The early 2000s represented a golden age for the 3D platformer, a time when developers experimented with colorful characters and imaginative worlds. Amidst the giants of the genre, a unique title emerged in 2004 that aimed to put a literal twist on the format. Developed by Artificial Mind and Movement (now known as Behaviour Interactive), Scaler—also known by its longer title, Scaler: The Shapeshifting Chameleon—offered players a vibrant, psychedelic adventure. While it may not have reached the household-name status of its contemporaries, it captured the hearts of many with its fluid movement mechanics and striking art direction. Today, it is remembered as a standout "hidden gem" that dared to be different in a crowded market.
The narrative of Scaler centers on Bobby "Scaler" Jenkins, a 12-year-old boy whose fascination with lizards sets him apart from his peers. This passion leads him to a startling discovery: his next-door neighbor is actually an interdimensional villain named Simon Moon. Bobby stumbles across an evil plot to dominate the world through the use of an army of mutated lizards. Before he can stop it, Bobby is captured and transported to a strange alien dimension called Enid. In this world, Bobby is transformed into a blue, lizard-like creature. To save Earth and return to his human form, Bobby must navigate the treacherous landscapes of Enid, defeat Moon’s lackeys, and harness the power of shapeshifting to overcome the dark forces arrayed against him.
The core of Scaler's gameplay is its innovative shapeshifting mechanic. As Bobby progresses through the game, he gains the ability to transform into five different mutant creatures, each with distinct abilities. These forms include the powerful Bakko, the flying Flaragal, and the agile Doozum. Utilizing these transformations is essential for solving puzzles and defeating specific enemy types. Beyond the transformations, the game features high-octane traversal mechanics. Scaler can grind along electrical vines and rails, a feature that provides a sense of speed and verticality rarely seen in other platformers of the time. Combat is equally fast-paced, involving claw swipes and tongue attacks, all while collecting "Klondike" energy to upgrade Bobby’s abilities and health.
This game was released on several platforms, including the Xbox, PlayStation 2, and Nintendo GameCube.
Scaler is remembered as a niche game that brought interesting ideas and a striking visual style to the table. Its legacy is one of creative ambition; while it didn't spark a multi-game franchise, it remains a frequent point of discussion in retro gaming circles. Critics at the time praised its imaginative creature designs and the fluidity of its rail-sliding segments. For fans of 3D platformers, Scaler stands as a testament to the creativity of the mid-2000s AA game development scene. Its cult following continues to grow as new generations of gamers discover it via backward compatibility or second-hand markets, appreciating its bold colors and unique take on the hero's journey.
Despite its relatively obscure status today, Scaler has several interesting tidbits behind its development. The game was developed by Artificial Mind and Movement, the studio that eventually became Behaviour Interactive, the creators of the massive horror hit Dead by Daylight. Additionally, the game’s protagonist, Bobby Jenkins, is voiced by Jason Marsden, a prolific voice actor known for his roles in A Goofy Movie and Hocus Pocus. Another interesting detail is that the game was specifically designed to take advantage of the hardware of all three major consoles, ensuring that the bioluminescent environments of Enid looked equally vibrant whether you played on a GameCube, PS2, or Xbox.
Games
Scaler
Seller: retrogameplace
Country of origin: Spain
Status: loose
Description: Jeu Scaler (anglais) pour console Playstation 2 (P... show more Jeu Scaler (anglais) pour console Playstation 2 (PS2) Scaler se distingue par son mélange explosif d'action et de plateforme ! Entrez dans la peau de Bobby 'Scaler' Jenkins, ce jeune fan de lézards, s... show less
