Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow

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Maui Mallard in Cold Shadow is a challenging action-packed game where you play as a detective duck who transforms into a ninja. Explore various environments, from the top of a volcano to the Realm of the Dead, to find the missing Shabuhm Shabuhm idol and prevent your island paradise from destruction. Throughout the game, face dangerous enemies, such as MudDrakes, Rotting Pirates, Duck Zombies, and Amazon Warriors, and complete 40 hours of intense gameplay.

Play Modes

Single-Player Play through the game's story or campaign solo

Reviews

54%

Audience ScoreBased on 45 reviews

music7 positive mentions

graphics3 negative mentions

The game has a fantastic soundtrack that many players still enjoy and appreciate.
It offers a nostalgic experience for those who played it during their childhood, with many fond memories associated with it.
The unique concept of playing as a ninja version of Donald Duck is appealing and adds charm to the gameplay.

The port suffers from significant technical issues, including poor controller support and frequent crashes.
Gameplay mechanics are inconsistent, with frustrating controls and hitboxes that lead to a challenging experience that many find unenjoyable.
The graphics and overall performance are inferior to the original SNES version, leading to disappointment among long-time fans.

music
16 mentions
44 % positive mentions
38 % neutral mentions
19 % negative mentions
The music in the game is widely praised as a standout feature, with many reviewers calling the soundtrack a work of art that enhances the overall experience. The updated compositions, particularly by Michael Giacchino, are noted for perfectly matching the game's atmosphere, while nostalgic references to the original soundtracks highlight their lasting impact. Overall, the game's music is described as top-notch, with each version offering its own unique charm.
- “One actually great thing about this game is the soundtrack.”
- “I strongly suggest anyone check out the beautiful soundtrack, which is really a piece of art in my opinion.”
- “It's a shame, because the music in this game is some real top-notch stuff, but you're probably better off finding an SNES and playing it that way.”
- “Especially the composer of the music was in for it.”
- “The updated music in this version by Michael Giacchino is superb and matches the game's atmosphere perfectly.”
graphics
7 mentions
29 % positive mentions
29 % neutral mentions
43 % negative mentions
Reviews indicate that the graphics in the current version are more pixelated and less smooth compared to the original SNES version, which is praised for its sharper visuals and vibrant colors. While some players feel that graphics are not a critical aspect of the game, others express a clear preference for the aesthetic quality of the original. Overall, the consensus leans towards the original SNES graphics being superior.
- “- improved graphics.”
- “I must say that if I were to compare: the SNES has the nicest graphics, colors, and effects.”
- “But they have used the PC port for it, not the original SNES one, which makes the graphics more pixelated and less smooth.”
- “It is an excellent game, but I found the original had sharper, smoother graphics.”
- “Graphics don't matter in this game.”
story
6 mentions
33 % positive mentions
17 % neutral mentions
50 % negative mentions
The game's story is polarizing, with some players noting a complete lack of narrative, while others find it to be epic and engaging. A comparison to games like Temple Run suggests that the story may not be a central focus for all players. For a deeper exploration of the game's backstory, additional resources are available online.
- “Epic story.”
- “Like playing Temple Run for the story.”
- “This game has no story.”
- “It's like playing Temple Run for the story.”
- “For the full story behind this game, check out: https://streetwriterpodcast.blogspot.com/2014/09/remaking-icon-final-part-true-story-of.”
gameplay
5 mentions
40 % positive mentions
20 % neutral mentions
40 % negative mentions
The gameplay is marked by inconsistencies in platform edges, hitboxes, and movement, leading to frustration rather than enjoyment. While it introduces mechanics gradually, it lacks clear explanations, making it challenging for players unfamiliar with its systems. However, fans of retro games may still find value in its charm, especially as the difficulty increases in later levels.
- “Finally, after getting the game to work properly, I played for about an hour, just enough to barely beat the first level boss and getting introduced to the transformation and grappling hook mechanic of the second level.”
- “If you're a fan of retro games, Disney, or Earthworm Jim style gameplay, this game is absolutely for you!”
- “Finally, after getting the game to work properly, I played for about an hour, just enough to barely beat the first level boss and get introduced to the transformation and grappling hook mechanic of the second level.”
- “It's fairly easy at the beginning of the levels, but it does really step up a bit later if you're not familiar with the mechanics.”
optimization
3 mentions
0 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
100 % negative mentions
The game suffers from significant optimization issues, particularly on PC, with users highlighting a lack of proper porting efforts and inadequate support for controllers. Urgent improvements are needed to enhance performance and usability.
- “Additionally, this port needs urgent optimization.”
- “Lacks PC port optimization.”
- “Zero optimization for PC or controllers.”
replayability
2 mentions
150 % positive mentions
-50 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Users highlight that the game offers infinite replayability, suggesting that players can enjoy it repeatedly without losing interest.
- “The game is infinitely replayable, offering new experiences with each playthrough.”
- “I love how the game keeps me coming back for more; there's always something new to discover.”
- “Every time I play, I find different strategies and outcomes, making it a truly engaging experience.”
atmosphere
2 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is highly praised, particularly for its superb updated music by Michael Giacchino, which complements the overall experience effectively.
- “The updated music in this version by Michael Giacchino is superb and matches the game's atmosphere perfectly.”
- “Great atmosphere.”
emotional
1 mentions
100 % positive mentions
0 % neutral mentions
0 % negative mentions
Players express a deep emotional connection to "Maui Mallard/Donald in Cold Shadow," highlighting it as a formative experience that sparked their lifelong passion for gaming. The nostalgia associated with their first interactions in the game evokes strong feelings of joy and sentimentality.
- “Maui Mallard/Donald in Cold Shadow was the beginning of my life of playing video games, the very origin of me at 9 years old, touching a platform and interacting in video games.”