And like games of the era, the storyline is secondary to the gameplay.Īs far as gameplay, the transversal sections are carefully crafted where enemy movements and placement provide just enough challenge and frustration to make you rethink taking the path of least resistance. The game is inspired by 8 bit era games of past, like ninja gaiden that are easy to control but hard to master.

I hope for (and kinda dread of) a new entry in this franchise.Ĭyber shadow is a linear hack and slash platformer where on the surface it may seem simple After all there are only two buttons: jump and slash but make no mistake it is tough as nails. The story was a bit weak but it's a good excuse for the cool setting, as it was the case with most games back in their day. The chiptune soundtrack is OK, with some highlights for me at the beginning and ending of the game. Man, does it feel good when you finally destroy that boss or get to that far-away checkpoint. Some sections have so many enemies and traps that deaths can feel a bit cheap at first and it's easy to fall victim to frustration, but this is a game where you learn through failure, spending your (infinite) lives figuring out patterns and coming up with strategies to traverse the levels. The progression is excellent, you feel like you get more and more powerful almost until the very end, and the game does a good job of teaching the mechanics through smart level design and nothing more than some in-game dialogues. I had to play this in short bursts as I found myself stressed out at times and it got me out of the mood. It's retro not only in style and gameplay but in challenge too. I really liked this game, even though it tested my patience to its very limits.

Cyber shadow metroidvania