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Story
Skullmonkeys is a platformer game released in 1998 for the Sony PlayStation, developed by The Neverhood, Inc. and published by Electronic Arts. It serves as the sequel to the lesser-known point-and-click adventure game, The Neverhood. The story of Skullmonkeys picks up where its predecessor left off, taking players on a fantastical journey filled with quirky characters and a whimsical, yet mysterious world.
The narrative focuses on Klaymen, the protagonist from The Neverhood, who finds himself on the planet Idznak after being summoned by the disembodied head of his nemesis, Klogg. Klogg, seeking revenge after his defeat, has taken control of the Skullmonkeys, a primitive race of claymation creatures. He plans to use them to build an evil machine that will ensure his dominance over Idznak.
Klaymen must navigate through a series of bizarre and treacherous environments, defeat Klogg’s minions, and ultimately thwart Klogg’s sinister plans. The story is infused with humor and creativity, which is a hallmark of the game’s developers. The narrative is further enriched by the use of cutscenes and in-game interactions that showcase The Neverhood team’s unique brand of storytelling.
Gameplay
Skullmonkeys is a traditional 2D platformer with a focus on exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The game is divided into several levels across multiple worlds, each with its distinct theme and set of challenges. Players control Klaymen, guiding him through these levels while avoiding obstacles, defeating enemies, and collecting power-ups.
The controls are straightforward and intuitive, allowing players to jump, run, and attack enemies with ease. Klaymen’s primary method of attack is jumping on enemies, a mechanic reminiscent of classic platformers like Super Mario Bros. In addition to standard attacks, players can collect items such as the ‘Halo’ power-up, which grants temporary invincibility, and the ‘Universe Enema,’ a screen-clearing attack that eliminates all enemies.
The game poses a fair degree of challenge, with intricately designed levels that require precise timing and strategic thinking. Players must navigate moving platforms, avoid traps, and solve puzzles to progress. The difficulty curve is well-balanced, gradually increasing as players advance through the game.
Graphics and Sound
One of the standout features of Skullmonkeys is its distinct visual style. The game employs stop-motion clay animation, a technique rarely used in video games, to create its characters and environments. This artistic choice gives Skullmonkeys a unique and memorable appearance, setting it apart from other platformers of its time.
The claymation style is meticulously crafted, with attention to detail evident in every frame. Each character and environment is richly textured, bringing the world of Idznak to life. The animations are smooth and fluid, adding to the game’s charm and appeal.
Complementing the visual experience is the game’s soundtrack, composed by Terry Scott Taylor. The music is an eclectic mix that matches the game’s quirky and whimsical tone. From upbeat tunes to more atmospheric tracks, the soundtrack enhances the overall experience and immerses players in the world of Skullmonkeys.
Sound effects are equally well-executed, with distinct audio cues for actions such as jumping, collecting items, and defeating enemies. The voice acting, although limited, adds a layer of personality to the characters, particularly in the humorous cutscenes.
Legacy and Reception
Upon its release, Skullmonkeys received generally positive reviews from critics and players alike. Praise was directed at its innovative visual style, engaging gameplay, and humorous storytelling. The game’s unique approach to animation and its creative world-building resonated with fans of The Neverhood and newcomers to the series.
However, Skullmonkeys also faced criticism for its high difficulty level and lack of a save feature within levels, which some players found frustrating. Despite these minor drawbacks, the game garnered a cult following, with many appreciating its artistic ambition and distinctiveness in a crowded platformer market.
Skullmonkeys’ legacy is one of creativity and innovation. It stands as a testament to the potential of video games as an artistic medium, showcasing how unique visual styles and storytelling can create memorable experiences. The game’s influence can be seen in subsequent titles that experiment with unconventional art styles and narrative techniques.
Conclusion
Skullmonkeys remains a beloved entry in the platformer genre, celebrated for its inventive use of clay animation and its whimsical storytelling. The game’s blend of challenging gameplay, captivating visuals, and distinctive sound design has left a lasting impact on those who experienced it. While it may not have achieved mainstream success, its cult status endures, with fans continuing to appreciate its artistry and charm.
In summary, Skullmonkeys is a unique and engaging platformer that showcases the creativity and talent of its developers. Its legacy as a game that pushed the boundaries of visual storytelling in the medium makes it a noteworthy title in the history of video games. Whether you’re a fan of platformers or simply in search of a game with a distinct artistic flair, Skullmonkeys offers an adventure worth experiencing.
