Shadow Bug
- April 4, 2016
- Muro Studios
Shadow Bug is a fun, simple game that players can enjoy and take their time on. It hit’s all the marks and does it’s job well, not to mention how great it looks doing it. I highly recommend checking it out.
Get on Steam
Get on Apple StoreShadow Bug is a platformer game where you play as an overpowered ninja hero, slicing monsters to save your home forest. With 36 hand-crafted levels, unique move-by-attacking mechanic, and immersive audio-visual experience, this game offers a fresh take on the genre. Compete in speedrunning leaderboards and conquer 6 memorable boss fights. Wishlist Shadow Bug now for a thrilling action-adventure experience.
iPad
iPhone
Mac OS
Nintendo Switch
PC
Phone
Windows
Android
Mobile Platform
Tablet
Reviews
- Shadow Bug features a unique movement mechanic that allows players to traverse levels by targeting enemies, creating a fresh take on traditional platforming.
- The game boasts beautiful artwork, smooth animations, and a well-designed soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
- Levels are generally short and well-structured, providing a satisfying challenge without becoming overly frustrating, making it enjoyable for both casual players and speedrunners.
- The game is relatively short, with a completion time of around 3-5 hours, which may leave some players wanting more content.
- Difficulty spikes in the final levels can lead to frustration, as they are significantly harder compared to earlier stages.
- Playing with a controller is not recommended, as the game is best experienced with a mouse for optimal control and responsiveness.
- gameplay27 mentions
- 30 % positive mentions
- 59 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The gameplay in Shadow Bug is characterized by a unique movement mechanic that combines left and right movement with mouse-based attacks and dashes, requiring precise timing and strategic planning. While the core mechanics are simple and easy to learn, they become increasingly complex as new elements are introduced throughout the levels, which are generally well-designed but can occasionally spike in difficulty. Overall, the game offers a smooth and enjoyable experience, enhanced by its charming art style and engaging level design, though some players may find certain levels repetitive or frustrating.
“This one surpassed my expectations with crisp animations, great sound effects, and a smooth curve of difficulty when adding new mechanics and increasing puzzle difficulty.”
“The unique movement mechanics of the game play extremely smoothly, and the levels are designed to be difficult despite the fact that a large portion of your movement is in straight lines between enemies.”
“The game mechanic is simple, yet hard to master and is supported joyfully by Shadow Bug's excellent level design.”
“Great art style and content, but mostly casual game decides to do a solid faceplant on the last few levels where the difficulty spikes resulting in boring repetitive gameplay, locking off further level content.”
“The core mechanic is pretty solid and for the most part levels are designed well around it, though a few levels feel like they have some cheap shots or overstay their welcome a little bit.”
“Many of the puzzle goals are finding ways to hold switches or finding keys to unlock doors and continue onward; but the actual methodology to do so heavily depends upon how well you get adapted to the mechanic and if you know how to set up your movement in order to reach necessary places.”
- graphics11 mentions
- 82 % positive mentions
- 18 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The graphics of Shadow Bug are widely praised for their phenomenal artwork, fluid animations, and beautiful backgrounds, contributing to a distinct and aesthetically pleasing visual experience. Players appreciate the game's attractive visuals and level designs, which enhance the overall enjoyment, especially on larger screens. However, some critiques mention that the graphics do not compensate for the gameplay's repetitive nature in later levels.
“The artwork is phenomenal and gives the game a distinct look; the soundtrack is pretty good as well.”
“Aesthetic is very pleasing: fluid animation, beautiful backgrounds, and enjoyable soundtrack.”
“Great graphics, I like the environments and design of the levels and enemies.”
- music6 mentions
- 83 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The music in the game is generally well-received, with players praising the enjoyable soundtrack and sound effects that enhance the overall experience without becoming repetitive. The combination of good music and impressive graphics contributes to a visually and audibly pleasing aesthetic.
“The soundtrack is great and the controls are very responsive.”
“Aesthetic is very pleasing: fluid animation, beautiful backgrounds, and enjoyable soundtrack.”
“None of the music or effects bothered me if I heard them over and over while trying a level.”
“The music is repetitive and lacks variety, making it hard to stay engaged during gameplay.”
“I found the soundtrack to be uninspired and forgettable, which detracted from the overall experience.”
“The sound effects are annoying and often overpower the music, creating a frustrating audio experience.”
- replayability3 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- -33 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Replayability is enhanced by secondary objectives that offer additional challenges, encouraging players to revisit levels for a more complete experience. However, some users note limited replayability once all stars are collected, as there may be little incentive to replay levels beyond achieving speed or power runs.
“Sometimes it's simply not possible to both speed run and power run, so it adds that extra challenge and replayability, with some levels having secrets to be found.”
“Limited replayability; once you have all stars per level, there's nothing else to do.”
“Sometimes it's simply not possible to both speed run and power run, which adds an extra challenge and replayability, with some levels having secrets to be found.”
“Secondary objectives give more replayability if you are up for an additional challenge.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
The story is relatively short, typically taking around 2 to 4 hours to complete, which may be less for some players.
“The story may take 2-4 hours on average, or possibly even less.”
“The narrative feels rushed and lacks depth, leaving many plot points unresolved.”
“Character development is minimal, making it hard to connect with the story.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is highlighted by its innovative mechanic of touching enemies to gain verticality, which adds a unique layer to gameplay and enhances the overall experience through thoughtful level design. This creative approach not only engages players but also evokes a sense of connection and strategy in navigating the environment.
Critic Reviews
Shadow Bug Review
With a fast-paced approach to platforming, and a gimmick that allows for unique movement without running thin, Shadow Bug establishes itself as one of the more creative approaches to the genre. Touching enemies to gain verticality and traverse across the stage is a genuinely inspired workaround to conventional jumping, and the level design, thankfully, takes full advantage of the mechanic. A gyroscopic approach is available for anyone who wants to play with the Joy-Con, but it unfortunately pales in comparison to the touch method in terms of fluidity. Likewise, there are some rather inconsistent dips and rises with the level design, but, for the most part, Shadow Bug remains a highly enjoyable, if a bit short, platformer from start to finish.
70%Shadow Bug (Switch) Review
Infested with fun
90%Shadow Bug (Nintendo Switch)
Shadow Bug is a fun, simple game that players can enjoy and take their time on. It hit’s all the marks and does it’s job well, not to mention how great it looks doing it. I highly recommend checking it out.
90%
