Scars Above

The narrative of Scars Above receives praise for its atmospheric intrigue, engaging mystery, and strong world-building, with several critics highlighting its compelling sci-fi elements. IGN Adria commends the "well-structured narrative" that connects biomes and reveals mysteries as the game progresses, while TheXboxHub emphasizes the "strong sense of atmosphere and intrigue," calling the story the game’s "strongest part." Similarly, Noisy Pixel applauds the "detailed world-building" and "compelling story about a scientist navigating an alien world," and Twinfinite notes that the narrative is "the highlight of the game," offering a "nice sci-fi tale." The game’s exploration of themes like survival, discovery, and the protagonist’s evolution—such as Kate Ward’s transformation from a "naive scientist to a resourceful survivor" (IGN Spain)—adds depth. Additionally, critics like GameGrin and INVEN appreciate the lore-rich experience, with the latter praising the "well-structured narrative centered around exploration of an alien planet." However, multiple reviewers criticize Scars Above for its lack of originality, shallow character development, and uneven pacing. IGN describes the story as "flat and unoriginal," while BaziCenter and NME note a "lack of detail and depth" that makes it hard to connect with characters. GamingTrend calls the plot "generic," and SpazioGames argues it "fails to develop beyond its initial intrigue." The narrative’s reliance on familiar sci-fi tropes—such as Lovecraftian horror, alien artifacts, and stranded explorers—is frequently mentioned, with Dexerto pointing out "cringe-worthy dialogue" and VGC noting the story feels "predictable and overshadowed by its inspirations." Additionally, some critics, like Digital Spy and Push Square, find the plot "standard" or "fails to deliver," while TierraGamer criticizes the "meandering" structure that loses player focus. The underdeveloped characters and abrupt transitions further detract from the experience, as highlighted by IGN Italia and Everyeye.it. Despite mixed reactions, the overall consensus among critics is that Scars Above offers an engaging sci-fi narrative with strong atmospheric elements but struggles to fully capitalize on its potential. While many praise its mystery-driven exploration and immersive world-building—such as PlayStation Universe’s description of it as "deliciously mysterious" and KeenGamer’s mention of an "engaging narrative"—others, like IGN and BaziCenter, argue it lacks the depth and originality to stand out. The game walks a fine line between being a compelling adventure and a derivative experience, with its strengths in atmosphere and storytelling often overshadowed by repetitive mechanics and underdeveloped characters. Ultimately, while Scars Above succeeds in creating an intriguing sci-fi setting, its narrative execution leaves room for improvement, as noted by critics like TheSixthAxis, who acknowledge its "slow burner" approach but also point to moments of genuine emotional impact.

The gameplay of Scars Above receives mixed praise, with several reviewers highlighting its engaging combat mechanics and strategic depth. Critics like TheGamer commend the game’s combat as its strongest aspect, noting the variety of weapons and tools that allow for tactical play, particularly in exploiting enemy weaknesses. IGN France emphasizes the strategic focus on resource management and enemy vulnerabilities, while Impulsegamer praises the well-implemented controls and gradual difficulty curve. The integration of elemental interactions, such as Inverse’s mention of sharp gunplay and unique attack styles, and TheSixthAxis’ emphasis on environmental puzzles and ranged combat, adds layers of depth. Additionally, Meristation acknowledges the solid third-person shooter foundation, despite clunky movement, and CD-Action highlights the Soulslike mechanics that encourage experimentation with weapons and abilities. These positives suggest a game that excels in combat variety and strategic design when executed well. However, numerous critics point to significant flaws that undermine the experience. Noisy Pixel and Game Rant criticize the gameplay as directionless, repetitive, and poorly executed, with stiff movement and predictable enemy AI. VGC and Gaming Age note a disconnect between narrative and action, while TierraGamer and BaziCenter argue that the game lacks innovation and becomes monotonous over time. Issues like Twinfinite’s complaint about melee being nearly useless, Xbox Achievements’ mention of limited weapon variety, and Everyeye.it’s critique of basic mechanics and automatic crafting systems further highlight a lack of polish. The repetitive nature of enemy encounters, as noted by Game Rant and SpazioGames, and the overreliance on jump scares from Gaming Age also detract from immersion. These criticisms paint a picture of a game that struggles to maintain engagement beyond its initial mechanics. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Scars Above has promising elements but fails to fully realize its potential. While it offers engaging combat systems, strategic depth, and creative environmental interactions—celebrated by TheGamer, IGN France, and Impulsegamer—it is frequently undermined by repetitive design, uneven difficulty curves, and technical shortcomings. The game’s reliance on linear progression and predictable enemy patterns, as critiqued by Noisy Pixel, Game Rant, and SpazioGames, contrasts with its occasional moments of brilliance, such as the elemental mechanics praised by Inverse and TheSixthAxis. Though some reviewers like CD-Action and IGN Spain acknowledge its unique blend of genres, the majority agree that Scars Above is a game with potential but hindered by inconsistent execution and a lack of innovation in core gameplay systems.

The graphics and visual design of Scars Above receive mixed but largely positive feedback from several critics, particularly highlighting its artistic direction and environmental creativity. Many reviewers praise the game’s alien landscapes, creature designs, and atmospheric elements. For instance, GameGrin describes the visuals as “stunning” with immersive world-building, while Finger Guns notes “varied environments that blend alien architecture and natural features.” Impulsegamer applauds the attention to detail in creating an “alien world,” and The Loadout calls it one of the “best-looking titles on the PlayStation 5,” emphasizing its “eldritch atmosphere” and visually-striking biomes. Additionally, Pocket-lint highlights the “gorgeous design of the alien planet” as a strong point, and Hooked Gamers appreciates the “dark and varied landscapes” that contribute to a “visually polished experience.” These critiques suggest that the game’s artistic vision and environmental storytelling are its strongest suits. However, the negatives dominate the discourse, with critics frequently pointing out technical shortcomings and repetitive design elements. Multiple reviewers criticize the game’s character models, animations, and textures as outdated or underdeveloped. Game Rant and VGC describe the visuals as “generic” and “lifeless,” while Gaming Nexus calls the animation “janky” and IGN France notes that character models lack detail. Games.cz and Everyeye.it highlight unappealing environments and outdated animations, with New Game Network criticizing “dated level design” and Vandal comparing the graphics to “last-gen visuals.” Repetition in level design is another recurring issue: Hardcore Gamer calls the visual design “uncreative and repetitive,” while Gaming Age notes that alien designs “lack variety.” Even positive aspects like enemy design (e.g., Games.cz praising monster aesthetics) are often overshadowed by broader technical flaws, such as poor lighting, low-resolution cutscenes, and inconsistent textures. The overall consensus among critics is a split between admiration for the game’s artistic ambition and frustration with its technical execution. While several reviewers acknowledge the visual appeal of Scars Above—with Player 2 praising “stunning art direction” and SpazioGames noting a “strong artistic direction”—the majority emphasize that these strengths are undermined by subpar character animations, repetitive environments, and outdated graphics. IGN France and TheXboxHub highlight the disconnect between the game’s creative potential and its execution, while KeenGamer acknowledges the “exceptional” creature designs but notes room for improvement in character design. Despite some praise for specific elements like environmental storytelling or atmospheric details, the consensus leans toward the game feeling “budget-looking” (per NME) and “low-budget” (as Dexerto puts it), with many critics agreeing that Scars Above falls short of AAA standards despite its creative aspirations.

The sound design and music of Scars Above received generally positive feedback from multiple reviewers, with many praising their ability to enhance immersion and atmosphere. Critics like KeenGamer highlighted the "eerie ambient background sounds" that elevate the sci-fi survival experience, while Wccftech noted the soundtrack’s effectiveness in creating tension and complementing the game’s atmosphere. Meristation praised the "excellent sound design," particularly the well-crafted weapon sounds and subtle soundtrack that amplify solitude, and TheXboxHub commended the "impressive" sci-fi synth music and "great sound effects." Additionally, Games.cz and IGN France acknowledged the atmospheric quality of the score, with the latter noting how it builds tension and atmosphere throughout the game. The voice acting also received praise, as seen in GamersRD’s assertion that all audio elements were "well done," and IGN Spain highlighted the high-quality Spanish voiceover as a key immersion factor. However, several critics pointed out notable flaws. TierraGamer criticized the sound design as "disappointing," failing to create an immersive atmosphere for the cosmic horror theme, while BaziCenter noted issues with "sound synchronization and some creature sounds." Games.cz described the music as "bland and unremarkable," and Everyeye.it argued that the sound design couldn’t compensate for visual shortcomings. IGN Italia mentioned that voice acting lacked expressiveness, and TierraGamer criticized the lack of stability in audio elements. Additionally, Checkpoint Gaming pointed out that "the lack of synchronization in voice acting detracts from the overall quality," while Push Square noted that supporting characters lacked depth. These critiques suggest that while the audio elements were often strong, technical and creative inconsistencies occasionally undermined their impact. Overall, the consensus among critics leans positive, with most acknowledging the sound design and music as significant contributors to the game’s atmosphere and immersion. While there were consistent criticisms about specific aspects—such as synchronization issues, bland musical themes, or uneven voice acting—the majority of reviews highlighted strengths in atmospheric composition, effective use of sci-fi synth elements, and immersive soundscapes. IGN France and TheXboxHub emphasized the audio’s role in enhancing tension and storytelling, while KeenGamer and Meristation praised the attention to detail in ambient sounds and weapon effects. Despite some technical flaws, the reviewers collectively viewed the audio as a standout feature that largely succeeded in supporting the game’s sci-fi survival narrative.

The voice acting in Scars Above receives a mix of praise for its emotional depth and narrative contribution, particularly highlighting standout performances. Critics like IGN and Gaming Nexus commend Erin Yvette’s portrayal of Kate as heartfelt and well-executed, with Hey Poor Player noting her "stellar" performance that enhances immersion. Meristation praises the "impressive" voice acting across all characters, while GameSpew and GamersRD describe it as "commendable" and "very good," respectively. Generación Xbox emphasizes the industry-standard voices that add depth to characters, and TheXboxHub highlights solid performances throughout. These positive assessments underscore the voice acting’s ability to elevate emotional engagement and narrative clarity, even when technical issues arise. However, several critics point to significant flaws, particularly in synchronization and expressiveness. Checkpoint Gaming and BaziCenter criticize poor lip-sync that detracts from immersion, while Gamepressure notes awkward cutscenes due to misaligned animations. Daily Star calls the voice acting "dodgy," and IGN Italia laments its lack of energy and expressiveness. Inverse highlights wooden character animations that clash with the voice work, and VGC mentions Kate’s facial expressions failing to match her dialogue’s intensity. Additionally, PSX Brasil notes the absence of voiceover in some regions, impacting immersion for certain players. These critiques reveal a recurring issue with technical execution undermining the potential of the vocal performances. The overall consensus reflects a divided but nuanced reception. While many critics praise the voice acting as a strong narrative asset—such as IGN Spain’s acknowledgment of its "high quality" and Impulsegamer’s emphasis on its synergy with graphics—the technical shortcomings, like poor lip-sync and limited expressiveness, are frequently cited. IGN France describes it as "adequate but occasionally lacking precision," while XboxAddict calls it "decent enough." Despite these flaws, the voice acting consistently stands out as a highlight for many, balancing emotional resonance with occasional technical hiccups. The mixed feedback suggests that while Scars Above’s voice work is generally effective, its impact is occasionally hindered by production inconsistencies.

The technical performance of Scars Above varies across platforms, with notable positives for PC, PS5, and Xbox Series X. On PC, several critics praised its stability and optimization, noting smooth performance on mid-range systems (Everyeye.it), consistent 60fps (Multiplayer.it), and the ability to run well even at high settings without frame drops (Player 2, SECTOR.sk). KeenGamer highlighted that it renders smoothly on lower-end GPUs with high settings, while The Games Machine and Wccftech acknowledged its fluidity and overall technical stability. For PS5, GamersRD and PlayStation Universe noted stable performance despite minor issues, and Push Square described the game as "running smoothly." On Xbox Series X, Eurogamer Poland and ZTGD praised consistent frame rates and decent visuals, with some critics like Generación Xbox acknowledging that occasional frame drops were "sporadic" and not disruptive. However, technical shortcomings were evident across all platforms. On PC, COGconnected criticized the game as "unpolished" with "cut-rate animations," while GamingTrend highlighted stuttering cutscenes and audio desync. Oyungezer pointed to bugs and animation quality issues, and NME noted confusing level design. For PS5, Daily Star reported crashes during the opening, and GameSpew described frustrating glitches like getting stuck in scenery. VGC called the performance "technically unstable" with frequent crashes on PS5, while BaziCenter and Hey Poor Player criticized outdated animations and lighting issues. On Xbox Series X, critics like IGN France and Stevivor highlighted frame-rate drops and environmental glitches, with Game Rant and XboxEra noting stuttering cutscenes and minor bugs that disrupted immersion. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Scars Above delivers functional technical performance across platforms but struggles with polish and consistency. PC received praise for optimization and stability (e.g., Player 2, SECTOR.sk), though issues like awkward mechanics (COGconnected) and stuttering cutscenes (GamingTrend) detracted from the experience. PS5 and Xbox Series X saw mixed reviews: while some critics (GamersRD, Push Square) found it stable, others (VGC, GameSpew) highlighted crashes and glitches. Despite these issues, many acknowledged that technical flaws were often overshadowed by the game’s ambition, with IGN Spain noting "notable highs and lows" and PlayStation Universe calling it a "fair trade-off." The game’s performance was generally deemed acceptable for its budget but left room for improvement in polish and consistency across platforms.

The reviews for Scars Above highlight a few positive aspects that could theoretically support replayability, though they are often overshadowed by structural limitations. Critics like NME acknowledge that engaging combat and exploration might encourage multiple playthroughs, even if navigation is confusing. IGN Adria notes the game’s story and gameplay could entice players to revisit it despite a lack of traditional save systems or side activities. Additionally, Meristation points out the game’s generous 15–20-hour runtime, which provides more content than many shorter titles, while Pocket-lint suggests its mid-tier pricing and challenging mechanics might appeal to time-constrained gamers seeking a brief but rewarding experience. These elements indicate that Scars Above has some inherent qualities that could justify repeated play, particularly for fans of its core design. However, the majority of critics emphasize significant drawbacks that severely limit replay value. The game’s linear structure and lack of backtracking are repeatedly cited as major issues, with Attack of the Fanboy, Checkpoint Gaming, and Everyeye.it all criticizing the absence of meaningful opportunities to revisit earlier areas or refine mechanics. Wccftech and BaziCenter highlight the lack of New Game+ modes or save-load options, making the experience feel like a one-time playthrough. Others, such as Gfinity and Eurogamer Poland, point to unsatisfying combat systems and repetitive gameplay that diminish incentives to replay. Even GameSpew and Twinfinite note underdeveloped progression mechanics, while Vandal and SpazioGames stress the game’s linearity and limited variety. These critiques collectively paint a picture of a title that prioritizes brevity over depth, leaving little room for sustained engagement. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Scars Above suffers from a lack of replayability due to its rigid design and minimal post-game content. While some praise its combat, exploration, or length, these positives are consistently undermined by structural flaws like linearity, repetitive mechanics, and the absence of modes like New Game+. Games.cz and SECTOR.sk explicitly link the game’s linearity to limited replay value, while IGN Spain and GameOver.gr describe it as a one-time experience. Even reviewers who acknowledge minor strengths, such as IGN Adria or Pocket-lint, concede that the game’s shortcomings outweigh its potential for multiple playthroughs. The critical reception suggests that Scars Above is more of a niche title for players seeking a quick, linear adventure rather than a game designed to be revisited.