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Skullgirls

A sharp, snazzy and accessible fighting game, held back by the unnecessary sexualisation of its antagonists.
Skullgirls Game Cover
89%Game Brain Score
gameplay, story
stability, grinding
95% User Score Based on 10,615 reviews
Critic Score 78%Based on 5 reviews

Platforms

Playstation 3Xbox 360AndroidXboxiPhoneWindowsPlayStationLinuxXbox Series X|SPCTabletMac OSPhoneXbox OneiPadMobile Platform
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Skullgirls Game Cover

About

Skullgirls is a single player and multiplayer arcade fighting game with horror, comedy and science fiction themes. It was developed by Hidden Variable Studios and was released on April 4, 2012. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

Skullgirls is a 2-D horror fighting game with beautiful graphics, a dense atmosphere, and a phenomenal soundtrack. Its comprehensive single-player and multi-player modes, intriguing story, and accessible yet challenging gameplay make it a must-play for fighting game fans. With heavy emphasis on combos and a whimsical art style, Skullgirls offers a unique and highly replayable experience.

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95%
Audience ScoreBased on 10,615 reviews
gameplay590 positive mentions
stability12 negative mentions
  • gameplay
    1,334 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Skullgirls features a unique and engaging gameplay experience that combines fast-paced, combo-heavy mechanics reminiscent of the Marvel vs. Capcom series with a high skill ceiling, making it both accessible for newcomers and rewarding for veterans. The game includes an extensive tutorial system that effectively teaches players the fundamentals and advanced techniques, while its diverse cast of characters offers distinct playstyles and mechanics. Despite its steep learning curve and a smaller player base, the fluid animations and well-balanced gameplay contribute to its reputation as a standout title in the fighting game genre.

    • “The gameplay is very fun and satisfying to master, and I've had loads of fun playing against my friends.”
    • “Skullgirls is a stylish, mechanically deep and complex fighting game.”
    • “The gameplay is smooth, well-done, and addictively fun.”
    • “The gameplay itself is really something special, having 6 attack buttons for every character all with their own supers and combos (though a lot of those combos will take place in air).”
    • “The actual gameplay is alright, but not great.”
    • “I want to like this game so badly, but I can't if I find the gameplay so frustrating.”
  • story
    1,226 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Skullgirls" is generally well-received, with each character having a unique narrative that intertwines with others, providing depth and emotional engagement. While the individual story modes are often short and can feel disjointed, they are complemented by strong character designs and voice acting, especially in the "2nd Encore" DLC. Overall, the game offers a charming blend of humor and darker themes, making it a notable entry in the fighting game genre despite some critiques regarding the brevity and coherence of the storylines.

    • “Every character has a unique playstyle and story.”
    • “Good fighting mechanics and the story of each character is interesting. I wasn't expecting a lot from this game, but what a surprise I got with it. Happy with this purchase! :)”
    • “The story is captivating, if enigmatic, and the combat is reliable and entertaining.”
    • “The single player story mode isn't anything special, cinematics are low production value and the lore is very poorly explained in-game.”
    • “The story mode is short and sweet and the fighting is great (even though it may take a bit to get used to.) buy it while it's still on sale!”
    • “The story mode actually has a halfway decent story for a fighting game, and the final boss Marie is hard without being an outright cheating bastard.”
  • graphics
    1,049 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of "Skullgirls" are widely praised for their stunning hand-drawn visuals and fluid animations, which create a unique and vibrant aesthetic reminiscent of classic cartoons and art deco styles. Reviewers highlight the creativity and detail in character designs, as well as the overall artistic direction that enhances the gameplay experience. While some may find the art style polarizing due to its sexualized elements, the majority appreciate the game's visual appeal and the effort put into its artistic presentation.

    • “The game's visuals and animations are stunning, and the character designs are creative and memorable.”
    • “The hand-drawn art style is extremely well done and just makes me cry.”
    • “The art style is beautiful, the music is incredible, and the gameplay is extremely fast-paced.”
    • “The art style is gruesome and gross.”
    • “The gameplay, music, and graphics feel like they have been made for three different games, totally unrelated, then just thrown together.”
    • “The art style is not nice.”
  • music
    862 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in "Skullgirls" is widely praised for its exceptional quality, featuring a catchy and jazzy soundtrack composed by Michiru Yamane, known for her work on the Castlevania series. Reviewers highlight the music's ability to enhance the game's atmosphere, with many tracks being memorable and fitting perfectly with the game's unique art style and character designs. Overall, the soundtrack is considered one of the standout features of the game, contributing significantly to its charm and appeal.

    • “The soundtrack is also top-notch, with a mix of catchy and memorable tunes that complement the action on screen.”
    • “The music perfectly complements the beautiful stages which are full of character and personality, along with some special guests you might recognize from other games.”
    • “The soundtrack is filled with fitting tunes of various types.”
    • “I can't even use the dazed announcer because one of his losing voice lines is 'oh, I guess that's it then' and I don't want to think of the over-the-horizon ringtone when I'm playing a game where you're an average school girl fighting a ninja nurse with some goofy ice cream music playing in the background.”
    • “The gameplay, music, and graphics feel like they have been made for three different games, totally unrelated, then just thrown together.”
    • “One thing I do find very annoying is the music in the main menu; it is super repetitive.”
  • character development
    212 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Character development in the game is highly praised for its unique and creative character designs, which are complemented by stunning hand-drawn animations and a captivating art style. Each character possesses a distinct personality and backstory, contributing to a rich world-building experience, although some designs lean towards sexualization, which may not appeal to all players. Overall, the character designs are considered iconic and memorable, enhancing the gameplay experience and making the game stand out in the fighting genre.

    • “The art, character designs, and animations are fantastic, and each character has a captivating personality and story.”
    • “The character designs are phenomenal, and it feels so good to play and land combos.”
    • “The character design, from their look to their moves, is outstanding, and more fighting games should put as much effort into their characters as was clearly put into Skullgirls.”
    • “The character designs are uninspired save for maybe one or two and the whole game is littered with excessive unapologetic amounts of cheesecake, much of it of underage girls.”
    • “I have to admit the character designs of the all-female cast dance a little close to the line of what I'd consider fanservice which might make it look like it isn't much more than that, but the depth of its mechanics immediately overcome this impression.”
    • “My only gripes with this game are pervy character design and character DLC, which is expensive to boot.”
  • humor
    161 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is widely praised, with players highlighting its clever writing, quirky character designs, and hilarious animations. Many reviews mention the game's ability to blend dark humor with lighthearted moments, making it both entertaining and engaging. The unique characters, funny dialogue, and pop culture references contribute to a charming and comedic experience that resonates well with players.

    • “This game is the best, every time I play the game the announcer makes me crack up; it is hilarious.”
    • “The humor is probably the best I've seen in a fighting game.”
    • “With a brilliant and awesome art style, diverse and well-designed characters—some of whom are hilarious—and a mostly fair combo system, you should not overlook this little gem.”
  • replayability
    32 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game boasts high replayability, particularly in multiplayer modes, with players enjoying the diverse maps, engaging mechanics, and the potential for creative play. While the single-player experience may feel shorter and some content is locked behind DLC, the overall enjoyment and variety in gameplay keep players returning for more. Many users report spending hundreds of hours in the game, highlighting its strong multiplayer appeal and the fun of exploring different character campaigns.

    • “Great fighting game, highly replayable in the sense that I keep coming back every now and then because it just gets me in the mood.”
    • “There is so much replay value in this game, I love it and would recommend it (and have) to any and all of my friends.”
    • “The story mode doesn't really have much replayability, and my other complaint is that most of the content, like extra characters and costumes, are blocked behind the 2nd Encore DLC which is $14.99, which is kind of crazy for a DLC.”
    • “Once you're done with that, the randomized arcade ladder, multiplayer, and practice modes should provide you with all the hours of replayability you could ever want.”
    • “I was expecting there to be more playable characters.”
  • emotional
    27 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highly praised, with many players expressing that it evokes strong feelings ranging from nostalgia to heartbreak. The in-depth character stories and engaging lore create a heartfelt experience, often leading players to tears, while the blend of humor and poignant themes adds depth to the narrative. Despite some critiques about the pacing of the storytelling, the overall sentiment is that the game successfully connects players emotionally through its charming world and character arcs.

    • “All the characters are unique, and the storyline for each of them is very in-depth, with lots of lore that ranges from funny to touching.”
    • “Her story mode was an emotional roller-coaster, oscillating between hilarious scenes that had me laughing out loud and moments that had me almost crying.”
    • “You feel their struggle and emotional journey, as well as every hit you take and dish out.”
  • optimization
    22 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Skullgirls is highly praised for its exceptional optimization, allowing it to run smoothly on a wide range of hardware, including low-tier systems. Players report no significant performance issues, even during online play, and appreciate the game's responsive controls and well-designed mechanics. Overall, it delivers a visually stunning experience with minimal lag and excellent netcode, making it accessible and enjoyable for both casual and hardcore gamers.

    • “This game is very beautiful, amazingly optimized, and super fun!”
    • “Runs perfectly on even older computers with no frame drops or other performance issues.”
    • “This game is well optimized, has one of the best netcodes for fighting games, amazing art and character designs, and a decent story.”
    • “PC performance: low-tier to mid-tier.”
    • “Though, expect stuttering, especially if your opponent is on WiFi.”
    • “Not extremely demanding; optimized very well for AMD & Intel systems.”
  • atmosphere
    21 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its unique blend of vibrant art style, smooth animations, and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience. Reviewers highlight the game's 1920-30s mob film aesthetic, complemented by a jazzy, funky musical score that sets an inviting yet action-packed tone. The attention to detail in the stages and character designs contributes to a rich, immersive environment that players find both enjoyable and engaging.

    • “This game earns full marks in the atmosphere/aesthetic category.”
    • “Aesthetically it's superb, almost steampunk but not quite with a very well constructed atmosphere, the music is absolutely dope & any company that pushes jazz, funk, rhythm & blues upon a customer is also dope af.”
    • “The setting could not be more up my alley with the 1920-30s-esque mob film atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere is inviting and flashy, the music is snazzy and classy, and the animations are as smooth and beautiful as the characters.”
    • “The soundtrack does its job of setting the atmosphere in both fights and story segments.”
  • stability
    19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Overall, the game's stability is a mixed bag; while many players report it runs smoothly on low-end machines with minimal bugs, there are notable issues such as glitches during pausing, tutorial bugs, and online play instability. Some users have experienced frustrating freezes during cutscenes and inconsistent difficulty settings, indicating that while the developers are actively addressing bugs, the game still feels unpolished in certain areas.

    • “Great game, amazing frame by frame animations runs great even on a low-end machine!”
    • “My Zotac CI320 runs this game smoothly -- that's a super cheap Celeron box I use to run XBMC and occasionally stream games, but this game runs great on that tiny machine.”
    • “The game also runs great, there's no drops in framerate anywhere to be seen and it looks amazing.”
    • “Can be kinda buggy.”
    • “It's great except for the fact that when I pause the game and unpause it, it glitches out and none of the variable files unpause, so time and health stay constant.”
    • “Just a word of advice: still a little glitchy, sometimes the game freezes on my cutscenes (this is very frustrating after beating a boss), causing the game to have to be manually exited out of.”
  • grinding
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game both rewarding and extensive, with some spending 60-100 hours honing their skills and mastering various challenges. While the grind can be tedious, especially for newcomers facing seasoned players, many appreciate the depth and learning opportunities it offers. Overall, the game balances grind with enjoyment, making it a worthwhile investment for dedicated players.

    • “The grinding aspect of the game can be quite extensive, requiring 60 to 100 hours to fully experience everything it has to offer.”
    • “While the grind can be time-consuming, it adds a rewarding layer to the gameplay that keeps you engaged.”
    • “I appreciate how the grinding mechanics encourage exploration and mastery of the game, making every hour spent feel worthwhile.”
    • “☐ grindy (60 - 100 hours)”
    • “And if you are brand new, know that people have been grinding for like 3 years at this point, so you probably won't even be able to hit them, and they will reset you 100 times until you die.”
    • “Then you start grinding arcade on nightmare with the character(s) of your choice, smashing your head against the stainless steel wall that is Red Marie.”
  • monetization
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The monetization model of the game includes in-game purchases that restrict access to the full character roster, which some players may find frustrating, though others are willing to overlook it. While the mobile version features numerous microtransactions, the overall experience is still recommended despite these monetization strategies. Additionally, players are advised to avoid in-game ads.

    • “I decided I wanted to invest in buying the game after trying the mobile version (a lot of microtransactions in that one, but free-to-play). While getting the game on special, I booted it up.”
    • “It does suck that the full character roster is blocked by an in-game purchase, but that's fine by me.”
    • “Although some may have a problem with in-game purchases, I'd still recommend it either way.”
    • “In-game ads do not buy.”
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78%Critics’ scoreBased on 5 critic reviews
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30h Median play time
225h Average play time
8-120h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 22 analyzed playthroughs
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Frequently Asked Questions

Skullgirls is a arcade fighting game with horror, comedy and science fiction themes.

Skullgirls is available on iPhone, Windows, Xbox Series X|S, PC and others.

On average players spend around 225 hours playing Skullgirls.

Skullgirls was released on April 4, 2012.

Skullgirls was developed by Hidden Variable Studios.

Skullgirls has received mostly positive reviews from players and mostly positive reviews from critics. Most players liked this game for its gameplay but disliked it for its stability.

Skullgirls is a single player game with multiplayer support.

Similar games include Skullgirls 2nd Encore, DRAGON BALL FighterZ, Them's Fightin' Herds, GUILTY GEAR Xrd REV 2, BlazBlue Centralfiction and others.