SCARF | Xbox Review
I’ve missed 3D platformers. I’ll never forget the magic I felt the first time I played Super Mario 64 and the countless iterations afterwards. I’ve been looking to scratch that itch outside of the Mario series for as long as I can remember. Uprising Studios‘ Scarf may not satisfy that itch quite as well, but it’s honestly not trying to. This beautifully artistic game is trying to do something else: tell an interesting and surprisingly dark story. My co-host, Zack, often talks about certain titles making for great “weekend games”, and I think this one falls directly into that category. It’s not breaking new ground in gameplay, but it’s thoroughly enjoyable to play and never overstays its welcome.
Like a Warm Blanket
The story of Scarf revolves around a small, blue character who meets a sentient red scarf looking for its mother. The scarf acts like a playful dragon and your companion. The world in which the game takes place is populated by enemy creatures who seem intent on impeding your progress. These “enemies” aren’t your typical foreboding monsters found in similar titles. They’re instead nondescript humanoid blobs that come across as more cute than scary.
As you progress through the three areas of the game (ocean, desert, and forest), you’ll unravel bits and pieces of the story through collectibles called “inks”. These short cut scenes are somewhat vague, but make a bit more sense once you reach the ending. If you collect enough inks, you’ll unlock a more satisfying “good” ending, which also doubles as another reason for a second play-through.
The sub four-hour gameplay culminates in an abrupt twist ending that is much darker than I would have expected from a game with beautifully bright art. I was pleasantly surprised by the unexpected turn of events and appreciated that the game left me wanting more. I had forgotten how much I missed being rewarded with more story by finding collectibles. This is far more satisfying than simply seeing “100%” plastered on your screen or completing all the achievements.
Not Slimy, Just Satisfying
Many people (myself included) think of tight controls when thinking of 3D platformers like Scarf. That’s simply not the case here, but it’s also not a bad thing. I see a lot more parallels to the controls of games like Ocarina of Time instead, but with a bit more breadth of jumping. You’ll start with a very limited ability to leap from small platforms, but quickly acquire new abilities through the use of the scarf itself. Your crimson buddy gives you the ability to glide with red wings; this allows you to cross larger gaps, especially once you’ve gained the ability to double-jump. You’ll also be able to use your scarf like a rubber band to slingshot your way across areas.
Sadly, these are the only skills given to you throughout the game. I had hopes for more abilities to open up in each world, but instead I found that many puzzles revolved around these fun mechanics being taken away from you.
What I found most refreshing, however, is the puzzles themselves. Much like the aforementioned Ocarina of Time, when you enter a new area, the camera pans back to show you the room with no direct explanation as to how you should proceed. Most of the time, you’re looking for collectibles that grant you access to the next area. The steps needed are never difficult to figure out, yet are oddly satisfying each time you complete one. This makes for great pacing, something that is usually absent in puzzle games.
Scarf Final Verdict
I was more than pleasantly surprised by my time with Scarf. It’s a great reminder that not all games have to be massive open-world games that takes scores of hours to work through. There’s room for gems like this one that only take a few hours to complete. The world is beautiful, the story strays from what is typical in the genre, and it’s genuinely fun to solve non-frustrating puzzles. It’s not going to blow you away by any stretch, but it’s absolutely refreshing and a delight to play. It’s a solid recommend from me, especially if you miss platformers or need a break from gargantuan AAA titles.
To hear me talk more about Scarf, be sure to listen to our July 12th episode of The Gaming Outsider Podcast.
This review is based on an Xbox copy of SCARF provided by Evolve PR for coverage purposes. It is also available on PlayStation and PC via Steam, Epic Games Store, and GOG.
SCARF
$9.99
Pros
- Beautifully Soothing & Vibrant Art
- Puzzles Are Never Difficult, Yet Always Satisfying
- Fun Twist in the Narrative
- Multiple Play-Through Rewarded with Story
Cons
- More Scarf Abilities Needed
- Abilities Are Often Stripped Away
