The training mode or tutorials teach you various elements of the game. These start from the common sense inputs, like how to move and jump, but quickly advance to countering grabs or blocking mix ups. The mode could be better, since it focuses on game mechanics over how to actually play as anyone and most of the missions focus on the same two characters. Additionally, doing them out of order might cause you unwanted stress. For instance, you learn two of Fillia’s specials in training mission 5, which are only mentioned by name 9 missions later. Since you can’t look at the command list, you will need to resolve this problem in some way.
Weak Selection of Characters
In a welcomed move, Skullgirls tries to make each character their own thing. If you’re not a huge fighting game fan, then this basically means each character is obviously different. This system works because more characters get used and you don’t see similar characters taking up space. However, for what Skullgirls is trying to do, 8 characters is simply not enough.
You see, you can select how you want to build your team. You can have one fighter as powerful as three, two strong fighters or three normal fighters. In arcade mode, the game uses three almost every time. Since you play five rounds before the boss, you should encounter every fighter twice. This also means you pretty much fight everyone in story mode and will see a lot of the same people online. It can get very old, very fast. There is DLC coming soon which adds Umbrella and Squigly, but pricing and release date are currently unknown.
VERDICT
Skullgirls is a fantastic fighter if you’re a huge fan of the genre. There is no doubt that any fan will fall for this title, but it’s just not for everyone else. Newcomers can figure out the game and some of the tools to help you are there, but it will be an uphill battle. This is a real shame considering this is the most quirky fighter I’ve played since ClayFighter 63 and a 3rd. In the end, I would strongly suggest seeing what gets patched in the future or waiting for a sale. Many of these issues can be resolved with a patch or DLC, but only time will tell.
[Editor’s Note: Skullgirls was reviewed on the PlayStation 3. The game was provided to us by the publisher for review purposes.]
Victorsimagination
April 12, 2012 at 8:00 AMI agree with this review. It is impossible for me to buy this game for $15 dollars with just 8 characters! I will wait for all of the dlc to come out before I make my purchase! :) But until then, I will play the demo! I even hope that they add more modes to the game too for free! :)
Sjcodan
April 14, 2012 at 9:34 PMEh, the review is pretty close, but you forget one thing: This game was made specifically to cater to fighting game fans, not new players
Grant Gaines (大将)
April 15, 2012 at 1:50 AM@ Sjcodan
I am well aware, but a review needs to be objective. Fighting game fans most likely won’t care what I say, so there is no point in writing my review directed at a single group. The average reader of this review will be more casual fighter fans, who might be interested in the art or design, so the accessibility matters. Furthermore, most popular fighting game series have adopted trials and training to help you get started. Since this one does not (+ is completely new), I have to note these things as they matter to the average reader.