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Gilded Shadows

Gilded Shadows Game Cover
96%Game Brain Score
story, graphics
replayability, gameplay
96% User Score Based on 167 reviews

Platforms

PCSteam DeckWindows
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Gilded Shadows Game Cover

About

Gilded Shadows is a single player casual simulation game. It was developed by Steamberry Studio and was released on May 12, 2022. It received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players.

"Gilded Shadows" is a narrative-driven detective game set in a mystical 1920s city. As private investigator Abigail Fellows, you'll uncover secrets, solve puzzles, and navigate complex relationships while dealing with supernatural elements. The game features a rich, immersive story with multiple endings, influenced by player choices throughout the investigation.

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Gilded Shadows screenshot
Gilded Shadows screenshot
Gilded Shadows screenshot
Gilded Shadows screenshot
Gilded Shadows screenshot
Gilded Shadows screenshot
Gilded Shadows screenshot
Gilded Shadows screenshot
Gilded Shadows screenshot
Gilded Shadows screenshot
Gilded Shadows screenshot
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96%
Audience ScoreBased on 167 reviews
story67 positive mentions
gameplay2 negative mentions
  • The game features a very good story and writing, with detailed world-building and character development that keeps players engaged.
  • There are 8 fully fleshed out routes, each offering unique perspectives and scenarios, making replaying the game enjoyable.
  • The ability to customize the main character's personality and appearance adds depth to the gameplay experience.
  • Some players found the pacing slow at times, particularly in the beginning, with excessive exposition that could detract from the overall experience.
  • A few routes may feel less engaging than others, leading to mixed feelings about certain love interests.
  • The writing style may not appeal to everyone, as some found it overly formal or complex, making it harder to connect with the story.
  • story
    196 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story of "Gilded Shadows" is highly praised for its depth, complexity, and unique narrative paths, with each route offering a distinct storyline that enriches the overarching lore. Players appreciate the well-crafted characters and emotional depth, noting that the writing is engaging and immersive, making it difficult to put the game down. While some found certain aspects of world-building overly detailed, the overall consensus is that the game delivers a compelling and mature narrative experience that resonates long after playing.

    • “The story unfolded at a perfect rhythm: richly layered, immersive, and full of twists that made it impossible to shut down the game.”
    • “Every route offers something completely unique, not just a different love interest, but a whole different perspective of the story, new secrets, new truths.”
    • “The depth of worldbuilding and multi-threaded plot lines is enthralling and really draws you in.”
    • “This formal vibe, despite my best efforts and repeated attempts, kept me from truly sinking my teeth into the story.”
    • “I don't regret playing it, though for the price tag I do wish the story didn't feel like it just abruptly stopped.”
    • “The only small quibble I had with Yuu's route (aside from being the end of Gilded Shadows) was that it had less of a dramatic 'learning backstory / connections to earth faerie lore / tying up loose ends' feel than I would have liked for the final chapter in this wonderful visual novel / otome game.”
  • graphics
    23 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received high praise for their gorgeous artwork and character designs, contributing significantly to the overall aesthetic experience. While some users noted a peculiar art style, particularly with character lips, it did not detract from the engaging story and music. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point, enhancing the narrative and character interactions.

    • “The artwork is gorgeous and the romances are very enjoyable.”
    • “The art style and character designs are lovely.”
    • “The scene and character artwork is beautiful.”
    • “Graphics (4/10) it gives you the bare basics and what it gives are nice.”
    • “Omg, the graphics!”
    • “A lot of work has been put into the graphics and dialog of the game.”
  • music
    19 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its quality and integration into the overall experience, describing it as beautiful and immersive. However, some players noted that the limited selection can lead to repetitiveness. Overall, the soundtrack is considered a strong aspect of the game, enhancing the storytelling and aesthetics.

    • “The writing, worldbuilding, music, story, characters, MC, artwork, everything fits together so well.”
    • “The worldbuilding and lore is impressive (and there are flowcharts!) the sprites are lovely; the background art is absolutely gorgeous; and I enjoy listening to the soundtrack even when not playing the game.”
    • “If you want a story that does have the romance you are itching for, but also has amazing music, aesthetics, and an intriguing story that keeps you on the edge of your seat... then look no further.”
    • “I don't like the music.”
    • “I only wish there was an additional soundtrack or at least, somewhere in the extras section of the main menu where you can listen to individual tracks.”
    • “The music.”
  • emotional
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its mature storytelling, rich character development, and the ability to choose personality traits that influence the narrative. Players appreciate the heartfelt moments and well-crafted romances across multiple routes, though some express frustration with exposition that disrupts the flow. Overall, the game offers a profound emotional journey, particularly noted in specific character routes that resonate deeply with players.

    • “If you're someone who longs for a mature, beautifully crafted visual novel, something with emotional depth, strong storytelling, and a soul that lingers with you - this is it.”
    • “You wanna go on an emotional journey?”
    • “Warning to any of my fellow saps out there - the Magnus route especially (in my opinion) was emotional.”
  • humor
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game's humor is a standout feature, characterized by witty dialogue and relatable characters, particularly the main character and her diverse romantic interests. While some moments, like a character's inappropriate laughter during stressful situations, may not resonate with all players, the overall comedic elements, including clever banter and humorous character interactions, contribute to an enjoyable experience. Players appreciate the blend of humor with heartfelt moments, making the narrative engaging and entertaining.

    • “I definitely recommend this game for anyone who loves science fiction romance mixed with a touch of fantasy, mystery, humor, and a bit of political (and historical) intrigue.”
    • “It has a funny and relatable main character, a diverse cast of guys to romance, and even a built-in flowchart to help you navigate your way through all the endings.”
    • “She just has various moments of witty dialogue and what I thought was very adorable and humorous banter.”
  • replayability
    4 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The game offers significant replayability with multiple endings (ranging from 3 to 5) and seven romance options, encouraging players to explore different story paths influenced by character traits. Both good and bad endings are engaging, making each playthrough feel fresh and worthwhile, especially when purchased on sale.

    • “There is plenty of replay value; some routes have 4 or 5 endings, others 3. With 7 romance choices already, it justifies the higher-than-usual price for a visual novel, though buying on sale always makes it so much better and is recommended.”
    • “Good and bad endings alike are equally intriguing and replayable.”
    • “The selection of different personality traits opening or blocking certain story paths adds to how replayable the game is, with so many different options and paths to choose from.”
    • “There is plenty of replay value; some routes have 4 or 5 endings, others 3, and with 7 romance choices already, it justifies its higher than usual price for a visual novel, though buying on sale always makes it so much better and is recommended.”
  • character development
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Reviewers praise the character development as exceptional, highlighting the engaging and well-crafted characters alongside their appealing designs and art style.

    • “The characters and character development are amazing.”
    • “The art style and character designs are lovely.”
  • gameplay
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of *Gilded Shadows* features multiple routes, offering players a variety of choices and experiences throughout the game.

    • “As for the gameplay, *Gilded Shadows* has multiple routes.”
    • “As for the gameplay, [i]Gilded Shadows[/i] has multiple routes.”
    • “Now that I've gone over the story and gameplay, I'll move onto my critique.”
  • grinding
    2 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Players appreciate the effort put into creating unique stories that maintain interest, but some find the initial information dumping tedious, making the early stages feel like a grind. However, persistence through this phase often leads to a more enjoyable experience.

    • “The one thing I found at times to be tedious was the telling instead of showing; there is a lot of information dumping, especially at the start, which made it hard to initially get into the game. But once I persisted through it, I found it a lot more enjoyable.”
    • “I can see a lot of love put into making each story different enough to keep you interested rather than grinding through dialogue just because you've 'picked a side before'.”
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49h Median play time
65h Average play time
45-162h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs
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Skip FAQs

Frequently Asked Questions

Gilded Shadows is a casual simulation game.

Gilded Shadows is available on PC, Steam Deck and Windows.

On average players spend around 65 hours playing Gilded Shadows.

Gilded Shadows was released on May 12, 2022.

Gilded Shadows was developed by Steamberry Studio.

Gilded Shadows has received overwhelmingly positive reviews from players. Most players liked this game for its story but disliked it for its replayability.

Gilded Shadows is a single player game.

Similar games include Tailor Tales, Changeling, Heart Fragment, Mystic Destinies: Serendipity of Aeons, Ethereal Enigma and others.