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MONSTER

Scars Above

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

2023

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

AvailableFeb 28, 2023

PlatformPC, 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

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

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TL;DR

Scars Above captivates with its intriguing premise and character development of Dr. Kate Ward, transforming her from a naive scientist to a resourceful survivor. Critics praise its engaging setup involving a mysterious alien structure, with some emotional moments and solid world-building. However, the narrative suffers from clichés, weak dialogue, and underdeveloped relationships, leading many to describe it as flat and predictable. Despite promising elements, the story ultimately lacks depth and originality, leaving a mixed reception among players and critics.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

24%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

69%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Scars Above has garnered some praise from critics, particularly for its intriguing premise and the character of Dr. Kate Ward. Many reviewers noted that the narrative begins with a captivating setup involving a mysterious alien structure known as the Metahedron, which leads to a survival story on an alien planet. Critics like IGN France and Gamereactor Finland highlighted the engaging nature of the plot, with IGN France mentioning that the narrative maintains interest throughout the gameplay. Additionally, some critics appreciated the character development of Kate Ward, who evolves from a naive scientist into a resourceful survivor, as noted by IGN Spain. The game also features moments of genuine emotional impact, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis, and some critics found the world-building to be one of the stronger aspects of the narrative, as pointed out by Noisy Pixel. However, the story of Scars Above is not without its criticisms. Many reviewers pointed out that the narrative lacks depth and originality, often relying on clichés and predictable tropes. For instance, IGN described the plot as "flat and unoriginal," while NME criticized it for being "thin and poorly sketched out." Critics like Gaming Nexus and Everyeye.it echoed similar sentiments, noting that the character relationships are underdeveloped and the dialogue weak. The pacing of the story was also a concern for several reviewers, with TierraGamer mentioning that the narrative is "too meandering" and lacks focus. This sentiment is further supported by critics like Push Square, who felt that despite an engaging start, the story ultimately fails to deliver. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while Scars Above presents a promising narrative with a strong premise and some engaging elements, it ultimately falls short of its potential. Many reviewers, including Gamepressure and But Why Tho?, noted that the story could have benefited from deeper character development and a more innovative plot. While some critics found the narrative to be engaging and well-structured, others felt it was overshadowed by its inspirations and did not offer anything particularly new to the sci-fi genre. The mixed reception suggests that while there are moments of intrigue and emotional resonance, the execution leaves much to be desired, making it a divisive experience among players and critics alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Scars Above delivers a mixed bag of gameplay, praised for its engaging blend of third-person shooting and puzzle-solving, but criticized for confusing mechanics and repetitive combat. While crafting and tactical elements add depth, reviewers lament linear progression and dull enemy AI. The initial excitement can quickly fade into tedium, highlighting a need for better balance and innovation. Overall, the game's potential is overshadowed by its execution flaws, leaving critics split on its value.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

38%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

51%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The gameplay of Scars Above has garnered a mixed response from critics, with several highlighting its engaging elements. Many reviewers appreciate the game's blend of third-person shooting mechanics and puzzle-solving, with critics like GamingBolt and God is a Geek praising the strategic depth provided by the crafting system and elemental interactions. The presence of a variety of weapons and gadgets, as mentioned by IGN Adria and TheSixthAxis, adds a layer of complexity that encourages players to think tactically. Additionally, some critics, such as Impulsegamer, noted that the controls and combat mechanics are well-implemented, contributing to a satisfying gameplay experience, especially as players progress and master the systems in place. Conversely, a significant number of reviewers pointed out various shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Critics from Multiplayer.it and Noisy Pixel expressed frustration with the execution of gameplay mechanics, labeling them as confusing and repetitive. Many highlighted issues such as linear progression, lack of enemy variety, and poorly designed combat systems. For instance, Game Rant and Everyeye.it emphasized that combat encounters often become dull due to predictable AI and a reliance on basic mechanics. Furthermore, the game’s overreliance on jump scares and cheap deaths, as noted by Gaming Age, adds to the frustrations, making the gameplay feel more tedious than challenging. Overall, the consensus among critics suggests that while Scars Above has the potential for engaging gameplay through its mix of combat, exploration, and puzzle-solving, it ultimately falls short in execution. Many reviewers, including BaziCenter and Eurogamer Poland, noted that the gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks the challenge necessary to keep players invested. Despite its interesting mechanics and strategic elements, the game struggles with pacing and depth, leading to a mixed reception. Critics like Digital Spy and NME pointed out that while the combat may initially be engaging, it can quickly become trivial as players overpower enemies, highlighting a need for better balance and innovation in gameplay design.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

TLDR: "Scars Above" impresses with stunning artistic direction and immersive environmental design but is marred by outdated graphics, poor animations, and a lackluster color palette. Critics praise its visual creativity but lament the game's failure to meet modern standards, leading to a mixed reception that highlights both brilliance and significant shortcomings in visual fidelity.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

19%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

63%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

18%

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

In the realm of graphics and visual design, "Scars Above" has garnered a mix of praise, particularly for its artistic direction and environmental design. Critics like Player 2 and Pocket-lint highlight the game's stunning art direction, with breathtaking backgrounds and visually appealing alien landscapes that contribute to an immersive experience. The environments are often described as diverse and beautifully designed, with attention to detail that enhances the overall atmosphere, as noted by critics such as But Why Tho? and Impulsegamer. Additionally, some reviewers, like IGN France and XboxEra, appreciate the effective lighting effects and the clever level design, which adds depth to the visual experience. However, the positives are often overshadowed by a plethora of criticisms regarding the game's graphics. Multiple reviewers, including Game Rant, Generación Xbox, and Multiplayer.it, point out that the graphics feel outdated and poorly executed, with low-quality assets, bland designs, and wooden animations that detract from immersion. Critics like VGC and Gaming Nexus emphasize the drab color palette and lifeless character movements, while others, such as Vandal and GamersRD, criticize the lack of detail in character models and environments, describing them as resembling last-generation visuals. This sentiment is echoed by many, indicating a consistent disappointment in the technical execution of the game's graphics. Overall, the consensus among critics is that while "Scars Above" features some impressive environmental design and artistic direction, it suffers from significant shortcomings in character animations and overall visual polish. Many reviewers, including IGN Spain and TheSixthAxis, note that the game does not reach the quality expected from a 2023 release, with several aspects feeling underdeveloped or reminiscent of older titles. The mixed reviews suggest that while the game has moments of visual brilliance, it ultimately struggles to deliver a cohesive and polished graphical experience, leaving players wanting more in terms of visual fidelity and detail.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

TL;DR: Scars Above has a mixed reception for its sound design and music. Critics praise the atmospheric soundtrack for enhancing immersion and creating tension, but voice acting issues, including poor synchronization and expressiveness, detract from the experience. While some reviewers celebrate the audio as exceptional, others find significant flaws that undermine overall enjoyment, highlighting inconsistencies that need addressing for a truly engaging soundscape.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

45%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

53%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Scars Above have garnered a range of opinions from critics, with several highlighting the strengths of the audio experience. Many reviewers praised the atmospheric soundtrack, noting its ability to enhance the game's immersive qualities. For instance, Hooked Gamers remarked on how the atmospheric soundtrack effectively sets the tone, particularly during tense moments with large foes. Similarly, Wccftech and Generación Xbox emphasized the soundtrack's role in creating tension and contributing positively to the overall experience. Critics like KeenGamer and TheXboxHub also appreciated the well-crafted sound effects, particularly for weapons and creatures, which successfully add to the sense of danger and adventure within the game. Overall, there is a consensus that the music and sound effects are integral to the game's ambiance, with many reviewers noting their effectiveness in complementing the sci-fi theme. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the sound design and music that detract from the overall experience. Several reviewers pointed out issues with voice acting synchronization and expressiveness, which negatively impacted immersion. Checkpoint Gaming specifically mentioned that the lack of synchronization in voice acting detracted from the overall quality. TierraGamer expressed disappointment with the sound design, describing it as ghostly and lacking stability, which failed to create an immersive atmosphere. Critics like BaziCenter and IGN Italia also echoed concerns about the voice acting, with mentions of it lacking depth and expressiveness. Additionally, Games.cz described the music as bland and unremarkable, indicating that while some aspects of the audio were effective, others fell short of expectations. Overall, the consensus among critics is mixed, with a notable divide between those who appreciate the atmospheric qualities of the soundtrack and sound design and those who find significant flaws in voice acting and synchronization. While many reviewers, such as WellPlayed and GamersRD, celebrated the audio elements as sensational and well-executed, others highlighted critical shortcomings that hinder immersion. The varying opinions suggest that while Scars Above succeeds in creating an engaging soundscape, it also suffers from inconsistencies that may affect players' overall enjoyment. Ultimately, the sound design and music contribute to the game's atmosphere, but the execution in certain areas leaves room for improvement.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Scars Above features standout voice acting from Erin Yvette as Kate, praised for adding emotional depth. Critics generally commend the performances but highlight significant issues with sync and expressiveness, leading to awkward cutscenes and a lack of engagement. While the voice work has potential, technical flaws and uneven quality leave players with a mixed experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

25%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

64%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

11%

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

The voice acting in Scars Above has garnered a mix of praise from critics, particularly highlighting the performance of Erin Yvette as Kate. Reviewers from outlets like Gaming Nexus and Hey Poor Player commend her portrayal as heartfelt and significantly contributing to the immersion and emotional weight of the protagonist's journey. Additionally, several critics, including Meristation and Generación Xbox, emphasize that the voice acting is generally solid and enhances the overall experience, with some even noting the presence of recognizable industry voices that add depth to the characters. The performances are described as commendable and competent, with some critics like Push Square noting that the voice acting is surprisingly solid, which suggests a degree of satisfaction among players. However, the voice acting in Scars Above is not without its criticisms. Multiple reviewers, including Checkpoint Gaming and Gamepressure, point out issues with synchronization between the voice work and character animations, leading to awkward presentations during cutscenes. Critics like Everyeye.it and IGN Italia describe the voice acting as flat or lacking energy, which undermines emotional engagement with the characters and the story. Furthermore, some reviews, such as those from Daily Star and BaziCenter, characterize the voice acting as "dodgy" or suffering from lip-sync problems that detract from the overall experience, indicating a significant inconsistency in quality across different platforms. Overall, the consensus among critics reflects a divided sentiment regarding the voice acting in Scars Above. While there are commendable performances, particularly from Erin Yvette, many reviews highlight synchronization issues and a lack of expressiveness that detracts from the emotional depth of the narrative. Critics like New Game Network and Game Rant acknowledge the voice work as generally fine but humorously mismatched with the characters' lack of expressiveness. This duality suggests that while the voice acting has the potential to enhance the game, technical shortcomings and uneven performances prevent it from reaching its full potential, leaving players with a mixed experience.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Scars Above impresses with solid performance on PC and PS5, running smoothly on mid-range systems, but suffers from severe polish issues. Critics highlight awkward mechanics and animations on PC, while the PS5 version faces crashes and frequent frame rate drops, leading to frustrating gameplay. Xbox Series X also shows performance flaws, with stuttering and glitches. Overall, the game demonstrates potential but is in desperate need of refinement across all platforms.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

23%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

27%

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

The technical performance of Scars Above has received a mix of feedback across different gaming platforms, showcasing some strengths particularly on PC and PS5. On PC, several critics, including KeenGamer and Player 2, noted that the game runs smoothly even on lower-end GPUs and maintains a stable frame rate, indicating good technical performance. Additionally, Everyeye.it highlighted that the game performs well on mid-range systems without frame rate drops or bugs. On PS5, while there are some concerns, critics like GamersRD and Push Square reported that the game performs well overall, with stable frame rates and no major issues. On Xbox Series X, while there are some criticisms, ZTGD remarked that the game looks and runs great, with only occasional hitches that do not detract from the gameplay. However, the negatives for each platform are quite pronounced. On PC, critics like COGconnected and GamingTrend pointed out that the game feels unpolished, with awkward mechanics, stiff animations, and low-quality cutscenes. Additionally, GamingTrend noted issues with pre-rendered cutscenes suffering from stuttering and audio desync. On PS5, the technical issues are more severe, with Daily Star reporting crashes during the opening, and GameSpew noting issues with getting stuck in scenery. Critics like VGC and Gaming Nexus also highlighted frequent crashes and frame-rate issues, which significantly detract from the experience. On Xbox Series X, the performance is also criticized, with Game Rant and Stevivor mentioning stuttering cutscenes, frame rate drops, and environmental glitches that hinder gameplay, particularly in a genre that demands precision. Overall, the consensus among critics across all platforms indicates a game that, while technically stable in some respects, suffers from a lack of polish and numerous technical issues. On PC, the game performs well on various systems but is marred by awkward mechanics and unrefined animations. The PS5 version is plagued by crashes and inconsistent performance, leading to a frustrating experience for many players, as noted by critics like VGC and Gaming Nexus. Meanwhile, the Xbox Series X version also faces performance hiccups, with several critics pointing out stuttering and frame rate drops. While there are commendable aspects of the game’s performance, the overarching sentiment suggests that Scars Above is still in need of significant refinement and optimization across all platforms.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Scars Above has engaging combat and exploration that some critics say could invite a second playthrough. However, the consensus reveals significant replayability issues due to its linear structure, repetitive gameplay, and lack of a New Game+ mode. While it's a solid one-time experience, the game ultimately fails to motivate players to return after finishing the story.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

61%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

39%

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

In analyzing the opinions of various critics regarding the replay value of Scars Above, it is evident that some reviewers found aspects of the game that could contribute to a positive experience. Critics like NME pointed out that the engaging combat and exploration could potentially encourage players to revisit the game. Similarly, XboxAddict noted that the game offers some branching paths and encourages exploration, which could provide a fresh experience for players willing to delve into its world. Additionally, New Game Network mentioned that while the game is relatively brisk, it does not feel overly repetitive, suggesting that there may be enough enjoyment in the gameplay to warrant a second playthrough for some players. However, the overwhelming consensus among critics is that Scars Above suffers from significant limitations that severely hinder its replayability. Attack of the Fanboy and Checkpoint Gaming both highlighted the game's linear structure and lack of backtracking options, which diminish the value of previously learned mechanics. Many critics, including SECTOR.sk and Wccftech, echoed this sentiment, emphasizing the absence of a New Game+ mode or additional content that could entice players to experience the game again. Furthermore, several reviews pointed out that the gameplay can become repetitive, with critics like Gamepressure and Malditos Nerds noting that the linearity and limited enemy variety contribute to a lack of incentive for multiple playthroughs. Overall, the critics' consensus is clear: Scars Above offers a solid, albeit short, gaming experience that ultimately lacks substantial replay value. Most reviewers, such as IGN Spain and Game Rant, agree that the game feels more like a one-time experience rather than one that encourages multiple playthroughs. The absence of meaningful progression systems, coupled with repetitive gameplay and a linear design, leaves players with little motivation to return once the story has been completed. While some critics acknowledged the engaging elements of combat and exploration, the prevailing sentiment is that these features are not enough to overcome the game's fundamental limitations in replayability.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

21%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

77%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

In analyzing the overall sentiment surrounding Scars Above, it is evident that several reviewers appreciated the game's intriguing premise and engaging combat mechanics. Critics like XboxEra and The Loadout noted the game's visually impressive presentation and its potential to deliver a solid experience, highlighting the engaging story and enjoyable gameplay. Additionally, some reviewers, such as KeenGamer and INVEN, praised the unique combat mechanics and compelling narrative, suggesting that the game offers a worthwhile experience for fans of sci-fi adventure games. Moreover, PlayStation Universe and Pocket-lint recognized the game's ability to provide a satisfying mix of puzzle-solving and action, indicating that it has some redeeming qualities despite its shortcomings. Conversely, a significant number of critics expressed disappointment with Scars Above, citing various technical issues and execution flaws that detracted from the overall experience. Game Rant and VGC described the game as a rough draft that fails to deliver a full-fledged experience, while GamingTrend lamented its bland combat and lack of engaging puzzles. Many reviewers, including Gaming Nexus and Attack of the Fanboy, pointed out that the game suffers from mediocrity and lacks the polish expected at its price point. Critics like Hardcore Gamer and BaziCenter echoed these sentiments, emphasizing that the game ultimately falls short of standing out in a crowded genre and leaves players wanting more. Overall, the consensus among critics leans towards a mixed to negative sentiment regarding Scars Above. While some reviewers found enjoyment in its core elements and appreciated its ambitions, the majority highlighted a range of shortcomings that hindered its potential. Critics such as GameSpew and Digital Spy noted that although the game has interesting ideas, it ultimately lacks depth and originality, making it forgettable in the long run. As a result, while Scars Above may have its moments of charm and engaging gameplay, it is largely seen as a missed opportunity that fails to fully realize its potential, leaving many players and critics feeling underwhelmed.

TL;DR

Scars Above showcases intriguing ideas and engaging combat but ultimately falters due to technical issues and execution flaws. While some reviewers commend its visuals and narrative, many criticize it as a lackluster experience plagued by mediocrity and a lack of polish. The consensus is a mixed to negative sentiment, with critics deeming it a missed opportunity that fails to stand out in the crowded sci-fi adventure genre.

MONSTER

Reviews

122 reviews found

Player 2

Feb 27, 2023