Game: Scarf
Genre: Adventure, Platformer, Puzzle
System: Steam (Windows)
Developer|Publisher: Uprising Studio| HandyGames
Controller Support: Full
Price: UK £ TBC | US $ TBC | EU € TBC
Release Date: December 23th, 2021
Review code provided with many thanks to Dead Good Media
Zen-Like Experience
Sometimes you have those days where things don’t work out. You miss the train, it’s snowing, you get that angry email and your favourite dessert you were saving is now seriously missing from the fridge. For some, the solution to this is a nice game to whisk you away to a new land and turn that frown in a different direction. Scarf is a delightful 3D adventure that will give you the feels more than it will stress you out. But within all its adorable features is there a good game. Grab your favourite scarf and let’s venture into Scarf.
A Boy and His Scarf
Scarf is a tale of a small blue boy and the scarf he befriends…which also happens to be a dragon. You learn from your new clothing item that its mother has been horrifically torn apart by your fellow blue and green peers and her threads have been turned into portals to other worlds. So it’s up to the dynamic duo to head into the portals, find the scarf fragments from the folk within and make things right.
It’s a tale that’s filled with heart and the feels. You can even stop regularly in the game to give your dragon friend a reassuring cuddle. While the tale sounds tragic in the beginning it is suitable for all ages. There is no dialogue from the characters themselves; the game opts for the cute noises instead between characters. Sometimes you will find a portal that will show a cutscene fully voice acted by a narrator.
Explore and Puzzle
Scarf is probably best described as an exploration 3D platformer. There aren’t really any enemy threats in the game. Instead, the game focuses on platforming and puzzle elements. The game will often require you to search a wide-open environment for little scarf fragments to put into a monument to reveal the path ahead. From there you will perform some light puzzle-solving; like moving blocks, flipping switches, feeding animals and scaring some crows.
One of the features that particularly stood out was grabbing a watery orb that allows you to walk through water by creating an air vacuum around you. It was something quite different that I can’t say I have seen in a game before. As the game progresses you will unlock a few abilities for your scarf dragon; like the ability to double jump, swing off hoops and glide. The latter often gives you a fantastic view of the wide-open environments. Each time you use an ability your scarf will change form. The controls themselves are easy to pick up and use and the game regularly gives you prompts if you forget.
Wide Open Areas
The environments of Scarf are something to behold. Massive open areas full of vegetation, across a variety of environments from sandy deserts to leafy forests. Each area is filled with detail, from small little animals crawling around to paintings on the walls. I felt like I was exploring a lost city which I was happy becoming immersed in. Even with this large scale design to the areas, it’s unlikely you will get lost. The game does a good job of making it clear where your next goal is. But if you do decide to go off the beaten path you will discover various little secrets like toys to find and paintings to view in menus later.
To see the game’s alternative ending you will want to explore every nook and cranny searching for collectables and secrets. On top of all this, you have a pretty good soundtrack to boot. A mostly relaxed score to enjoy on your adventures into the unknown.
Length and Difficulty
Scarf’s length will vary depending on how lost you get in the exploration. In theory, you could probably finish the game in a few sittings (under 5 hours). The difficulty is generally quite light, making this game suitable for gamers of all skill levels. Even if you’re not a fan of platformers the game has frequent checkpoints if you do take a tumble. Quick reflexes are not needed to enjoy this. The game feels like a nice casual experience to enjoy at your own pace. Of course, if you’re looking for a bit more of a challenge or something faster paced this might not be for you.
Wrap Up Warm
Scarf is an enjoyable 3D puzzle platformer with a low difficulty but a very big heart. It’s ideal if you’re looking for a casual game to enjoy with minimal stress. A short experience that doesn’t outstay is welcome. The only mild niggle I had is some of the formulas to the puzzles became a touch familiar over time. Still, it’s a very cute game with a nice relaxing soundtrack (another one to add to the list on Steam). Whenever I put on my scarf while I’m out and about this winter it will be hard for me not to think there’s a hidden dragon spirit inside it.
Final Verdict: I Like It
