Skautfold: Usurper

Skautfold: Usurper is the second installment of the Skautfold series originating from 2016. It is an action RPG metroidvania with horror elements and was developed by Pugware.

Plot

Skautfold: Usurper is set in a fantasy universe known from the series' first installment. Nevertheless, one doesn't need to be familiar with Skautfold: Shrouded in Sanity to understand the story of the sequel.

The game is set in alternate 1898 London, the capital of the fictional Angelic Empire of Britannia. The city was overtaken by mass hysteria caused by the appearance of the Citadel, a massive otherwordly structure which drives all those nearby into a frenzy. Four of Empress Eleanor's most loyal knights set out into the mysterious object, hoping to destroy it. They're opposed by Waltham, the leader of the Veimar, planning to use the Citadel for his own nefarious purposes.

Mechanics

Skautfold: Usurper is a side-scroller. The player must explore the Citadel, which consists of many diverse, interconnected locations. These include settlements, libraries and engine compartments. During our journey we'll face numerous enemies and powerful bosses.

Combat is dynamic, requiring constant movement, dodging attacks, blocking and countering. The player can wield many different melee weapons (swords, daggers, spears, axes, whips), ranged weapons (bows, pistols, rifles, cannons) and different kinds of magic. As part of the special "Guard" system, evading enemy blows gives us Guard points, which block oncoming damage; only when out of Guard points will we start losing health. We're also equipped with a shield, which can deflect enemy attacks.

As we progress further, we upgrade our hero and acquire better gear, facing gradually greater challenges. There are also many secrets to be found, as well as modifiers such as permadeath, playing on 1 HP or without the "Guard" system.

Technical aspects

Skautfold: Usurper retains the grim pixelated artstyle known from the first game.