The latest trailer for sci-fi action-adventure shooter Scars Above channels Returnal in its presentation of its mysterious alien setting. The comparison to Returnal ends there, but it undeniably works for Scars Above in the same way it does for Returnal. That is, presenting a mysterious and alien setting for players to explore and learn about is a very attractive way to gain the attention of new players. Considering Scars Above is a new IP, it could use all the attention it can get.
Scars Above is being developed by Mad Head Games, a Serbian studio known for Cadenza, Nevertales, Rite of Passage, and Dark Realm. Mad Head Games was acquired in 2020 by Embracer Group, with subsidiary Prime Matter handling publishing for Scars Above. The acquisition and publisher support will allow Mad Head Games to create games of a scope it hasn't before, including bringing Scars Above not just to PC, but to PlayStation and Xbox platforms, too.
The latest trailer for Scars Above focuses on the sci-fi shooter's gameplay, a 3-minute pitch to persuade players to check out the game come its late-February launch. What stands out about the trailer upon first impression is its atmosphere. It channels Returnal's sci-fi strangeness in a particularly captivating way. Players are put on a mysterious world and are left to discover its history on their own. Unlike Returnal, Scars Above appears to be telling players everything they want to know if they play through the campaign.
Scars Above is a third-person shooter and an action-adventure game, and the trailer highlights what players can look forward to. Scars Above mixes cinematic action, exploration, and battles with challenging foes that will have to be battled with precision fire. Gameplay also includes scanning the environment and using that technology to create new tools and weapons that are critical to defeat stronger enemies.
What's mentioned by Mad Head Games but perhaps isn't captured by the trailer is that Scars Above is intended to be a very challenging experience. Mad Hat explains that it wanted players to enjoy the rewarding feeling of overcoming difficulty. Perhaps there's some Dark Souls influence in Scars Above, as well.
Those interested in Scars Above's new trailer won't have to wait long to check the game out. Scars Above is tentatively planned for release at the end of February and will be available across most major platforms. This could be Mad Head Games' biggest step into mainstream game releases.
Scars Above releases February 28 on PC, PS4, PS5, Xbox One, and Xbox Series X/S.
