The one where I got hooked on a game I never expected to love.
I’ll be honest, when Outright Games sent me a copy of Monster High Skulltimate Secrets I was not expecting it to be this much fun. I thought it was going to be a quick, easy platinum and that would be that. Reader, I was wrong. 👻
What is Monster High Skulltimate Secrets?
You arrive at Monster High as a new student and join the Boo Crew, Draculaura, Frankie Stein and Clawdeen Wolf, to solve the mystery of what on earth is going on at school. Things are stranger than usual, and if you know Monster High, that’s saying something. Along the way you are collecting keys, solving side quests, exploring the school and looking absolutely fabulous while doing it.
Create Your Own Monster
One of the first things you do is create your own character and this alone could keep you busy for a while. You choose your monster type and then customise your look, hair, makeup, shoes, outfits. I went for a vampire and while I wasn’t totally happy with how she turned out at first, you can update and change your look throughout the game as you unlock new items from treasure chests. I found some Irregular Choice style boots with a crescent moon on them and I have never felt more seen by a video game. 💖
You cannot change your monster type once you have chosen so keep that in mind, but everything else is fair game for a makeover, even mid graveyard exploration.
Bigger Than You Think
This game is bigger than it looks and I mean that in the best possible way. I genuinely thought it was going to take an hour or two. There are side quests on top of side quests, secrets to find, coins to collect, outfits to unlock and a whole school to explore. The map is genuinely massive and includes the school, a graveyard, a pet cemetery, the catacombs, an enchanted forest, the Werewolf Garden and more. I kept discovering new areas I had not been to yet and finding hidden rooms I almost missed entirely.
A whole energy source in the Clawditorium? Missed it completely until after I rolled credits. This game will keep you on your toes.
The Side Quests Are Genuinely Fun
The side quests are a highlight. You are helping Cleo find her missing canopic jars, collecting Venus fly traps for a bouquet, finding Deuce Gorgon’s swimming gear and helping a student finish a poem for the school assembly. None of them feel like busywork and the writing is genuinely charming throughout. The poem quest in particular gave me proper feelings when Clawdeen read the final lines. Frankie pretending she was not crying afterwards was very relatable.
There is also a late game treasure hunt quest involving ancient glyphs hidden all over the school that I stumbled on completely by accident and it took me right across the map. Loved every second of it.
The Abilities System
As you collect keys you unlock new monster abilities, a double jump, a mummy move, a sea monster sideways water jump, a Gorgon power, bat wings and more. You need different abilities to access different areas which keeps the exploration fresh throughout. The bat wings especially were a satisfying unlock.
The Platforms Can Get a Bit Sweaty
I am not going to pretend the platforming is always smooth because it is not. The camera can be tricky when you are jumping and turning at the same time and some of the timed platforms have a very unforgiving window. The garbage goblins in the heart of Monster High had me absolutely losing my mind. That said it never felt unfair, just challenging, and the double jump ability is a huge help once you unlock it.
Compared to Other Outright Games Titles
Having played My Little Pony A Zephyr Heights Mystery and Barbie Project Friendship, Monster High Skulltimate Secrets is my favourite of the three. It has more variety, more to explore and the customisation is on another level. The Zephyr Heights emoji puzzle system frustrated me no end but this one kept me coming back happily every session.
Did I Get the Platinum?
Yes! It took dedication, a lot of map checking and exploring every corner of the school but I got there. If you are a trophy hunter this one is very doable. Just make sure you check every hidden room before you roll credits.
The Live Action Films Are Worth Watching Too
While I was playing I watched both Monster High live action films on Netflix and they are great fun. The costumes are incredible and the actors do a brilliant job bringing the characters to life. It will have you thinking about your next Halloween costume immediately.
Who is it For?
Monster High fans are the obvious answer but honestly if you enjoy exploration platformers with loads of customisation and a fun spooky aesthetic this is worth checking out. My memories of Monster High were from buying dolls for my niece years ago and I had an absolute blast. It would make a brilliant gift for anyone who loves the franchise.
Cuteek Verdict 💖🎮
There is something in here for everyone. Exploration, mystery, side quests on top of side quests, gorgeous outfits and boots that defy the laws of gravity. I did not expect to love it this much and that is the best kind of surprise. If you are a Monster High fan this is a must. If you are not, it might just make you one.
Monster High Skulltimate Secrets was provided by Outright Games for review purposes. All opinions are my own. ✨
