Skul: The Hero Slayer

 PC
  • Publisher: Neowiz
  • Release Date: Jan 21, 2021
Skul: The Hero Slayer Image
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews What's this?

User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 19 Ratings

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  • Summary: The human race attacking the Demon King's castle is nothing new and has happened countless times before. What makes this time different though, is that the Adventurers decided to join forces with the Imperial Army and the 'Hero of Caerleon' to finally succeed in the total destruction of theThe human race attacking the Demon King's castle is nothing new and has happened countless times before. What makes this time different though, is that the Adventurers decided to join forces with the Imperial Army and the 'Hero of Caerleon' to finally succeed in the total destruction of the Demon stronghold. All of the demons in the castle were taken prisoner except for one lone skeleton named 'Skul'.

    Skul is no ordinary skeleton. In addition to his formidable fighting skills, he can gain new and exciting abilities depending on which skull he's wearing.Use up to 2 skulls at a time, each of which has its own unique attack range, speed and power. So choose ones that match your playing style and switch them in the heat of battle to bring your enemies to their knees. The power is in your hands!

    Skul has crossed paths with a party of Adventurers! They are powerful foes that hunt Demons for sport. But while Skul may be small, he still packs quite a punch. So just see who really is the hunter and who is the hunted...    … Expand

Critic Reviews

Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 18 out of 20
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 20
  3. Negative: 0 out of 20
  1. GameGrin
    Feb 16, 2021
    90
    Simple enough to draw you in, yet complex enough to keep you interested for the long haul. Skull: The Hero Slayer expertly balances risk-and-reward elements with player skill to make a wholly engaging action platformer.
  2. GameSkinny
    Feb 4, 2021
    90
    As endearing as it is challenging, Skul takes the rogue-lite mechanics you know and adds some flair of its own and a unique take on the fantasy narrative. If you’re looking for a game to scratch your rogue-lite itch with a few fun twists, Skul is a fantastic choice.
  3. KeenGamer
    Jan 25, 2021
    87
    SouthPAW have done a great job of making a really solid roguelike with interesting mechanics, a surprising amount of depth and a ton of visual charm. The balance still needs a little work and the text could use a little more proof-reading, but with plenty more updates planned well into 2021, this is certainly a game to keep an eye on.
  4. Multiplayer.it
    Feb 3, 2021
    82
    A brilliant roguelite, made really special by its curious class system and amazing variety. It's obviously not the most balanced game out there, but it's still great fun, and full of heart.
  5. TheSixthAxis
    Feb 8, 2021
    80
    It isn’t without its rough edges, but Skul is a really compelling experience, and definitely scratches the itch left by the button-mashing brawling of Hades and Dead Cells. If you’ve played those games to completion, or if you want a game with decadent pixel art and a wealth of characterful play options, then it’s an easy recommendation - just don’t lose your head during those challenging final stages.
  6. Hey Poor Player
    Jan 27, 2021
    80
    Skul: The Hero Slayer is a fun little title whose cute graphics belie the tough challenges and grinds that lie within. Dying is all part of the appeal, and never once is it frustrating or unfair. You’ll want to keep returning again and again in order to get just a little bit further, or to perhaps secure a new type of outfit or skill. It deserves a place on your playlist if you have any sort of affection for old 16-bit RPG-brawlers.
  7. Eurogamer Italy
    Jan 20, 2021
    70
    While offering nothing truly groundbreaking, Skul: The Hero Slayer is a fun, colorful, and fast-paced rogue-lite, a good baptism of fire for newbies to the genre and a pleasant pastime for those who have consumed their fingertips on titles like The Binding of Isaac and Hades.

See all 21 Critic Reviews

User Reviews

Write a Review
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 9
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 9
  3. Negative: 2 out of 9
  1. RenTen
    Jan 28, 2021
    10
    Это просто супер, давно не получал такого удовольствия от игр!
  2. Hangedman84
    Feb 11, 2021
    10
    A magnificent roguelike, worthy to stand next to the godlike Binding of Isaac, Dead Cells and Hades (stand next but not jump over them). StopA magnificent roguelike, worthy to stand next to the godlike Binding of Isaac, Dead Cells and Hades (stand next but not jump over them). Stop waste your time and just give it a bone! 10 skulls from 10!… Expand
  4. Zer0TheHer0
    Jan 23, 2021
    10
    This is really fun, great game with excellent controls and beautiful pixel art! Recommended!
  5. Gohax
    Jan 31, 2021
    9
    skul the hero slayer is such a fun rouge lite i spent hours just playing the game because of the addicting gameplay and to see which skullskul the hero slayer is such a fun rouge lite i spent hours just playing the game because of the addicting gameplay and to see which skull will i get this time all the enemies and bosses are super awesome and difficult and everything about this game is so much fun the only problem that i have with this game is the sequel baiting it felt like some content was missing because reason ?? i guess ?? plus the story was kind of meh but except for that i don't have anything bad to say about this game in conclusion i wont even do a pro and con list just because this game is a super awesome indie that does almost everything perfectly which bring me to my final score and its a 9 out of 10… Expand
  6. Rilke21
    Feb 10, 2021
    8
    Skul is a charming little gem of a game. It’s not perfect—you will get very familiar with the levels, there could be more hidden secrets toSkul is a charming little gem of a game. It’s not perfect—you will get very familiar with the levels, there could be more hidden secrets to discover, and you’ll be craving more content after 30 hours of play. But, that’s also a sign of the game’s strength—I’ve logged almost 70 hours into this $20 beauty, and I’m still having fun trying to get those last few dastardly achievements.

    In a nutshell, the music, art and gameplay are top notch. The story is simple, but charming, and definitely leaves you wanting more. Another mixed blessing is the challenge—the game is unforgivably difficult at first, so much so that it would be easy to toss it aside in frustration. However, with re-mapped controls and a little patience, mastery is more than possible.

    For new players, it’s also a bit jarring that not much is explained in terms of the game mechanics. You are not spoon fed much of anything—you’re thrown in, die plenty of times, and eventually figure things out on your own. This is annoying, but also lends a bit of charm and mystery to the experience. (Hint: items have synergies! Don’t be afraid to swap your skulls! Green doors = skulls, treasure doors = items, and normal doors = gold…all three are situationally important!)

    Skul feels like a passion project, and it works well in almost every way. It’s a super refreshing experience (especially if you’ve suffered through any *cough* Cybergarbage recently.) Don’t hesitate to pick it up.    … Expand
  7. LegitMan
    Feb 6, 2021
    8
    I love this game, I've enjoyed it a lot and I recommend it to every roguelike lover.
    But, it lacks.
    Other than the great skull variety that    I love this game, I've enjoyed it a lot and I recommend it to every roguelike lover.
    But, it lacks.
    Other than the great skull variety that makes this game has replayability. When you beat it a couple of times, you start seeing how repetitive the game is.
    There is not much to keep you coming because you see the same items, rooms, bosses and so every run other than some mini-bosses that have a good variety.
    Only the core gameplay and experimenting with the skulls' abilities will bring you back but the lack of the item pool will make you be able to reach any build you want almost every run because the way the game works is that you can almost see every item every game.
    I think they should develop it more, make it deeper, they also need to polish some sections.
    Another small gripe I had is that it's one of the only combat-based roguelikes where I encounter unavoidable damage in some incidents, where it doesn't matter how good you are but there are some attacks and some skulls with one dash that can't dodge some attacks.
    I think this game is hard but it's not unfair and a good player would be able to eventually beat every run.
    Give it a try because it's really fun but don't expect too much to keep you playing like other games in the genre.    … Expand
  8. aeinator
    Jan 27, 2021
    0
    Wow I really despise this game. Sure its cute and the art is good but i hate everything else about it. It basically doesn't improve onWow I really despise this game. Sure its cute and the art is good but i hate everything else about it. It basically doesn't improve on anything from its predecessor StarCraft 69 members of weed country, Very disappointed in the developers… Expand

See all 9 User Reviews

Awards & Rankings

6
#6 Best PC Game of 2021
8
#8 Most Discussed PC Game of 2021

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