![]() ![]() ![]() The pixel graphics pop off the screen, and it's clear that a lot of effort went into designing the game's world. Gameplay is critical, but Cyber Shadow wouldn't work nearly as well without a strong presentation, and this game is nothing short of gorgeous. In that way, Cyber Shadow truly does feel like it blends the best of old-school gameplay with modern sensibilities. This is totally optional, and old-school purists might prefer avoiding these extras. Taking things a step further, checkpoints allow players to cash in currency accumulated in the game for bonus weapons or the ability to refill their Spirit and Health when they get to the checkpoint. In my interview with Aarne Hunziker, the Cyber Shadow developer stated that he wanted to offer "checkpoints that don't punish dying," and the developer delivered on that promise, offering a wealth of checkpoints that rarely make the game feel cheap or unfair. Unfortunately, the NES era had a lot of games that were artificially difficult, forcing players to repeat the same tasks over and over again because save points were limited or even nonexistent. (Photo: Yacht Club Games)Ī lot of 8-bit throwbacks don't just try to channel the style of old-school video games they also try to channel the difficulty level, as well. The latter will work fine, but the former is better for using abilities that combine a directional control with a button press (such as Up + Y for throwing stars). I do recommend using a controller with a good D-Pad, as opposed to a control stick. It's very simple, but also quite effective. Further following the 8-bit guidelines, Cyber Shadow uses just two buttons for all actions alongside the D-Pad or control stick. As players progress through the stages, Shadow learns new tricks such as the ability to toss throwing-stars or wall-jump. Cyber Shadow is an action-platformer, tasking players with jumping and slashing through mechanical foes. Like many NES games, however, the story takes a backseat to the gameplay. Mekacity and its futuristic environment give the game a bit of a cyberpunk feel, and it works fairly well at establishing the setting. The game's tale is told through interactions with characters as well as animated cut scenes that pay homage to those seen in the likes of Ninja Gaiden. In Cyber Shadow, players take on the role of a cyborg ninja named Shadow as he attempts to free his clan from robots that have overrun Mekacity. While these sort of titles can sometimes feel like a dime a dozen on digital marketplaces, Cyber Shadow is a game that retro enthusiasts and fans of the NES era will not want to sleep on. Cyber Shadow, from developer Mechanical Head Studios, is a throwback to NES games like Shadow of the Ninja and Batman that also manages to find a voice all its own. The video game industry may have largely moved away from 8-bit graphics and simpler control schemes, but that hasn't stopped a number of indie developers from providing players with new experiences that evoke that era. ![]()
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