Shades of Black
- September 9, 2015
- MDNA Games
Get on Steam"Shades of Black" is a narrative-driven game following Carol, a writer turned detective, as she searches for a missing author with a dark past. After receivingrejections for her book, Carol is hired by a publisher to locate the author, whose wife was murdered six years ago and is now tied to a recent murder. As Carol investigates, she uncovers secrets and confronts challenges that will test her determination and morality.
Mac OS
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The game features a captivating story filled with mystery and enjoyable puzzles that keep players engaged.
- Beautiful visuals and immersive environments enhance the gameplay experience, making it feel like a real exploration.
- The game is relaxing and stress-relieving, providing a pleasant escape without time limits.
- The story concludes in a clichéd manner, which may disappoint some players.
- There are instances of pixel hunting in indoor locations, making it frustrating to find certain objects.
- Some players may find the gameplay direction unclear at times, leading to confusion about what to do next.
- story14 mentions
- 43 % positive mentions
- 36 % neutral mentions
- 21 % negative mentions
The game's story is praised for its mystery and engaging puzzles, though some reviewers noted that it concludes in a cliché manner. While the narrative is described as complex with a final twist, it may feel less interesting compared to previous titles in the series, and the adult themes are integrated well without being excessive. Overall, the story is considered a strong aspect, despite some criticisms regarding its execution.
“This game is absolutely well worth playing, it's so full of mystery and certainly had me stumped many times, which I love having to try and work out all the different types of puzzles and clues along the way. It also has a great story behind it.”
“The Carol Reed games are wonderful point-and-click adventure games with an easy story, wonderful visuals, and fun puzzles.”
“The story concluded pretty cliche in the end.”
“Besides, the achievements added aren't tied to the story but to actions you may do or not.”
“The adult theme worked with the plot and wasn't overly done.”
- gameplay6 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by its simplicity and enjoyable puzzles that provide a satisfying challenge without being overly difficult. Players appreciate the lengthy experience and the appealing scenery, although it remains largely unchanged from the previous title, Bosch's Damnation.
“Simple gameplay, great scenery, puzzles that won't crack too many brain cells but are fun when you solve them.”
“Lengthy gameplay.”
“As the gameplay didn't change from Bosch's Damnation, the previous game and the first one to be on Steam, here's part of my Steam review for this one.”
“The gameplay is lengthy and feels drawn out.”
“As the gameplay didn't change from Bosch's Damnation, the previous game and the first one to be on Steam, I found it disappointing.”
“The gameplay lacks innovation, making it feel repetitive compared to Bosch's Damnation.”
- graphics4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics in the Carol Reed games are praised for their immersive and colorful first-person photographic stills, enhancing the overall visual experience. Players appreciate the combination of stunning visuals with engaging storytelling and enjoyable puzzles, making the games visually appealing and captivating.
“These locations present immersive and colorful first-person realistic photographic stills.”
“The Carol Reed games are wonderful point-and-click adventure games with an easy story, wonderful visuals, and fun puzzles.”
- music4 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is characterized by a relaxing soundtrack that enhances the overall experience, complemented by engaging voice acting. Reviewers consistently praise the quality of the soundtrack, noting it as a strong aspect of the game.
“The soundtrack is, as usual, a good one, and the voice acting is really interesting.”
