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CRITIK

Scars Above

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Scars Above
Item: Scars Above
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresAdventure, Action, Third Person Perspective, Shooter, Mystery, Single Player

AvailableFeb 28, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, PC, Xbox One, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X

DeveloperMad Head Games

Overview

Scars Above is a challenging sci-fi third-person action adventure shooter combining the rewarding feel of overcoming difficulty with a compelling and intricate story, set in a mysterious alien world to explore.

Elsewhere

6.4

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

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Story and Narrative

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

27%

Mixed (50-79)

70%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Scars Above are quite diverse. Several critics, such as GameGrin, WellPlayed, and Twinfinite, praise the story for its intriguing and engaging elements. They highlight the lore-rich experience, the mysteries to uncover, and the sense of atmosphere and intrigue. These critics appreciate the sci-fi backdrop, the exploration of an alien world, and the protagonist's journey to find her missing crewmates. The story is described as well thought out, entertaining, and offering twists and turns that keep the player engaged. The narrative's slow burn, twists, and emotional impact are also mentioned positively by TheSixthAxis. These positive aspects of the story indicate that it successfully creates a compelling and immersive experience for players. On the other hand, some critics express more negative opinions about the story of Scars Above. COGconnected, GamingTrend, and Push Square criticize the writing, describing it as bland, generic, and lacking interesting ideas or ambitions. They feel that the story feels straightforward, lacks a unique identity, and fails to deliver on its initial engagement. Daily Star specifically points out issues with the opening cutscenes and voice-acting, describing them as flakey and dodgy. But Why Tho?? also mentions confusing logic in the story, while TheGamer criticizes the lack of emotional connection and a satisfying explanation for the main plot device, the Metahedron. These criticisms indicate that the story may suffer from weak writing, lack of originality, and missed opportunities to fully engage and satisfy the players. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the Story of Scars Above. While there are positive aspects highlighted by GameGrin, WellPlayed, and Twinfinite, such as the intriguing lore, engaging twists, and immersive atmosphere, there are also negative aspects pointed out by COGconnected, GamingTrend, and Push Square, such as bland writing, generic storytelling, and lack of ambition. The opinions of the critics suggest that the story serves its purpose of entertaining the players, but it may not be revolutionary or fully satisfying for everyone. The diverse range of opinions indicates that the story's quality and appeal may vary depending on individual preferences and expectations.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics have mixed opinions on the Story of Scars Above. Some praise its engaging elements, sci-fi backdrop, and twists, while others criticize its bland writing and lack of originality. Positive reviews highlight the immersive experience, while negative ones point out issues with storytelling and character connection. Overall, the story offers entertainment but may not satisfy everyone due to its varying quality and appeal.

Gameplay Mechanics

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

43%

Mixed (50-79)

47%

Negative (0-49)

10%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The opinions of the critics regarding the gameplay of Scars Above are quite varied. Several critics praised the combat mechanics, highlighting the engaging and fluid nature of the combat. COGconnected commends the combat as the main selling point, with a primary weapon that can be upgraded and used for both puzzles and combat. New Game Network also mentions that the combat improves as players gain weapons, upgrades, and abilities, with gadgets adding fun and variety. The combat is described as tight, enjoyable, and thoroughly entertaining by Player 2. Additionally, WellPlayed notes that elemental damage and combos play a role in combat, adding depth to the gameplay. On the other hand, some critics express negative opinions about the gameplay. GamingTrend criticizes the combat, describing it as dull and lacking depth. They also mention the lack of puzzles in the game. Push Square finds the combat to become repetitive and frustrating, while Twinfinite believes that melee is practically worthless and the skill tree has too many useless skills. Digital Spy states that while the core mechanic of upgrading the weapon is interesting, it is not fully explored. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Scars Above has its strengths and weaknesses. The combat mechanics, particularly the variety of weapons and gadgets, receive praise from multiple reviewers. The combat is engaging, enjoyable, and rewards exploiting elemental weaknesses, according to TheSixthAxis. The exploration and puzzle-solving elements are also mentioned positively by critics such as Hooked Gamers and Press Start Australia. However, there are criticisms regarding the lack of depth in combat, repetitive gameplay, and underdeveloped aspects. It is worth noting that the difficulty curve and gradual mastery of controls are appreciated by Impulsegamer and TheXboxHub. Overall, while there are mixed opinions, the gameplay of Scars Above seems to have enough positive aspects to provide an engaging experience for players who enjoy third-person action-adventure games with combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving elements.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics have mixed opinions on Scars Above gameplay. Some praise engaging combat mechanics, variety of weapons, and rewarding elemental weaknesses exploitation. However, others criticize dull combat, lack of depth, and repetitive gameplay. Despite its flaws, the game offers an engaging experience for fans of third-person action-adventure games with combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving elements.

Graphics and Visual Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

38%

Mixed (50-79)

58%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Scars Above are quite varied. Several critics, such as GameGrin and But Why Tho??, praise the visuals of the game, highlighting stunning and immersive world-building, diverse environments, and visually appealing settings. The use of light and shadows is also commended for creating creepy areas and adding to the atmospheric experience. Impulsegamer specifically mentions the impressive attention to detail in creating the alien world, with well-designed environments and enemies that have detailed textures and movement. The Loadout even goes as far as to call Scars Above one of the best-looking titles on the PlayStation 5, with an eldritch atmosphere and visually-striking biomes. These positive opinions indicate that the game succeeds in creating visually captivating and immersive environments that contribute to the overall experience. However, there are also several criticisms regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Scars Above. COGconnected, Gamereactor UK, GamingTrend, New Game Network, GameSpew, Gaming Age, TheGamer, and TheSixthAxis all point out various issues with the game's visuals. These include rough character animations, limited variety in alien critters, abhorrent facial animations, stiff and robotic animations, stuttering and low frame rate in pre-rendered cutscenes, poor lip syncing, and unfinished textures. The lack of polish and janky visual elements are mentioned by multiple critics, indicating that the game falls short in terms of visual execution and refinement. The repetitive enemy and environmental designs are also criticized by Inverse, suggesting a lack of variety in the visual aesthetics. Overall, the consensus among the critics regarding the Graphics and Visual Design of Scars Above is mixed. While there are positive aspects such as stunning visuals, immersive world-building, and visually appealing settings, there are also significant issues with character animations, facial animations, and overall polish. The lack of variety in certain aspects, such as alien critters and environmental designs, is also a point of criticism. It is worth noting that some critics, like ZTGD and Xbox Achievements, find the visuals to be solid and enjoyable despite the mentioned flaws. However, the overall sentiment suggests that while Scars Above has its visually captivating moments, it falls short in terms of execution and refinement, leading to a mixed reception among critics regarding its Graphics and Visual Design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Scars Above's visual design receives mixed reviews from critics. While some praise its immersive world-building and stunning environments, others criticize rough animations and lack of polish. The game's visuals are lauded for creating a captivating atmosphere but are faulted for repetitive designs and technical issues. Overall, opinions on Scars Above's graphics are divided, with some finding them solid despite flaws, while others feel they lack execution and refinement.

Music and Sound Design

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Scars Above are generally positive. The atmospheric soundtrack is praised by multiple critics, with Hooked Gamers stating that it sets the tone well and New Game Network mentioning that it fits with the space theme. The music is described as having fantastic sci-fi synth moments by Press Start Australia, and The Loadout notes that it creates a spectral atmosphere. The voice acting is also commended by several critics, with Hooked Gamers, GameSpew, GamersRD, Impulsegamer, and TheXboxHub all mentioning its quality. The voice work helps players understand the protagonist's plight, according to Hooked Gamers, and is commendable, as stated by GameSpew. Overall, the positive aspects of the Sound Design and Music of Scars Above include the atmospheric soundtrack and the quality voice acting. While the majority of critics have positive opinions about the Sound Design and Music of Scars Above, there are a few minor negatives mentioned. New Game Network points out that the dialogue can sometimes be humdrum, and Push Square mentions that the supporting cast lacks character development. These criticisms suggest that there may be room for improvement in terms of the dialogue and character development in relation to the sound design and music. However, these negatives are relatively minor compared to the overall positive reception of the Sound Design and Music of Scars Above. In general, the critics agree that the Sound Design and Music of Scars Above are impressive and well-done. WellPlayed describes them as sensational, and Impulsegamer mentions that they enhance the overall ambience of the gaming experience. TheXboxHub praises the soundtrack for being full of tension and wonder, while Xbox Achievements notes the nice science-fiction synth soundtrack. The overall consensus is that the sound design and music of Scars Above suit the premise of the game, enhance the gaming experience, and create a fitting atmosphere. Despite a few minor criticisms, the positive reception from the majority of critics indicates that the Sound Design and Music of Scars Above are a strong aspect of the game.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics praise Scars Above for its atmospheric soundtrack and quality voice acting, creating a fitting space-themed experience. While some note minor issues with dialogue and character development, the overall consensus is overwhelmingly positive, highlighting the impressive sound design and music that enhance the game's ambiance and immersive experience.

Voice Acting

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

25%

Mixed (50-79)

67%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Scars Above are quite varied. Some critics, such as Hooked Gamers and Impulsegamer, praise the voice acting for its ability to fully convey the protagonist's emotions and enhance the overall experience of the game. Hooked Gamers specifically mentions that the voice acting enables players to fully understand the protagonist's plight, indicating a strong connection between the voice work and the narrative. Impulsegamer also highlights the professional voice acting as a positive aspect that contributes to a unique and enjoyable experience. On the other hand, there are critics who express more negative opinions about the voice acting in Scars Above. Daily Star describes it as "dodgy," suggesting that the quality may be subpar or lacking in some way. Inverse mentions that while the voice-acting performances are excellent, the character animations are distracting and detract from the overall experience. This criticism implies that there may be a lack of synchronization or immersion between the voice work and the visual representation of the characters. Overall, the consensus among the critics seems to be mixed. While some critics, like GamersRD and Push Square, praise the voice acting as very good and surprisingly solid respectively, others, such as COGconnected and Xbox Tavern, find it to be competent but bland or passable. New Game Network acknowledges the fine voice work from the small cast, with Erin Yvette's performance as Kate standing out despite some humdrum dialogue. Xbox Achievements also describes the voice acting as decent enough. These varying opinions suggest that the voice acting in Scars Above may have its strengths and weaknesses, with some critics finding it commendable while others find it lacking in certain aspects.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics have mixed opinions on the voice acting in Scars Above. Some praise it for conveying emotions and enhancing the game, while others criticize it as "dodgy" or distracting due to animation issues. Overall, reviews range from very good to just decent, with some highlighting standout performances amidst humdrum dialogue.

Technical Performance

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

17%

Negative (0-49)

33%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of the technical performance on PC, there is a mix of positive and negative opinions among the critics. COGconnected and GamingTrend both express dissatisfaction with the game's technical aspects, mentioning issues such as awkward mechanics, cut-rate animations, and low frame rates in pre-rendered cutscenes. However, Player 2 and WellPlayed provide a more positive perspective, stating that the game runs well on both high-spec and low-spec systems with no framerate drops or performance issues. These conflicting opinions suggest that the technical performance on PC may vary depending on the player's system and experience. Moving on to the PS5 platform, the opinions of the critics are more varied. Daily Star and GameSpew report significant issues, such as crashes during the opening and getting stuck in scenery, which can be frustrating. On the other hand, GamersRD, PlayStation Universe, Push Square, and TheSixthAxis have a more positive outlook, mentioning that the game performs well with no major issues. This indicates that while some players may encounter technical problems on the PS5, others may have a smoother experience. Lastly, the Xbox Series X platform receives relatively positive feedback from the critics. Xbox Achievements notes the presence of mildly annoying bugs and glitched achievements, but overall, the game looks and runs great. ZTGD echoes this sentiment, stating that the game performs well with only occasional hitches that do not detract from the gameplay. These reviews suggest that the technical performance on Xbox Series X is generally satisfactory, with minor issues that may not significantly impact the overall experience. Overall, the consensus among the critics is mixed regarding the technical performance of Scars Above. While some reviewers express dissatisfaction with issues such as awkward mechanics, low frame rates, crashes, and glitches, others report smooth performance and minimal technical problems. It is important to note that some critics mention playing pre-release builds, which may account for some of the technical issues experienced. Despite the varying opinions, it seems that the game generally functions well across multiple platforms, with occasional hiccups that may or may not affect the overall gameplay experience.

TL;DR

technical performance

Critics have mixed feelings about the technical performance of Scars Above on different platforms. While some highlight issues like awkward mechanics and crashes, others praise smooth gameplay. Overall, the game runs well on PC, with varying experiences on PS5 and mostly positive feedback on Xbox Series X. Technical hiccups may occur, but they don't seem to significantly impact the overall gameplay experience.

Replay Value

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SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

Mixed (50-79)

63%

Negative (0-49)

38%

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Scars Above are mixed. Some critics, such as New Game Network and Xbox Achievements, highlight the positive aspects of the game's replay value. New Game Network mentions that the game offers a relatively brisk seven-hour adventure that does not get too repetitive, while Xbox Achievements praises the solid seven-to-eight hours of gameplay and the inclusion of a good list of achievements. These positive aspects suggest that there may be some replay value for players who enjoy the game's mechanics and want to experience the adventure again or strive for completion. However, several critics express negative opinions about the replay value of Scars Above. GameSpew criticizes the game for being fairly linear with limited opportunities to go off the beaten path, which can hinder replayability. Gaming Age states that the game's six-hour runtime does not offer much replay value, while Gfinity mentions that most skills are unlocked by the end, limiting the incentive to replay the game. Twinfinite also points out that the XP system ties progression to specific points in the game, which can further restrict replayability. These negative aspects suggest that players may not find much incentive to replay Scars Above due to its linear nature, limited skill progression, and lack of varied gameplay experiences. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Scars Above does not offer significant replay value. The repetitive gameplay mentioned by Push Square and the unsatisfying progression highlighted by Inverse contribute to this sentiment. While there are some positive aspects, such as the relatively short but enjoyable gameplay experience and the inclusion of achievements, the overall lack of variety and limited skill progression seem to outweigh the potential for replayability. Players seeking a game with extensive replay value may find Scars Above lacking in this regard.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics are divided on the replay value of Scars Above. Positive aspects like a short yet engaging gameplay experience and a good list of achievements suggest some replay potential for fans of the game. However, negative feedback on its linear gameplay, limited skill progression, and lack of variety indicate that overall, Scars Above falls short in delivering significant replay value. Players looking for a game with extensive replayability may be disappointed by what it offers.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

20%

Mixed (50-79)

77%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

The opinions of the critics regarding the overall verdict of Scars Above are quite varied. Many critics highlight the positive aspects of the game, such as its engaging combat and entertaining gameplay elements. COGconnected praises the game for its decent sci-fi premise and adjustable difficulty, while Hooked Gamers enjoys the satisfying experience provided by enjoyable boss battles and the ability to craft weapons and gadgets. WellPlayed appreciates the game's refreshed PlayStation 2-era sci-fi shooter feel, diverse environments, and great sound design. God is a Geek commends the well-crafted third-person shooter mechanics, enjoyable combat, and smart puzzles. Impulsegamer also commends the strong narrative and well-designed alien world. However, there are also several criticisms raised by the critics. Many reviewers mention the lack of originality and feeling of generic sci-fi adventure mechanics in Scars Above. GameGrin, GamingTrend, New Game Network, GameSpew, and TheGamer all note this lack of innovation and polish in the game. GamingTrend specifically mentions the dull combat and lack of puzzles, while GameSpew highlights the basic gameplay and technical issues that detract from the overall experience. Digital Spy mentions the game's solid combat system but notes the lack of depth and failure to fully explore its ideas. Twinfinite also points out flaws in gameplay and limited replayability. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Scars Above is a mixed bag. While it offers enjoyable elements such as engaging combat, entertaining boss battles, and a strong narrative, it falls short in terms of originality, polish, and execution. Critics like COGconnected, GameGrin, and New Game Network mention the game's lack of innovation and feeling of generic mechanics. However, there are also positive opinions from critics like Player 2, WellPlayed, and Impulsegamer, who appreciate the game's entertainment value and engaging gameplay elements. The overall sentiment suggests that while Scars Above may not stand out from its influences, it still manages to provide a decent and enjoyable gaming experience for fans of the genre.

TL;DR

Critics have mixed opinions on Scars Above. Positive points include engaging combat and boss battles, with praise for the sci-fi premise and sound design. However, criticisms focus on the lack of originality and polish, noting generic mechanics and technical issues. While some appreciate the game's entertainment value, others find it lacking in innovation. Overall, Scars Above offers an enjoyable experience but falls short in terms of originality and execution, making it a decent choice for genre fans.

CRITIK

Reviews

118 reviews found

Player 2

Feb 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

A perfectly paced and thoroughly entertaining sci-fi adventure that stands out from the crowd by focusing on key elements and delivering a tight and thrilling experience.

Hooked Gamers

Mar 1, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The game offers a satisfying experience with enjoyable boss battles, although combat can be reasonably sparse. The mixture of puzzle-solving and light combat may not suit everyone, but the reviewer enjoyed crafting weapons and gadgets

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Impulsegamer

Xbox Series X

Mar 15, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Scars Above delivers a strong narrative with playable gaming mechanics, visually presenting a well-designed alien world. It provides a healthy amount of challenges and is recommended for those looking for a distraction.

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God is a Geek

PlayStation 5

Feb 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Scars Above is a well-crafted third-person shooter with enjoyable combat and smart puzzles. The story is engaging despite some rough dialogue and cutscenes.

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TheXboxHub

Xbox Series X

Feb 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Scars Above is a challenging game with an engaging story, great gameplay mechanics, and some lovely visuals. The combat may be tough and repetitive, but overall it offers a very good game experience.

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Xbox Tavern

Xbox Series X

Feb 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Scars Above is a fun and challenging adventure that could have been improved with a few tweaks. It offers a solid gameplay experience and a world that feels vast without being too big.

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GamersRD

PlayStation 5

Feb 27, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Scars Above is an original and challenging game with an interesting story, but the poor dedication to textures detracts from the overall experience.

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TheSixthAxis

PlayStation 5

Feb 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Scars Above is a welcome addition to the ranks of single player focused adventures, offering a respectable challenge without outstaying its welcome or becoming too frustrating.

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Press Start Australia

PlayStation 5

Feb 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer had a fun time with the game, enjoying the science and knowledge-based themes, engaging combat, and varied environments. However, there was a section in the late game that killed the pace.

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But Why Tho?

PlayStation 5

Feb 28, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Scars Above has its ups and downs, but overall offers fun gameplay in a beautiful and dangerous alien world. The story is straightforward but has a good mystery. The scientific approach with Kate is appreciated.

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