Developer: Haldberd Studios
Publisher: Freedom Games
Genre: Metroidvania
Where to buy: Steam, Switch,
Release Date:
Price: $19.99
9 Years of Shadows is a 2D Metroidvania game developed by Halberd Studios and published by Freedom Games. It was released on March 27, 2023 for Windows, macOS, Linux, and Nintendo Switch.
The game follows the story of Alex, a young artist who is trapped in a mysterious world of shadows after a tragic accident. In order to escape, Alex must use her artistic abilities to create light and dispel the darkness.
9 Years of Shadows is a visually stunning game with a vibrant pixel art style. The world is full of detail and the characters are well-animated. The game also features a beautiful soundtrack that perfectly complements the atmosphere.
The gameplay in 9 Years of Shadows is solid. The platforming is responsive and the combat is satisfying. The game also features a unique mechanic that allows Alex to create her own weapons and abilities.
However, 9 Years of Shadows is not without its flaws. The game can be quite challenging at times, and the lack of checkpoints can lead to some frustration. Additionally, the game has some technical issues, such as frame drops and occasional crashes.
Overall, 9 Years of Shadows is a good Metroidvania game with a lot to offer. It has a beautiful art style, a great soundtrack, and solid gameplay. However, the game can be quite challenging and has some technical issues.
Pros:
- Beautiful pixel art style
- Great soundtrack
- Solid gameplay
- Unique mechanic that allows players to create their own weapons and abilities
Cons:
- Lack of checkpoints
- Technical issues
Switch performance
The Switch version of 9 Years of Shadows performs well overall. However, there are some occasional frame drops and crashes. The game also has a long load time when first starting up.
Conclusion
9 Years of Shadows is a good Metroidvania game with a lot to offer. It has a beautiful art style, a great soundtrack, and solid gameplay. However, the game can be quite challenging and has some technical issues.
If you are a fan of Metroidvania games, I recommend checking out 9 Years of Shadows. However, if you are new to the genre or prefer less challenging games, I recommend waiting for a patch to address the game’s technical issues before picking it up.
Overall rating: 7.5/10
Recommendation:
9 Years of Shadows is a good Metroidvania game for fans of the genre. However, the game’s difficulty and technical issues may make it off-putting for some players.
