Ugly (2023)
Game Description:
In the 2023 video game "Ugly," players are immersed in a psycho-dark fairy tale where reality and reflection intertwine. Set within a mysterious palace, the protagonist must navigate a world where appearances deceive and nothing is as it seems. Utilizing innovative mechanics, players can swap the main character with his own reflection to solve intricate puzzles, confront formidable bosses, and uncover hidden secrets. Each room in the palace presents unique challenges, requiring keen observation and strategic thinking. As players delve deeper, they unravel a haunting narrative that explores themes of identity and perception. "Ugly" offers a captivating blend of storytelling and gameplay, inviting players to question the nature of reality itself.
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What Parents Should Know About Ugly
Age Rating
Release Date
2023
ESRB Age Rating Summary:
Ugly is rated T for Teen by the ESRB with Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Sexual Themes, and Use of Alcohol. This is a puzzle platformer in which players assume the role of a prince battling his inner demons while reflecting on a life of abuse and cruelty. From a 2D side-scrolling perspective, players explore a fantastical mansion while searching for keys, solving puzzles, and unlocking memories. Boss characters sometimes attempt to crush players and/or menace them with fire. Some areas depict small corpses, bloodstained walls, and torture devices. One sequence briefly depicts a character with shards of glass embedded in its face, with blood dripping from wounds. One level depicts a dungeon with sexual and BDSM paraphernalia: a sex swing hanging from the ceiling; sex toys on bookshelves; bondage tools in the corner. A central gameplay mechanic involves players' character resetting the puzzle by drinking a bottle of alcohol, as a hazy, blurry effect appears each time. The word “bastard” appears in the game.
Content Warnings:
Blood, Fantasy Violence, Mild Language, Sexual Themes, Use of Alcohol
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Parental Notes
The sentiment among parents is mostly negative when it comes to letting kids play Ugly. The game contains mild language, with the word “bastard” appearing. Violence is depicted through fantasy elements, such as boss characters attempting to crush players and bloodstained environments. The game explores mature themes, including abuse, cruelty, and sexual content, with scenes showing BDSM paraphernalia and torture devices. Alcohol use is a central gameplay mechanic, as players reset puzzles by drinking, accompanied by a hazy effect. Due to these elements, many parents recommend it for teens 13 and older, as the dark themes and imagery may be disturbing for younger audiences.
Why Your Kid Might Like Ugly
In "Ugly," teens are intrigued by the game's unique blend of dark fairy tale elements and psychological themes. The mysterious palace setting, where reality and reflection intertwine, offers an engaging environment that challenges players to think critically. The innovative mechanic of swapping the main character with his reflection adds a fresh twist to puzzle-solving, keeping players engaged as they navigate through intricate challenges. The haunting narrative, exploring themes of identity and perception, resonates with teens who enjoy stories that delve into deeper, thought-provoking concepts.
Players appreciate the strategic thinking required to overcome the game's formidable bosses and uncover hidden secrets. Each room in the palace presents a new challenge, encouraging keen observation and problem-solving skills. The combination of storytelling and gameplay invites players to question the nature of reality, making "Ugly" a compelling experience for those who enjoy games with a psychological edge. While the game may not be for everyone, those who enjoy unraveling complex narratives and solving challenging puzzles find it a rewarding experience.