Scarf
Release Date: December 23, 2021
Adventure, TPP, 3D platformers, arcade elements, indie games, singleplayer
OpenCritic
A 3D platform game, enriched with elements of adventure, in which we play as Hyke - a humanoid spirit which travels through three different lands. The protagonist uses the eponymous shapeshifting scarf to provide him with additional abilities while exploring locations and solving puzzles.
Scarf is a platform game with elements of adventure, which was developed by an independent Spanish team named Uprising Studios. The title was published by THQ Nordic.
Story
The main character of Scarf is Hyke, a humanoid spirit dressed in the titular scarf. Like other spirits, the protagonist sets out on a journey through a fantasy world in order to finally connect with it, becoming a part of nature.
Mechanics
In Scarf the action is shown from the third person perspective (TPP). Following Hyke, we travel through three different lands and face the challenges that await us there. The protagonist has to jump on platforms and overcome obstacles (which sometimes require the player to show good reflexes and a lot of dexterity), as well as solve environmental puzzles. In such situations, the shapeshifting scarf comes in handy and provides our hero with additional abilities, e.g. it can take the form of wings that will allow the spirit to make longer jumps or a glider that allows him to glide. It is worth noting that there is an optional ending that we can unlock; to see this alternative version of the finale of Hyke's adventure, the player needs to be very thorough when exploring the locations that he is visiting.
Technical issues
The three-dimensional graphics of Scarf are kept in a colorful, cartoony style. Interestingly, the story told in the game is conveyed without words, which eliminates a possible language barrier; in addition, the production has been designed to reach audiences of all ages.
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Last updated on March 22, 2019
Videos and Screens
[1:13] Scarf console launch trailer
[0:35] Scarf console trailer #1
GameGrin: 3 / 10 by Artura Dawn
SCARF is a singer without a voice and a dancer without legs. There were tons of things that could have been great within it, but none of them were capitalised on, and it felt like there weren't enough resources spent on where it mattered.
PC Invasion: 8 / 10 by Andrew Farrell
Short but sweet, Scarf is an intriguing, enjoyable little game for most of its runtime.
GameByte: 8 / 10 by Olly Smith
Is Scarf a good game then? It’s certainly not terrible. I’d suggest it might even get lost in the shuffle that is the end-of-year period, which it doesn’t deserve. The game has a great foundation for puzzle design blended with platforming and exploration. Otherwise, the shortcomings with the game’s story aren’t intrusive enough for it to be a massive problem. It’s a solid little thing to spend a couple of evenings with.
Scarf Summary
Platforms:
PC / Windows December 23, 2021
PlayStation 5 July 6, 2023
Xbox Series X/S July 6, 2023
PlayStation 4 July 6, 2023
Xbox One July 6, 2023
Developer: Uprising Studios
Publisher: HandyGames
Age restrictions: none
Scarf System Requirements
PC / Windows
Minimum: Intel Core i5 / AMD FX-6300 3.5 GHz, 6 GB RAM, graphic card 2 GB GeForce GTX 760 / Radeon R9 270X or better, 12 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit
Recommended: Intel Core i7 / AMD Ryzen 7, 8 GB RAM, graphic card 4 GB GeForce GTX 970 / Radeon R9 290X or better, 12 GB HDD, Windows 10 64-bit