Ugly is a puzzle platformer from developer Group Ugly and writer Graffiti Video games. With the usage of a singular and advanced mirror mechanic that’s used to resolve its numerous ranges, Ugly presents its gamers with each a enjoyable gimmick and a posh approach to remedy issues that can require some ability to grasp.
This psychological fairy story tells the story of a nobleman uncovering the secrets and techniques and traumas of his previous whereas fixing numerous levels and taking over distinctive bosses. Gamers can use the aforementioned mirror mechanic to assist the nobleman face his issues each figuratively and actually as they progress by means of the sport, and one factor is evident proper from the beginning – this particular story is extra than simply the typical puzzle sport.
Stuffed With A Tragic Attraction
Though Ugly is, at its core, a puzzle platformer, it comprises plenty of finer particulars that elevate it. Stunning visuals coloration the sport, that are simplistic at first look as a result of they mirror extra of a traditional animation model. Nevertheless, there isn’t a lack of element regardless of this, even within the infantile crayon drawing reminiscence animations. Whereas touring by means of the assorted levels, gamers will confront the tragic reminiscence animations of the nobleman’s previous in a melancholy expertise that mirrors comparable feelings evoked by different darkish indie platformers like Everlasting Hope.
Ugly is particular and has appeal proper from the beginning that’s maintained superbly all through the whole sport. That appeal retains gamers each targeted on puzzles, however determined to understand how the story ends.
Accommodates Surprisingly Complicated Puzzles
In Ugly, there’s a mirror mechanic during which the nobleman creates a mirrored image of himself. The reflection could be utilized horizontally and vertically, and the reflection can move by means of objects and partitions that the true nobleman can’t. At that time, the nobleman can then change locations with the reflection to proceed progressing and recall the mirror.
Sadly, the reflection will solely transfer if the nobleman does, that means that if he reaches a useless finish, the reflection will transfer no additional both. Moreover, the mirror is static, that means the nobleman needs to be the place he desires to position it, and it is not going to transfer from that location except recalled and changed once more. This results in some tough strategizing to make it by means of the assorted levels, which get more and more tougher after every boss.
Even seasoned puzzle solvers are prone to discover themselves stumped on multiple event, since many options would require out-of-the-box considering and a transparent understanding of how the reflection strikes. Nevertheless, that shouldn’t scare away informal gamers both, as there are sometimes hidden hints among the many levels, resembling a really clear message hinting at the place to position the mirror, so these in want of slightly assist want solely look slightly more durable.
A Fully Distinctive Expertise
The best way that Ugly is designed is actually a number of grand ranges that happen in a palace. Every of those ranges is crammed with numerous levels through doorways in that room that the participant could full in any order. Every one will reward a key that may then be used to unlock every other door in the primary space, till all of them have been accomplished and the boss battle begins.
The nobleman doesn’t want to make sure he’s discovered some particular merchandise or accomplished some arbitrary activity earlier than making an attempt the stage; as an alternative, he merely enters the stage at random and all the things he must have and know is with him. All of the data required to resolve that puzzle is all the time beforehand recognized, so there’s a degree of aid in understanding that there isn’t a want to fret about trekking again and forth between levels trying to find solutions. When a puzzle stage is entered, it may be solved.
Ugly makes use of its boss fights effectively. Ugly’s boss fights are not at all a breeze, however they’re not extremely punishing both. They merely require that the nobleman has really realized methods to use his beforehand acquired ability rapidly and effectively to succeed. So long as he has carried out so, then the boss shouldn’t pose an excessive amount of of a menace, which makes for each a enjoyable and rewarding expertise.
Last Ideas and Ranking
Ugly is a hidden gem amongst indie video games. It options a phenomenal, melancholic narrative that can intrigue gamers as they unravel the nobleman’s hideous previous. The puzzles are each difficult and participating with out being too advanced for informal gamers to take pleasure in as they grasp the fascinating mirror mechanic of this world. Ugly is an fascinating, distinctive expertise that’s really useful for gamers of each form.
Supply: Graffiti Games/YouTube
Ugly was launched on September 14th, 2023, and is out there on PC, Xbox One, and Nintendo Swap. Display Rant was supplied with a Steam code for the aim of this overview.
