SCRAP Review: The Doctor’s Assessment

Subjective:

SCRAP presents for review as a game that tests your timing skills while never stopping your forward progress. The answer to non-stop moving, per the game’s press release, is jumping.

Objective:

Developed by Woodland Games, SCRAP is a side scrolling 2D platformer that you can play with just one hand. Features include:

• 30 Levels in 3 different worlds AND 11 completely new levels coming free after release
• Polished visuals along with a creative soundtrack
• Unlock wallpapers and unlock sketches as a bonus

Assessment:

Platformers come in all shapes and sizes. Many of us think of Mario, Sonic or maybe a Metroidvania flavor when it comes to platformer titles. However, on the mobile platform, some people may be familiar with “endless runners.” Endless runners are a platformer sub-genre that continue to push the player forward and only allows jumps or other simple movement to avoid obstacles or pick up collectibles.

SCRAP is a game that looks pretty on the surface with vector graphic looking smooth visuals and a robot you control. But unlike a traditional platformer, you will be always moving forward with your only ability to jump (or double jump) and “fall” one level with a push of a button. Players can play the game with just one hand!

Players are also motivated to collect vials through the levels in addition to just trying to make it to the end without exploding or running into firing lasers. Some players may get a Super Meat Boy vibe from the spinning blade puzzles littered throughout levels as well. On top of collectibles, you do have an opportunity to snag power-ups to make things interesting. These power-ups can provide players a shield or a boost to accelerate speed momentarily.

The “Switch Factor” helps this game as well. It is very easy to play in handheld mode in quick doses. As mentioned above, players just need one hand to play, making it an ideal title on the go. Also important is that you do have checkpoints in levels, making it much easier to tackle a level in pieces rather than repeating from the start for every attempt.