Cyber Shadow

With perfect controls, epic boss fights and a banging soundtrack, Cyber Shadow is a superb action platformer that you don't want to miss.

83%Game Brain Score

music, gameplay

grinding, replayability

86% User Score Based on 1,182 reviews

Critic Score 80%Based on 37 reviews

Platforms

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About

Cyber Shadow is a single player arcade hack and slash game with a science fiction theme. It was developed by Aarne "MekaSkull" Hunziker and was released on January 26, 2021. It received mostly positive reviews from critics and positive reviews from players.

The world has been taken over by synthetic lifeforms. A desperate plea for help sets Shadow on a journey to uncover what started the path to perpetual ruin. Slash through the techno hordes, leap past traps, and nimbly navigate the ruins of Mekacity.

Genres & Tags

Play Modes

Single-Player

+17

Skip User Reviews

86%

Audience ScoreBased on 1,182 reviews

music230 positive mentions

grinding20 negative mentions

Great gameplay that captures the essence of classic NES platformers like Ninja Gaiden.
Stellar soundtrack that enhances the overall experience and nostalgia.
Beautiful pixel art and engaging level design that keeps players invested.

Frustrating difficulty spikes and inconsistent controls can lead to cheap deaths.
Lack of a crouch mechanic and reliance on double-tap for dashing can hinder gameplay.
Some players may find the story underwhelming and forgettable.

music
370 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
62%
37%
1%
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers praising its catchy, retro-inspired chiptune style that complements the gameplay and visuals perfectly. Composed by notable artists, the soundtrack features a variety of tracks that enhance the game's atmosphere, often evoking nostalgia for classic NES titles. While some players noted that the music can be hard to recall due to its variety, the overall consensus is that it is a standout feature that elevates the gaming experience.
- “The music is sublime; I stopped for a second at the title screen multiple times and just listened for a minute before starting it up. One of the tracks still pops into my head regularly like it was a track from a Mega Man game.”
- “The soundtrack is pseudo-retro, joining the recognizable 8-bit sound of classic consoles with higher resolution synths and instruments to create a distinct sound fitting the game's setting.”
- “The music deserves a special mention; I have not heard such great music in a retro game in a long time. I'd put it up there with Chrono Trigger, Batman for Sega CD, and Waterworld.”
- “The music was not memorable to me at all.”
- “Level design doesn't make much sense often and it feels like you cannot avoid damage most of the segments without waiting a too long time to be fun, balance of some powers vary in a weird way, combat is not precise enough in general, the soundtrack and the graphics... man, honestly, if you compare it to The Messenger, it just disappoints in every way.”
- “Gameplay and music are good but I didn't like/feel invested in the story.”
gameplay
362 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
36%
60%
4%
The gameplay in "Cyber Shadow" is a blend of nostalgic retro mechanics and modern design, offering a challenging yet rewarding experience as players unlock new abilities that enhance fluidity and speed. While many praise the tight controls and engaging level design, some criticize the initial simplicity and certain mechanics, such as the parry and dash, which can feel awkward or inconsistent. Overall, the game is recognized for its captivating aesthetics and satisfying gameplay, though it may frustrate players with its difficulty and control quirks.
- “The gameplay is a sendup to a lot of the old NES classic ninja games, but with enough modern touches and special abilities that once you learn to play you can go fast and feel like a ninja.”
- “Gameplay becomes faster and more technical with each level; controls are tight and responsive, the enemy and level design is rock solid, each area is interesting and mechanically unique, and I love the music and general aesthetics.”
- “Genuinely one of the greatest retro 2D action platformers to date, touting lush pixel art mixed with responsive, precision-based gameplay.”
- “The bullet parry mechanic for some reason is tied to your movement buttons, meaning you’ll have to stop and wait for the bullets to be one pixel away from you before hitting a button to move towards it. That sometimes doesn’t register, resulting in you walking up to damage instead of having just a dedicated button for it. Again, this wouldn’t be bad if it wasn’t mandatory for some sections.”
- “This is a game that has amazing art and music and story, but even though they're all stellar, they can't fix the gameplay which is incredibly tedious and frustratingly hard, in the worst kind of way.”
- “The trailers promised fast-paced ninja action, but the actual gameplay is very bland, slow, and clunky, and is coupled with frustrating enemy design.”
story
252 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
46%
51%
3%
The story of "Cyber Shadow" is a mixed bag, with some players finding it intriguing and well-integrated into the gameplay, while others feel it is underdeveloped and forgettable. Many appreciate its cyberpunk themes and nostalgic elements, but note that character development is minimal and the narrative can feel rushed or basic. Overall, while the story has its moments and adds to the atmosphere, it often takes a backseat to the challenging gameplay and retro aesthetics.
- “From its surprisingly captivating story to its engaging gameplay mechanics and intricate world design, Cyber Shadow sets a high standard for contemporary retro games.”
- “I enjoyed learning about the backstory of Shadow and his clan, discovering what exactly is happening and the ending, despite being quite predictable in my opinion, was still fulfilling and well-done.”
- “An extremely epic game with an excellent story, can't ask for anything else.”
- “I honestly didn't care for the story, so I barely remembered anything throughout the journey.”
- “The story is boring or irrelevant at best; I don't have anything to say about it.”
- “The story feels rushed and there is no replay value at all.”
graphics
194 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
55%
43%
2%
The graphics of "Cyber Shadow" are widely praised for their sharp pixel art and nostalgic NES-inspired aesthetic, effectively capturing the retro charm of classic action platformers. Many reviewers highlight the vibrant color palettes, detailed sprite work, and fluid animations that enhance the overall visual experience, while some note that the 8-bit style may feel overly simplistic or flat at times. Overall, the game's visuals are considered a standout feature, complementing its engaging gameplay and stellar soundtrack.
- “The pixel graphics are beautiful and fit the 'cybernetic' theme very well, and the story is told through both in-game dialogue boxes and nostalgic 8-bit cutscenes with large, detailed, but still very low-res sprites, much like the NES days.”
- “The artwork and music are stellar, with gorgeous anime-style cutscenes between the chapters that enhance the overall experience.”
- “The visuals excel in the art of retro simplicity, without appearing repetitive and overly flat.”
- “Graphically, it's... ok, but nothing special.”
- “The developer may have leaned into the 8-bit aesthetic too hard, if anything, given how flat and limited in terms of color I found the overall look.”
- “Level design doesn't make much sense often and it feels like you cannot avoid damage in most segments without waiting too long to be fun; the balance of some powers varies in a weird way, and combat is not precise enough in general. The soundtrack and the graphics... man, honestly, if you compare it to The Messenger, it just disappoints in every way.”
grinding
20 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be a significant drawback, particularly in the later stages where the level design becomes tedious and repetitive. The lack of frequent checkpoints and brief invincibility frames contribute to a frustrating experience, turning what could be a satisfying challenge into a slog of trial and error. Despite the game's impressive art, music, and story, the grinding ultimately detracts from the overall enjoyment, especially as players are forced to repeatedly navigate difficult sections without upgrades.
- “This is a game that has amazing art and music and story, but even though they're all stellar, they can't fix the gameplay which is incredibly tedious and frustratingly hard, in the worst kind of way.”
- “Suddenly you are just grinding the same sections over and over and over again because you are forced to play them without any upgrades and every corner is filled with instant deaths.”
- “Invincibility frames post-damage are very brief, making it very easy to be quickly combo'd into a pit -- which would be perhaps tolerable if the checkpoints weren't spaced so widely apart that completing a section after several tries feels like you finally finished a tedious, repetitive task you never want to see again rather than completing a satisfying and fair-feeling challenge.”
atmosphere
18 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
56%
27%
17%
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised for its dark, gritty aesthetic reminiscent of classic NES titles, enhanced by beautiful pixel art and effective use of negative space. Reviewers highlight the game's ability to create a somber yet charming environment that complements its challenging gameplay and inventive level design. Overall, the atmospheric elements significantly contribute to the game's appeal, making it a standout experience for players.
- “Negative space is used to great effect to create the dark atmosphere of Meka-City.”
- “It's a really charming game, with fun but challenging gameplay and an enticing somber atmosphere too.”
- “Moreover, all the pixel art and sprites are beautiful, atmospheric, and well-crafted, capturing the coolness of ninjas, robots, and futuristic cities.”
- “The game's palettes and color choices help build the ruined and technological atmosphere of the environments while still remaining easy to read.”
- “If you actually want atmosphere and a surprisingly well-told story to go with your challenging gameplay then play Cyber Shadow.”
- “I suck at platforming, but I loved the atmosphere of this game.”
humor
16 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
88%
13%
The humor in "The Messenger" is described as original and quirky, with funny robots and self-aware, meta-commentary that some players find refreshing, while others feel it can become annoying, especially during frustrating gameplay moments. The game balances its comedic elements with a solid story, though opinions vary on whether its humor resonates with all players, particularly in comparison to other indie titles. Overall, it offers a unique blend of humor that may appeal to fans of the genre but might not be for everyone.
- “The Messenger executed Metroidvania elements perfectly, and its story, humor, and the transition from 8-bit to 16-bit were original, which made The Messenger better.”
- “It is also funny, which is super rare, and really good.”
- “But The Messenger was a bit longer and had more stuff to 100% plus a short and funny DLC.”
- “If you want unfunny jokes and a lazy story (the writing's in the same vein as 'Unepic' if that is somehow your thing), go play 'The Messenger'.”
- “If you want unfunny jokes and a lazy story (the writing's in the same vein as 'Unepic' if that is somehow your thing), go play 'The Messenger'.”
replayability
14 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
21%
58%
21%
The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the challenge of completing specific feats, others find the overall experience lacking in depth and variety. Many reviewers suggest that additional modes or content, such as a map, could enhance replay value, but some feel the game is not designed for repeated playthroughs. Overall, opinions vary widely, with some labeling it as a fun time-waster and others deeming it not replayable at all.
- “The feats grant replayability as you need to complete specific actions in the game either against bosses or pulling off some specific action at one point or another.”
- “Replayable.”
- “9/10 game; the only thing it needs is a map and an alternate mode for some extra replay value besides just feats.”
- “I don’t think the game is replayable.”
- “The story feels rushed and there is no replay value at all.”
- “If you're looking for Ninja Gaiden or something with a lot of replay value, I would pass.”
emotional
12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is praised for its surprisingly deep and touching story, which resonates emotionally with players while providing satisfying and challenging gameplay. Many reviewers highlight the emotional impact as intentional and effective, drawing comparisons to classic titles like Shovel Knight, and noting its ability to stand out with both narrative and mechanics.
- “Wonderful game with a surprisingly touching story.”
- “This game is really fun and fairly challenging, with a surprisingly deep and heartbreaking story.”
- “Much like Shovel Knight, it takes clear inspiration from the golden NES/SNES era while standing out on its own with satisfying gameplay and a surprisingly touching, if simple, story.”
character development
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The character development is heavily influenced by a charming retro aesthetic, featuring pixel-art visuals and music that evoke the 80s, complemented by exaggeratedly masculine or whimsical character designs. This nostalgic approach adds a unique flair to the characters, enhancing their appeal and personality.
stability
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The game is noted for its impressive stability, with users reporting it as bug-free, a commendable achievement in today's gaming landscape.
- “As far as I can see, the game is bug-free, which is a rarity these days.”
monetization
2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative
100%
The monetization strategy of the game is criticized for resembling a cheap cash grab, detracting from its potential as a modern reimagining of a classic concept. Players feel that the approach undermines the overall quality and enjoyment of the experience.
- “The bones for a good game are here, but it feels too much like a cheap Unity cash grab rather than a pleasant modern rework of an ancient idea.”