Skautfold: Usurper is a dark action RPG developed by Steve Gal and published by Pugware. Released on Steam in 2018, the game represents a significant evolution for the Skautfold series by shifting toward a more traditional Metroidvania structure while maintaining the franchise’s signature Lovecraftian tone and alternate-history setting. Combining exploration-heavy level design, challenging combat, and RPG progression systems, the game aims to deliver a gothic adventure that blends retro aesthetics with modern design sensibilities.
The narrative unfolds in an alternate version of late nineteenth-century London, where the stability of the Angelic Empire of Britannia is shattered by a mysterious celestial event. A massive alien structure known as the Citadel suddenly descends upon the city, bringing with it an unnatural fog and a wave of monstrous creatures that begin spreading chaos through the streets. The government quickly loses control of the situation as the Citadel’s presence distorts reality itself. In response to the crisis, the imperial forces attempt to investigate the structure, but the expedition proves disastrous. Into this catastrophic scenario enters the protagonist Saragat, a fallen knight resurrected by a mysterious necromancer and sent into the Citadel to uncover the truth behind the catastrophe.
The Citadel itself serves as the central environment of the game, functioning as a vast interconnected world rather than a series of isolated levels. Its interior contains a surprising variety of locations, from ruined city districts and arcane libraries to mechanical chambers and alien landscapes that feel completely detached from the London outside. As players explore deeper into the Citadel, the architecture becomes increasingly surreal, reinforcing the idea that the structure is not bound by normal physical laws. This shifting environment plays a crucial role in creating the game’s eerie atmosphere, making exploration both unsettling and fascinating.
The world design follows the familiar structure of Metroidvania games, where progress depends on acquiring new abilities that unlock previously inaccessible areas. Throughout the Citadel, players encounter sealed passages, unreachable platforms, and hidden corridors that initially seem impossible to access. As new relics and abilities are discovered, these obstacles can be overcome, opening shortcuts and entirely new sections of the map. This layered design encourages players to revisit earlier areas and search carefully for hidden paths and secret items.
Combat is built around the game’s distinctive Guard Point system, which adds an extra layer of strategy to encounters. Instead of taking damage directly from every enemy attack, Saragat possesses a guard meter that absorbs incoming damage first. As long as this guard meter remains intact, the player can withstand attacks without losing health. However, once the guard meter is depleted, the character becomes vulnerable to serious damage. Successfully dodging or timing defensive maneuvers can help restore guard points, turning combat into a careful balance between offense and defense.
The variety of weapons available further expands the combat system. Players can equip multiple weapon types, including swords, spears, firearms, bows, and magical abilities. Each weapon category offers a different rhythm of combat, allowing players to adapt their playstyle depending on the situation. Heavy weapons deliver powerful strikes but require careful timing, while ranged weapons allow safer attacks from a distance. This flexibility gives players the freedom to experiment with different strategies when facing the Citadel’s many enemies.
Character progression adds another layer to the experience. Enemies drop a resource called Vitae, which can be spent at specific checkpoints to increase the protagonist’s attributes. These attributes influence combat performance by improving aspects such as physical strength, dexterity, and magical abilities. Progression is deliberately measured, requiring players to collect special items before they can increase their level further. This system encourages exploration and rewards players who take the time to thoroughly investigate each area.
The Citadel is filled with numerous secrets that reward curiosity. Hidden rooms, optional bosses, rare equipment, and mysterious relics can all be discovered throughout the environment. Some of these discoveries unlock powerful upgrades, while others reveal pieces of the game’s deeper lore. This design makes exploration feel meaningful and helps create a sense of discovery as players slowly unravel the mysteries surrounding the Citadel and the forces behind its appearance.
Visually, the game uses a detailed pixel-art style that evokes the aesthetics of classic 2D action games while still maintaining a distinctive gothic identity. The environments are filled with dark corridors, ornate architecture, and grotesque creatures that reflect the influence of cosmic horror. As players descend deeper into the Citadel, the visual tone shifts from familiar urban environments to increasingly alien landscapes, reinforcing the narrative theme that the structure originates from somewhere far beyond human understanding.
The sound design plays a significant role in reinforcing the atmosphere. The soundtrack blends haunting ambient music with dramatic compositions that intensify during combat encounters and boss battles. Subtle environmental audio effects—such as echoing footsteps or distant mechanical noises—help create the sensation that the Citadel is a living structure filled with hidden dangers.
Boss battles represent some of the most memorable moments in the game. Each major encounter introduces unique mechanics and attack patterns that challenge the player’s mastery of the combat system. These battles often require careful observation and patience, rewarding players who learn enemy behavior and respond with precise timing.
Despite its many strengths, the game does have certain weaknesses. Some of the RPG progression systems feel slightly underdeveloped compared to other titles in the genre, and the impact of certain stat upgrades can feel minimal. Additionally, the difficulty curve can be harsh at times, particularly for players unfamiliar with the Guard Point mechanic. Navigation through the Citadel may also become confusing due to the complexity of the map and the lack of detailed guidance.
Even with these issues, Skautfold: Usurper remains an ambitious indie project that successfully combines several different gameplay styles into a cohesive experience. Its mixture of exploration, combat, and atmospheric storytelling creates a compelling adventure that stands out within the Metroidvania genre.
Ultimately, the game succeeds by offering a dark and immersive world filled with mystery and challenge. Players willing to master its combat system and explore its labyrinthine environments will discover a richly detailed adventure that expands the lore of the Skautfold universe in meaningful ways.
Rating: 7/10
