little improvement over previous entries, and in some areas, even appear to regress. Character models lack facial expressions, and textures occasionally appear dated.

Dungeon exploration and puzzle solving

Perhaps the biggest hurdle for new players is the game’s reliance on prior knowledge. While the inclusion of previous game summaries is helpful, it requires a significant time investment. The in-game tutorials also feel inadequate, often leaving players to decipher new mechanics on their own.

Combat screenshot in Mary Skelter Finale

Conclusion

Mary Skelter Finale delivers a gripping narrative and engaging gameplay, but its technical shortcomings and accessibility issues hold it back. The fragmented storytelling, while adding to the mystery, can sometimes feel disjointed. The complex combat system is a double-edged sword, rewarding strategic players but potentially overwhelming newcomers. While the inclusion of previous game summaries is a welcome addition, it highlights the game’s reliance on prior knowledge. Despite its flaws, Mary Skelter Finale provides a satisfying, albeit imperfect, conclusion to the series. Fans of dungeon crawlers and dark fairy tales will find much to enjoy, but be prepared for some frustrations along the way.

Switch gameplay screenshot

Another dungeon environment