In the dark and twisted fairytale of “Ugly,” developed by Team Ugly and published by Graffiti Games, players embark on a haunting journey through the tormented recesses of a nobleman’s mind. The game’s premise revolves around an innovative mirror mechanic, allowing you to create a shadowy reflection of yourself to navigate a wicked, secret-laden realm. We played this hidden gem on a Xbox Series X console, but it’s also available for PC.
Ugly’s strength lies in its ability to seamlessly integrate platforming and puzzle-solving mechanics, showcasing the expertise of the relatively unknown Team Ugly in delivering a captivating gaming experience. The mirror mechanic, introduced early on, sets the stage for a series of intricate environmental puzzles. These puzzles, often tied to elements like stained paint or glass shards, challenge players to think creatively and strategically.
The use of visual and auditory cues adds depth to the puzzle-solving experience – while also enhancing the audiovisual presentation. Elements like paint and glass shards restrict the movement of your reflection, while sound effects, like the ticking clock, serve as rhythmic guides. The ability to reset a puzzle room, albeit with a disorienting visual twist, provides a useful tool for players seeking to refine their approach.
Despite the absence of traditional combat mechanics, the boss encounters in Ugly present engaging challenges. The Flower Room boss, for instance, demands quick reflexes and strategic mirror swaps, showcasing the game’s ingenuity in leveraging its core mechanics by applying them in creative ways to engaging scenarios.
Visually, Ugly strikes a delicate balance between cartoonish charm and a haunting atmosphere. The art style, complemented by detailed animations, breathes life into the desolate castle setting. The influence of classical art and insects on the visual style adds depth to the narrative, subtly weaving layers of meaning throughout the game.
The music, composed by Jan Fité, also complements the dark fairytale narrative. Dark orchestral pieces evoke emotional resonance, seamlessly blending with the gameplay experience. Fité’s skillful composition ensures the music never overpowers other elements of the game either, making for a standout audiovisual presentation.
One of Ugly’s standout features is its indirect storytelling approach. The narrative unfolds organically, revealing fragments of the protagonist’s past through interactive points during the campaign. The memories, depicted in a childlike art style, convey poignant moments, immersing players in the protagonist’s painful recollections from earlier years.
Ugly’s narrative and mechanical complexity is balanced with accessibility features, including options for Directional Aid and Color Blindness. This thoughtful inclusion reflects the developers’ consideration for player well-being, fostering an inclusive gaming experience that seems to fit the central narrative themes here. But while Ugly excels in many aspects, including its innovative mechanics and evocative narrative, it’s important to note that some players may find the themes of trauma and abuse potentially triggering.
In summary, Ugly is a remarkable puzzle platformer that marries engaging gameplay mechanics with an emotionally resonant narrative. Its simplicity in mechanics, combined with the indirect storytelling approach, make it accessible to both novice and experienced players. With its hauntingly beautiful visuals and captivating soundtrack, Ugly stands as a standout title in 2023’s game releases.
Score: 8.2/10
Press Play Media 