Scaler: The Shape Shifting Chameleon

For the past few weeks, there has been tons of new games that have been unleashed upon the gaming world. It seems like the majority of these games have been platforming games. Even though this seems to be the case, the latest game by Global Star Software, is a solid entry into the fold, and even gets more points for being a budget friendly title. Read on to find out more about this quirky platforming game.

In a freak accident the brilliant scientist Leon accidentally creates a device that allows portals to open that connects planets together, and transport to them at any given time. This device transports him into a bizarre dimension where he meets the evil Looger. Looger and his organization steal this technology from Leon and modified it to suit their own malicious purposes. They finally perfect the technology and break into our world, but before they can complete their plan they are found out by Bobby Jenkins. They tie him up and question him, when all of a sudden the device goes haywire and a bolt of light hits him. At that moment he transforms and becomes Scaler the lizard then transported to an alternate dimension. The question remains can you take down the evil Looger and restore the universe back to normal?

Shocking isn't it?

Players take on the role of the young Bobby “Scaler” Jenkins, who is a twelve year old kid who loves to skateboard and loves everything about lizards. After his transformation he will have a few abilities. First he will be able to climb up walls due to his sharp claws. He will be able to camouflage himself and sneak by many different enemies. Then he will ride down a vine, and it is here where players charge up their electric bomb attack. The tongue attack is really quick, and destroys smaller enemies and stuns larger ones. Since Scaler has sharp claws it makes sense to use them to take out many different enemies in a flash. One of his best attacks, and my favorite, is the elective bomb attack as it takes out many enemies things in its radius.

In addition to Scalers razor sharp claws and tongue, players will have the ability to transform into several of the enemies that he encounters, and even use their same abilities. First one you will be able to transform into is the Bakudan, which gives you the abilities to use bombs and open up different barriers with those bombs. When you turn into Krock you will be able to doing a rolling spin attack and knock though barriers. Doozum allows you to fly around the maps and use its powerful sonar attack. These are just a few of the different enemies he will be able to turn into, and each opens up new parts of the levels, and makes the game more enjoyable.

Gotta love the ability to throw bombs.

Just like any platforming game that you have ever played the objectives that the players will have to do will remain the same. To get through each level players will have to collect a certain amount of lizard eggs. Scaler's currently in the form of Klokkies and Crystal Gems, and when players collect enough they will be able to purchase such upgrades as more health, strong claws, and even more energy attacks.

The graphics for this game look pretty well. Each of the fifteen different locations that you will visit looks different from each other. The easiest way to put this is that it looks very similar to a cartoon. All of the backgrounds are detailed with bright and “loud” colors that stand out. The animation for the characters is really well done, and looks very nice, especially the transformations scenes. You can transform from one form to another in a matter of seconds, and it never disrupts the gameplay. The particle effects are nicely done, and provide some extra flare to this game.

Just sliding around a vine.

For a budget title game, I really have to applaud the camera and framerate for it. The camera for many games of this nature can kill the game dead in its tracks. Since you are always doing so many things in this game, such as trying to avoid enemies lunging towards you and ride around the level on the “rails”, players might think that the camera would be sub par, but this game's camera always keeps up with the players which make this game more enjoyable. The framerate for this game is really good and rarely dips, which means that even when you are in the midst of battle, you will never loose your place, so you won’t take unnecessary damage.

The sound effects for Scaler are pretty well done, but it is sad that this game doesn’t feature Dolby Digital in any form. Everything that your ears will hear really seems to fit with the “Scaler universe” from the explosions to the sound of Scaler's tongue taking out different enemies. The voice acting for this game was well done, the actors take the script seriously and that is conveyed all throughout the game. The music for this game is adequate enough and seems to fit with the overall theme that this game has.

Scaler is rated E for Everyone for cartoon violence.

Gameplay: 7.7
The game has some quirks to it. Such as the ability to transform into certain enemies and gain their powers, and even get around portions of the level on “rails.” There is enough action going on here to keep your little gamers busy for some time.

Graphics: 7.6
For a budget title this game looks pretty nice. The environments are varied enough from each other and have a very nice and colorful appearance. The animation that all of the characters have is really nice as well.

Sound: 7.7
The music for this game is adequate enough. The sound effects provide the amount of excitement one might expect from a game like this. The voiceovers are pretty decent and fit the game pretty well.

Difficulty: Easy
It is obvious that Scaler was developed for the younger gamers in mind, as I found this game extremely easy to beat.

Concept: 7.9
This is a decent platforming game, with a quirky story. It is nice to be able to transform into some of the enemies that gives you extra powers though.

Overall: 7.7
If you are on a limited budget and need a game for the kiddies, than look no further than Scaler! This game is very mild in nature and very “kid friendly” in comparison to many of the other games currently on the market.