Skaramazuzu [Review]
Iphigames’ new adventure game is a short, surreal story with a dark edge.
Credit: Iphigames
In Iphigames Skaramazuzu, you must help the titular character—who prefers to go by Zuzu—learn the meaning of their existence after they wake up in the land of shadows, a limbo between life and death. Zuzu doesn’t remember anything and is desperate regain their memories. On your journey, you’ll meet the other denizens of this strange world.
Skaramazuzu is a 2D adventure game with traditionally animated characters. The game is in a striking black and white style; the only color you’ll see is the red used to illustrate blood. The visuals are macabre in an almost Goreyesque way. The game’s small world is full of personality that also extends to its characters.
Credit: Iphigames
The game’s cast is made up of oddly-shaped, horned shadow creatures, each distinctly written and characterized. Four of them hold the Orb Keys that Zuzu must collect to unlock the mystery of his memories and demand favors from Zuzu in trade. You’ll spend the bulk of the game walking around this underworld, talking to characters and finding or using items to move the quests along. I was impressed with how much dialogue the characters have; you’ll get unique responses out of them for a long time if you keep chatting with them. Zuzu is also very chatty in an endearing way. He’ll talk to objects he uses or to himself frequently.
While there’s a lot of whimsy in the in how Zuzu interacts with others and the world around them, there’s an undercurrent of sadness and later darkness as they begin unlocking memories. The shadow lands are a dark place, after all, and everything comes at a price. I appreciated how the game’s various characters mesh into the game’s themes of family and life.
Credit: Iphigames
Skaramazuzu is short. I completed the game with most achievements in around two hours and would likely have done it more quickly if I’d payed closer attention to find some of the clues the game hides—sometimes in plain sight—for its puzzles. I’d recommend it if you’re looking for a short and not too frustrating adventure game to play in an afternoon.
Skaramazuzu is available now on Steam for PC.
Overall Score: 6/10
Played on: Steam Deck
