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Scars Above, a third-person action RPG developed by Mad Head Games and published by Prime Matter, launched in February. While it offers a compelling narrative and solid gameplay, it faces stiff competition from other recent releases like the Dead Space remake and Resident Evil 4. Does Scars Above manage to carve its own niche in the crowded genre? Let’s delve in and explore what this sci-fi adventure has to offer.

A Captivating Journey Through an Alien World

In Scars Above, players join the SCAR team – a group of scientists and engineers tasked with investigating a colossal, enigmatic alien object known as “The Metahedron,” which has appeared in Earth’s orbit. Upon approaching the Metahedron, the team is inexplicably transported to a strange and perilous alien planet. Players take on the role of Kate Ward, a SCAR member who awakens after a crash landing, separated from her team and facing an unknown threat.

Kate Ward exploring the alien planet

The game’s relatively short length – approximately six hours for a single playthrough and potentially 12-15 hours for completionists – is surprisingly impactful. Despite its brevity, Scars Above boasts stunning visuals and meticulously crafted environments reminiscent of Horizon: Zero Dawn’s sprawling landscapes and Arboria’s claustrophobic, monster-infested areas.

The narrative unfolds gradually, unveiling the mysteries surrounding the Metahedron and the alien planet. The storytelling effectively maintains momentum, injecting new twists and turns at opportune moments, preventing the plot from stagnating. This dynamic pacing keeps players engaged throughout the relatively short campaign.

The stunning alien landscape

While some minor narrative hiccups exist, Scars Above demonstrates Mad Head Games’ potential in crafting a visually captivating and narratively engaging experience, especially for players seeking a concise yet compelling adventure.

Familiar Yet Effective Gameplay Mechanics

Scars Above features a streamlined arsenal of four distinct weapons, each serving a specific purpose. For instance, the VERA fires electrical projectiles that deal increased damage when striking water, while the Fire Ray launches incendiary projectiles, setting enemies ablaze.

Combat in Scars Above

The combat revolves around strategic dodging, precise timing, and exploiting enemy weaknesses. Each creature has unique vulnerabilities, encouraging players to experiment with different weapons and tactics. This design choice prevents over-reliance on a single weapon and promotes engaging combat encounters.

Kate Ward using a weapon

The game borrows familiar mechanics from established titles like FromSoftware’s Souls series and Marvel’s Spider-Man. The stamina bar, dodge roll, and checkpoint crystals evoke the Soulslike formula, while the weapon wheel, reminiscent of Spider-Man’s gadget selection, allows access to healing items, ammo refills, shields, and a time-slowing ability.

Resource management plays a crucial role, as crafting materials (primarily Fiber) are limited. This encourages strategic usage of items and abilities, adding another layer of depth to the gameplay.

Upgrading Kate's abilities

A straightforward upgrade system allows players to enhance Kate’s stats and unlock new abilities. While initially limited, players will eventually acquire enough upgrade points to fully develop their character.

Although not innovative, Scars Above’s gameplay mechanics are well-implemented and complement each other, creating a balanced and enjoyable experience.

Technical Hiccups Hamper the Experience

Unfortunately, Scars Above suffers from technical shortcomings that detract from its overall polish. Cutscenes, while visually appealing, frequently exhibit jarring animation glitches and awkward character movements. The lifeless expressions and stilted animations often diminish the impact of crucial story moments.

A scene from Scars Above

Beyond the cutscenes, character animations throughout the game often appear clunky and unfinished. Coupled with occasionally unconvincing visual effects, these technical flaws create a sense of disconnect between the player and the game world.

Conclusion

Scars Above offers a captivating sci-fi adventure with a compelling narrative and engaging gameplay. However, its technical shortcomings, particularly the awkward animations and visual glitches, prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite these flaws, Scars Above remains a worthwhile experience for players seeking a thrilling, albeit short, sci-fi journey.