Resurrecting the Glory of Classic Zombies with a Celtic Twist
A ground-breaking endeavor into the zombie survival genre, Sker Ritual stands out with its detailed narrative, intense gameplay, and a loving homage to its predecessors.
last updated Apr 24, 2024
Sker Ritual is a commendable endeavor that rekindles the love for zombie survival games with a folklore-inspired twist and intense mechanics.
Zombies Reimagined: Gameplay That Grabs You
Jumping into Sker Ritual feels like meeting an old friend with a new face. The game brilliantly captures the essence of round-based zombie survival with an intense, fresh spin. Facing relentless waves of 'Quiet Ones', you're not just shooting your way through hoards; you're strategizing, upgrading steampunk weapons, and collecting Celtic God powers to stand a fighting chance. While it does lend a leaf from Call of Duty's Zombies, it throws in high-octane objectives and a tension-packed atmosphere that keeps the gameplay engaging. However, the road to maxing out a gun feels like a marathon in shoes made of lead, suggesting the point system could use a tweak.
A Soundtrack for Survival
Audio design in Sker Ritual deserves a round of applause. It artfully nails the eerie, unsettled atmosphere required for a horror survival, subsequently elevating the sense of urgency with each round. The sound effects from the steampunk weaponry to the chilling screeches of the Quiet Ones are on point, making every encounter feel like a fight for survival. However, the sound mixing struggles at times, with footsteps occasionally sounding more like a cavalry charge, which can pull you right out of the immersion.
A Visual Feast with Performance Hitches
Graphically, Sker Ritual is a stunner, with environments that breathe life into its folklore-inspired world. The attention to detail in level design and the eerie ambiance it crafts is commendable. However, it's not all smooth sailing; players have reported performance issues from stutters to frame drops amidst the chaos of higher waves. These technical hiccups can hinder the experience, especially during the game's most intense moments. It seems the game's ambition at times outpaces its optimization.
An Indie Gem with Room to Grow
Sker Ritual shows what a small, dedicated team can achieve with a clear vision and passion. The game's unique blend of mechanics, its nod to classic zombie survival games, and the incorporation of folklore elements give it a distinct identity. Despite its flaws, such as the occasionally clunky multiplayer and a few bugs, the developers' commitment to improving the game shines through with each update. It sets a solid foundation that, with a bit more polishing and bug squashing, could become a cult favorite.
STEAM RATING
Developer & Publisher
Wales Interactive
Release Date
April 18, 2024
The Verdict
Sker Ritual is a commendable endeavor that successfully reignites the once-thriving genre of zombie survival games with its unique, folklore-inspired twists and intense game mechanics. While it leans heavy on the nostalgia of past giants, it stands on its own two feet with innovative gameplay and narrative depth not often seen in indie titles. The game might have its rough edges, mainly in performance and a steep learning curve, but these do not detract from the overall thrilling experience. With its current trajectory, Sker Ritual is poised to carve out its niche in the hearts of both old-school survival horror fans and newcomers alike.