Retro Replay Review

Gameplay

Skullmonkeys delivers a classic platforming experience that harks back to the golden era of 2D jump-and-run games. You guide Klaymen through a series of increasingly challenging levels, each filled with moving platforms, bottomless pits, and a horde of mischievous skullmonkeys. Unlike many modern titles, the controls are deliberately simple—run, jump, and stomp—yet the level design forces you to master timing and precision, offering a satisfying learning curve that keeps you coming back for “just one more try.”

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The game is divided into distinct biomes, each introducing unique environmental hazards and cleverly placed enemies that demand quick reflexes. From crumbling brick bridges to conveyor belt factories, every stage tests your platforming skills in new ways. The inclusion of hidden collectibles and secret paths adds a layer of replay value, encouraging players to explore every nook and cranny in search of bonus FMVs or extra lives.

Adding to the old-school flavor are the full–motion video (FMV) cutscenes between worlds, all rendered in the same claymation style as the gameplay. These brief interludes not only break up the action but also reward progress with charming story beats. Though they are non-interactive, they enrich the overall pacing and provide motivation to push onward toward Klogg’s “Evil Engine No. 9.”

Graphics

Visually, Skullmonkeys stands out as a true showcase of claymation artistry in video games. Every character, enemy, and environment is handcrafted from clay and then digitized, giving the world an organic, tactile feel you won’t find in traditional pixel or polygon-based titles. The textures and color palettes are vivid and varied, ensuring each level feels distinct and alive.

Animating clay figures frame by frame is a labor-intensive process, and Skullmonkeys wears that effort proudly. The skullmonkeys themselves wobble and stretch in amusing ways when they move or bounce off walls, lending each enemy encounter a whimsical charm. Backgrounds often contain subtle details—like shifting clouds or flickering lights—that hint at the painstaking work behind the scenes.

While the resolution and clarity may not match modern HD standards, the artistic consistency more than makes up for any technical limitations. FMVs blend seamlessly with in-game action, reinforcing the illusion that you’re playing inside a miniature clay diorama. This cohesive visual approach is a rare treat that helps Skullmonkeys maintain its unique identity decades after its initial release.

Story

At its core, Skullmonkeys crafts a playful narrative continuity from its predecessor, The Neverhood. You once again inhabit the role of Klaymen, now pitted against the nefarious Klogg, who aims to annihilate The Neverhood using a gargantuan contraption ominously dubbed “Evil Engine No. 9.” Although the premise is straightforward, the story unfolds through witty FMVs and quirky dialogue snippets, giving the game a lighthearted yet purposeful drive.

Enemies in Skullmonkeys are mostly that—skull-topped monkeys with limited intelligence, flinging themselves at Klaymen in random patterns. Their sheer number and unpredictable movements provide most of the narrative tension, as you sense Klogg’s looming threat with every new wave of foes. The occasional appearance of clay birds and other odd creatures hints at a broader ecosystem, though the focus remains squarely on the Klaymen vs. Klogg conflict.

Music plays a surprisingly pivotal role in the story’s emotional tone. Composed and lyrically infused by Terry Scott Taylor, the soundtrack balances upbeat platforming themes with slightly ominous undertones, mirroring Klaymen’s heroic journey. The songs featured in cutscenes add character to supporting cast and villains alike, enhancing the narrative stakes and making the world feel cohesive and memorable.

Overall Experience

Skullmonkeys is a love letter to retro platformers, offering tight controls, inventive level design, and a charming claymation aesthetic that few games have attempted before or since. The difficulty curve can be steep at times, especially in later worlds where the margin for error shrinks considerably. However, persistence and pattern recognition are rewarded, giving a genuine sense of accomplishment when you finally conquer a tough stage.

The FMVs interspersed between levels serve as both a reward and a narrative vehicle, breaking up intense platforming sequences with delightful storytelling moments. These cutscenes, along with the handcrafted visuals, create a cohesive identity that feels more like watching a stop-motion film you can interact with. It’s a novel approach that helps the game stand out in a crowded genre.

For potential buyers seeking a distinctive platforming experience, Skullmonkeys delivers on nearly every front. Its blend of challenging gameplay, unique claymation graphics, and quirky story elements make it a memorable title—even if its overall length is shorter than some contemporary offerings. Whether you’re a fan of old-school jump-and-runs or simply appreciate remarkable artistic endeavors, Skullmonkeys remains a one-of-a-kind adventure worth playing.

Retro Replay Score

7.8/10