Unleash Scottish Mayhem: Embark on a Whimsical Adventure with Action Figures and Claymation
Judero: A Weird and Wonderful Action Adventure Game
I’ve had the pleasure of digging into the demo for Judero, an action-adventure game from developer duo Talah Kaya and Jack King-Spooner, and I’m excited to report that the full game is exceeding my expectations. Judero is a true oddity, and it’s all the better for it.
A Unique Art Style
The first thing that caught my attention was the game’s art style, which is reminiscent of classic games like Doom and Fallout 1. The modified action figures and handcrafted clay models used to create the game’s sprites are a perfect blend of retro and modern, giving Judero a distinctly 90s feel.
Stop-Motion Animation
But it’s not just the sprites that are impressive – the game’s cutscenes are full-on stop-motion animation, reminiscent of the work of Ray Harryhausen or Phil Tippett. It’s a true visual treat, and it adds a level of depth and emotion to the game that’s hard to find in other action-adventure titles.
Surprises Around Every Corner
As I’ve played through Judero, I’ve been consistently surprised by the game’s willingness to experiment and try new things. Stepping into a house in one of the game’s villages changes the art style to psychedelic watercolors, while the residents offer unnerving, anachronistic ruminations on life, love, and living in a dying world. Opening a portal early on in the game sent me to a classic Sonic-style bonus stage, while another, identical gate later on sent me to a formless void with a single coin to tide me over during the minute-long "bonus."
The Music
And then there’s the music – a blend of guitar-forward folk and cheeky funk that’s straight out of a lost era of 70s British psychedelia. It’s the perfect accompaniment to Judero’s offbeat world and characters.
A Must-Play
Overall, Judero is a must-play for anyone looking for a game that’s a little bit weird, a little bit wonderful, and a lot of fun. And at just $18 (or $16 until September 23), it’s an absolute steal.
Gallery
[Image 1: Judero stands on a silty bridge over a river with a castle in the background]
(Image credit: Talha and Jack Co.)
[Image 2: A caricature Englishman from Carlisle in Judero under text reading "men from Carlisle"]
(Image credit: Talha and Jack Co.)
[Image 3: A woman called "drummer" ponders the end of the world and a genocide poor by year in Judero]
(Image credit: Talha and Jack Co.)
Stay Tuned for Our Full Review
Keep an eye out for our full review of Judero, where we’ll dive deeper into the game’s world, characters, and mechanics.