Monster High Skulltimate Secrets is the ideal game for your youngsters this Halloween. Though this isn’t a game for adults, it is perfectly balanced for children aged 7+. However, competent younger players may be able to tackle the latter mechanics with a little help. This spooky title focuses on short, sharp levels and a collectathon approach. As such, it can be enjoyed casually and there is plenty to see and do, even though it is repetitive.
This action platformer was developed by Petoons Studio and published by Outright Games. Moreover, it is a single-player title that concentrates on simple missions and ghoulish friendships. Sadly, the action is paper thin and the story depth is thinner still. Accordingly, if you are after an epic and fulfilling experience, you best look elsewhere. Yet, if you want something fun and filled with lighthearted dialogue, then this is the game for you.
Monster High Skulltimate Secrets tells a magical tale.
Today is your first day at Monster High. Luckily, all monsters are welcome and you are met by one of the Boo Crew. This mismatched bunch are sassy, amusing, and always up to mischief. Yet, it is their inquisitive ways that grab the attention of the headmistress. Strange things are happening at this wonderful school and you must collect the energy orbs to regain order. This is easier said than done as secret rooms and hidden keys must be found if you wish to complete your task.
The plot is a little fickle, but my girls enjoyed the storytelling and the larger-than-life characters. Additionally, the simple storyline is easy to follow and the main and side quests can be managed with your iCoffin. This cheeky Halloween-inspired phone allows you to check your goals, change clothes, and select available missions. As such, it is a handy tool that organises your life whilst progressing the story.
Platforming basics.
Monster High Skulltimate Secrets’ action revolves around collecting skull coins and special runes, vials, and emblems. On top of this, you will discover chests loaded with funky clothes. Though these have no bearing on the story, my girls loved each unique outfit. As you explore the overworld, you will find special hidden rooms. If you activate the portal, you may find a secret key to unlock new skills, or a platforming challenge to test your patience and ability.
No matter which test lies before you, the action follows the same route. You’ll explore each compact arena whilst overcoming obstacles, chasms, and other traps. On top of this, you may have to dash into Garbage Goblins or activate switches. During each of these sub-quests, you’ll look for 2 chests and a set amount of skull coins. At the end of the hidden room, you’ll discover the orb of energy. Once you collect this item, you are transported back to the overworld and the game continues.
This short quest structure was ideal. My girls were able to cope with the 4-5 minute objectives without becoming overwhelmed or bored. What’s more, the platforming elements did test them, but the difficulty and reward were nicely balanced. Consequently, though they struggled at times, they enjoyed the different objectives and the sense of achievement.
Monster High Skulltimate Secrets’ camera work is vomit-inducing.
I’m not going to be too critical of the graphics. I didn’t expect Monster High Skulltimate Secrets to be a masterpiece and therefore, I wasn’t surprised or disappointed. I enjoyed the cinematic and the vibrant colours were pleasant to look at. However, the scenery is a little repetitive and bland and the camera is vomit-inducing. The pace at which it moves around the protagonist is awful. Additionally, some frame rate problems were uncomfortable. This was a shame, as I’d have preferred a better-optimised experience.
The audio shines through! The varied soundtrack was upbeat and fun and I loved the acting. My girls enjoyed each personality and the cinematic was rarely skipped as a consequence. Alongside this, there were some well-conceived audio clues for each special collectable. This was a great design choice that helped my kids discover each magical item.
Excellent controls.
Though the camera was woeful, the controls were tight and easy to understand. Furthermore, the layout was straightforward and your children will not struggle when playing this game. Though Monster High Skulltimate Secrets isn’t an advanced platforming game, there were some challenging elements. Subsequently, had the controls been poor, this would have been terrible to play.
Replay value and longevity aren’t at the fore. Though there are plenty of collectables and side quests to complete, you soon blast through each task. Unfortunately, there is no way to track missing items and this was frustrating. I spent hours looking for elusive skull coins, only to discover them in a room I thought I had searched. The developer could have removed this issue by adding a tracker for each location.
Monster High Skulltimate Secrets will have a niche appeal.
This is a kid-friendly title and it should be played with that in mind. As such, I’m going to overlook the tedium and repetitive nature of the core gameplay. My kids adored running through the halls and searching for collectables. Moreover, the minor platforming elements tested them even though it looked pretty straightforward. On top of this, the inclusion of minor magical skills adds another slither of depth. Accordingly, this is the ideal game for youngsters who love the franchise and Halloween and I recommend buying it here! Can you bring order to Monster High? Create your monster, help the Boo Crew, and find every secret room.
