Platform: Pc, PS4, Ps5, Xbox One, Xbox X/S

Developer: Mad Head Games

Are they friends or foes? That's for you to uncover in this enigmatic, narrative-driven world of extraterrestrial beings.

What Does Scars Above Entail?

Experience a thrilling third-person action-adventure shooter game set in a challenging world. Solve puzzles, overcome obstacles, and uncover the captivating story behind this mysterious alien universe.

In Earth's orbit, a massive extraterrestrial structure emerges and is dubbed "the metahedron" by humanity. To investigate this phenomenon, the Sentient Contact Assessment and Response Team (SCAR) - made up of scientists and engineers - is dispatched to investigate.

Despite appearances, things are not always what they seem. The Metahedron has transported the team to an enigmatic exoplanet, and you take on the role of Dr Kate Ward, the female lead. Upon awakening in this unfamiliar world, Kate finds herself disoriented and isolated. Despite the harsh conditions, she is determined to persevere and locate her missing crew while unravelling the secrets of their predicament.

What is Gameplay Like?

When beginning the game, you can select from three difficulty levels: Rookie, Specialist, and Commander. I typically opt for the easiest mode to fully appreciate the storyline. However, it's worth noting that the game can be pretty challenging, even in the Rookie setting. I must confess that I died frequently. Keep this in mind when selecting your level.

Unlike other shooter games, the developers have taken a unique approach by providing a detailed gun-making process, lending a sense of authenticity to the game. A helpful tutorial will walk you through building and utilizing an electric gun as you embark aboard the ship. Once you finish constructing the weapon, you can join the rest of the crew at the front of the ship. A cut-scene will follow, marking the beginning of your story, where you wake on the alien planet.

Since Kate is a scientist, you can utilize her scientific expertise to extract valuable information from your surroundings. You can scan artefacts, materials, and creatures to learn about their weaknesses and find ways to improve your equipment. Exploit your enemy's weaknesses and discover effective tactics to kill them. Which in turn helps you to unlock new combinations for your weapon.

The combat mechanics are pretty simple - you can evade enemy attacks (which can sometimes be tricky) and switch between weapon combinations strategically. I appreciate the choice made by the developers to keep it straightforward, as Kate is a scientist rather than a soldier, which means her approach to fighting would be more cerebral than physical. This aligns well with her character and makes for a cohesive experience.

I noticed a unique mechanic in the game: opening the chest required unlocking each clip bit individually before accessing its contents. The developers' attention to detail and realism was an impressive and refreshing experience.

In addition to creatures, alien plants and other scattered objects on this planet can also provide valuable resources you can use as ammo for your weapons. Gain knowledge by finding purple cubes within the alien world that help you acquire new skills for your skill tree.

In terms of graphics, I have mixed feelings. While some aspects look aesthetically pleasing, their realistic approach falls short regarding the movement of the characters' mouths during speaking. Additionally, Kate's neck appears unnaturally wrinkled. This detail bothered me slightly.

Pros and Cons 

Starting with Pros:

• A unique take on a lot of in-game mechanics.
• Female Protagonist (It's not as common to come across, and as a female gamer, it's nice to see.)
• The tutorial is easy to follow.
• Gripping storyline.
• UI is easy to navigate.
• Devs have considered that she is a Dr, not a soldier, so combat blends well with her character.
• Tactful using your weapons to defeat enemies.
• Some puzzles to do.

Now For the Cons:

• The facial movements of the characters looked off.
• Very challenging even for rookie mode (Not a con for some people, but it is for me.)
• No replayability.
• Jumpscares (It can be a pro for some, but I'm a wimp.)
• Invisible walls for exploration.
• Kill, boss fight, repeat. Very repetitive. 
• Extremely pricey at £34.99 for a short story.

My overall Opinion

I have mixed feelings about this game. While certain elements, like the unique gameplay mechanics and engaging storyline, caught my attention, there are several aspects where I feel it falls short. The major drawback for me is the repetitive nature of the game, which quickly becomes tedious. I prefer games that offer a variety of challenges rather than just mindlessly killing enemies. Although a few puzzles added some diversity, they weren't quite enough. 

Regarding the graphics, some parts were visually stunning, but others were disappointing. The characters, in particular, didn't blend well with the surroundings and appeared clumsy, making cut scenes awkward to watch.

Regarding the cost of this game, it is remarkably high and not worth the investment. I would strongly recommend it if it were priced at around £10. However, the current cost does not match the value of the game. It seems it is being marketed as an AAA game, which it is not.

Therefore I give it my stamp of...

 Conflicted