Skullgirls

18/07/2012

Skullgirls
Developer: Reverge Labs
Publishers: Autumn Games, Konami
Platforms: XBLA (reviewed), PSN, PC
Genre: Fighting
Modes: Singleplayer, 1-2 Multiplayer

New 2D fighters are extinct outside of Japan these days. While we are treated to the HD re-release of already successful 2D fighters on current consoles (such as Marvel Vs Capcom 2, various King of Fighters titles and Street Fighter III: Online Edition), I can't help but want for an original 2D fighter to be released, with new characters and a new story to be told. Is it too much to ask for someone other than Capcom or SNK to release a new 2D fighter? Apparently not, because while Capcom and SNK may be dusting off old titles and releasing them to grab some quick cash, one developer, Reverge Labs, has taken the time to develop Skullgirls, a new and addictive fighter that is both a love letter to classic 2D fighters, but also unique enough and entertaining enough to stand on its own, and draw its own large fanbase.

Gameplay
Skullgirls opens with a fantastic introduction video, displaying the various characters and hooking players in immediately with its quirky design and impressive soundtrack. The game's story, whilst similar to a lot of 2D fighters, is still interesting and original. Skullgirls' various characters are drawn to fight the "Skullgirl", as defeating her is the only way to obtain the "Skull Heart", an artifact which has the power to cure illness, grant wishes, and anything else the victorious girl desires. Unfortunately it also has the ability to take those impure of heart, and transform them into a twisted being of destruction. A new Skullgirl, 'Marie', has risen to power. Who will be able to defeat her?

Upon starting the game players are given the choice of completing Skullgirls' story mode, or playing arcade mode. Story mode is exactly what one would expect: winning various fights as a single character to see her story unfold, and Arcade mode is a team-based series of fights, with players being able to tag in other team members ala Marvel Vs Capcom for assists. I like both modes, but Arcade can get very confusing very quickly, as the girls' moves are so outlandish, that having more than two characters on screen can become animation hell, and result in you having your butt thoroughly kicked before you even realize who you are meant to be throwing punches at.

Once in a fight, the game's controls will be immediately familiar to most fighting game veterans. There are three different punch buttons, three different kick buttons, airborne moves, and special abilities performed with various directional-movements and a combination of punch or kick buttons. Another familiar fighting game mechanic is the use of power meters, with finishing moves costing one of the three gauges or all three gauges of the power meter. There are only eight characters to choose from, but all eight are highly entertaining, and given so much depth, in terms of animation, charm and dialogue.

Every time I use a new character they become my new favourite, with my current favourite being Ms. Fortune. She’s a cat girl, held together by stitches, who is somehow able to extend her limbs (similar to Street Fighter's Dhalsim, although much, much quicker) and throw her head at her opponents, all while spouting various cat-related puns, which are hilarious. For the sake of brevity, I won't go into detail with the other characters. Just know that they are all brilliantly imagined and designed. One thing that needs to be said about Skullgirls is that it is very hard. Possibly the hardest 2D fighting game I've played, especially the last boss. Who isn't as cheap as Street Fighter 4's Seth, but harder without being cheap. I have already shouted out at frustration at Skullgirls' boss multiple times.

Graphics
Skullgirls is gorgeous. The characters all look fantastic, and the fact that every action is hand-drawn really makes for plenty of fluid fighting. At times I find myself laughing at the characters and at other times being distracted by some of their moves. 'Valentine' has a move where she performs "surgery" on her opponent with a saw. She dashes back and forth across the screen, slashing at her opponent. Every time she crosses the screen, a green line from a heart monitor flashes on screen, with the final blow "flatlining" her victim.

Every single character has a plethora of character-based moves like this, and they are a joy to watch. The story mode cutscenes are also equally impressive, with beautiful still scenes (complete with brush strokes and pencil marks) illustrating the character's motivations and the story's events. The levels backgrounds can be a mix of impressively designed background characters and stages, but with a few stages feeling a little bland. I understand that it must be difficult to have hand-drawn design without blending characters and busy backgrounds but it is only one or two levels that feel bland.

Sound
Skullgirls has a great soundtrack. It is a mix of 'Guilty Gear' style rock and roll, and Marvel Vs Capcom's jazz-fusion, with the odd dramatic piece orchestrated music. Each character has their own theme, in levels and music, and Reverge Labs have done an excellent job in fleshing out their characters and game through music and excellent voice acting. I imagine there will be a few people who find the amount of speech a tad annoying, but I can't help but enjoy it. The characters exchange dialogue between each other while fighting, and the characters all have names given to their repertoire of fighting moves. Ms. Fortune also has a move similar to Wolverine's "berserker barrage" where she too, yells "berserker barrage" in a nod to the Marvel Vs Capcom games. The sound effects, such as punches and kicks, all sound adequate as well. There is only so much you can do with fighting game sound effects, and Reverge Labs have accomplished more than I expected.

Keep It?

• A fully-accomplished original 2D fighter
• Easy to learn, difficult to master
• Characters are highly entertaining

Ditch It?

• Hard. Very hard
• Not many characters

Anything Else?
Apart from a lack of characters, and a few bland level designs, Skullgirls is a near perfect game. I guess the only gripes I have with it is how small it feels (due to its lack of characters), and how I want more. This game wins me over in spades, which is why I want either downloadable content, or a sequel to be announced. I will say though that even on "Cakewalk" difficulty, Skullgirls is a challenge, and not for the faint-hearted. If you're a fighting game veteran, and have some spare hair you don't mind ripping out at the last boss, then Skullgirls is the perfect game for you.

Score: 8.5/10

Written by Nick Getley