Skul The Hero Slayer Review (Xbox Series S)

by Jim Smale · December 8, 2021

Guide ‘Skul’ on his quest to single-handedly take on the Imperial Army in our Skul The Hero Slayer Review and rescue his King from captivity, in an action-packed rogue-lite 2D platformer for the ages.

Skul The Hero Slayer Review Pros:

Beautiful pixel art graphics.
1.3GB download size.
1000 Gamerscore.
Action-adventure gameplay.
Initial and ongoing tutorials.
Roguelike mechanics.
When you die the enemies that killed you get stronger.
Castle – your hun where you can buy upgrades, etc and this is where you respawn upon death.
Cutesy animations.
Rookie mode – makes the game easier.
Graphics – light effects, screen shake, rumble, and overscan sliders.
Choose how the Ui shows – show all, hide Hud, and hide all.
Playtime counter – on/off.
You can see enemy health bars.
When you clear a screen you get loot and a load of practice dummies appears.
Items you wear will usually always have a buff attached to them.
Very accessible.
Hack and slash combat that feels meaty and satisfying.
Every run is unique.
When you have cleared a room you get random doors to select.
Shrines – break them and get a timed buff like increased attack speed or move faster.
Wear different masks/helmets to change not just your appearance but your attacks and abilities.
Shops can be found in your run where you spend your gold on health, item shop, and abilities.
Destructible environments.
Big boss battles.
Can have minions fight alongside you.
Break down unwanted loot into bones.
The minimap is in the corner.
Enemies and characters will talk and shout smack.
Full run breakdown upon death.
Traits can be upgraded with quartz that you earn and keep from each run.
Every run you will get a random item to equip.
Play how you want.

Skul The Hero Slayer Review Cons:

Not always clear that buying a particular item will change your stats or that you can’t change back.
Gets very reflexive and dexterity heavy in order to time and dodge attacks.
Difficult even in rookie mode.
Doesn’t open up until after the first boss.
Likes to make it feel like a speed run game.

Related Post: Little Bug Review (Xbox Series S)

Skul The Hero Slayer:

Official website.

Developer: NEOWIZ

Publisher: NEOWIZ

Store Links –

Xbox

9/10
Graphics - 9/10
9/10
Sound - 9/10
9/10
Accessibility - 9/10
9/10
Length - 9/10
9/10
Fun Factor - 9/10

9/10

Summary

Skul is an absolute unit of a roguelike. Skul boasts a very robust and unique approach to the genre. You collect helms/hats that not only give a buff but also change your appearance, stats and abilities. This alone makes it a thrilling experience because along with that random act, you have the level layouts and routes randomizing as well. The graphics are very Cutesy and the music is jolly but don’t let that fool you for Skul is a very tough very unforgiving roguelike. Yes, you can use rookie mode to have less damage dealt with you but to be honest you will still die a lot. Combat is very much a hack slash dodge affair but you can get magic and projectile weapons like bows but no matter what the dodge button will always be your friend and your enemy. I love how the world is split into rooms (screens) and clearing one will open the next doors and also give loot, its a game that is fun to play and does such a good job of dragging you into this world that honestly you forget its a roguelike. The platforming sections are pretty good, the boss battles are huge with them taking up the whole screen! Skul is a roguelike but even if you don’t particularly like the genre the core gameplay is strong enough that even nonfans can get something out of it. The game gets very detailed and very addictive so be warned.