Shadow Gangs
- October 14, 2020
- JKM corp
- 45h median play time
Get on Steam
Get on Xbox Games Store"Shadow Gangs" is an arcade-style ninja action game with HD hand-drawn graphics and traditional animation. As Dan, the current ninja order master, you must rescue your family from the Shadow Force crime organization and defeat the Shadow Gangs. Your mission will take you through 10 levels, including battles against 6 bosses. Use your ninja transformation ability and special powers to defeat the enemy and save your family. Live the legend of Dan the Crimson Ninja!
Nintendo Switch
PC
Playstation 5
Windows
Xbox One
Xbox Series X|S
PlayStation
Xbox
Reviews
- Shadow Gangs successfully replicates the look and feel of classic 80's arcade games, offering tight controls and satisfying combat mechanics.
- The game features a variety of level designs and enemy types, providing unique challenges that keep gameplay engaging and prevent repetition.
- Many players appreciate the nostalgic experience and the effort put into the game's graphics, music, and overall presentation, making it a worthy tribute to the Shinobi series.
- Some levels suffer from poor design and visual boredom, detracting from the overall experience despite the game's potential.
- The game has clunky controls and frustrating mechanics reminiscent of older games, which may not appeal to all players, especially those unfamiliar with the genre.
- Many reviewers feel the game is overpriced for its content, suggesting it would be better received at a lower price point.
- gameplay8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 38 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
Gameplay reviews are mixed, with some players finding it clunky and disconnected from its shinobi theme, while others praise its fun mechanics and unique challenges presented by varied level layouts and enemy patterns. The game is noted for its simple yet effective mechanics that encourage skill development, reminiscent of classic arcade games. Overall, while there are criticisms regarding animation and thematic elements, many players appreciate the engaging gameplay experience.
“I mean, I got over 50 hours of gameplay out of it, got myself in the top 10 scorers on the leaderboards and then felt the need to write a detailed 5-page review, which Steam unfortunately won’t let me post because it’s too long.”
“The game mechanics are spot on and allow for precise hits.”
“The variety in level layouts and enemy attack patterns makes each level and even each enemy encounter a unique challenge, so the game never gets repetitive despite its simple mechanics.”
“In other words: the game puts forth a simple set of mechanics, and through different level and enemy permutations it tests your skill and understanding of those mechanics - just like a good arcade game should.”
- graphics7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews; while some players praise the stunning visuals that evoke a nostalgic feel reminiscent of older games, others criticize the clunky animations and overall execution. Despite the divided opinions, many agree that the graphics are a standout feature, contributing positively to the overall experience.
“Graphics are mind-blowing - I have no idea how they managed to make the game look like old games in modern resolutions.”
“The visuals speak for themselves, but I was happy to discover that the game plays just as good as it looks; controls are tight and the combat feels really satisfying.”
“Clunky combat, too difficult, clumsy graphics, but at least the sound and OST are good.”
“The only thing modern about this is the graphics.”
“Graphics -”
- music7 mentions
- 71 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 29 % negative mentions
The music in the game receives positive feedback, with many users praising its quality and enjoyment, describing it as "amazing" and "oldschool." While some critiques focus on gameplay and graphics, the soundtrack stands out as a highlight, enhancing the overall experience.
“Clunky combat, too difficult, clumsy graphics but at least the sound and OST are good.”
“Love the graphics and characters and really enjoy the music while playing.”
“The music is amazing and never gets boring.”
“The music feels outdated, relying heavily on old-school wavetable MIDI synthesis.”
“The music and sound effects lack variety and fail to enhance the overall experience.”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is significantly undermined by stiff animations, clunky controls, and frustrating hit detection that can freeze characters, leading to repeated damage. Additionally, the limited lives and relentless respawning of enemies contribute to a frustrating gameplay experience.
“Everything else, from the stiff animation and clunky controls to the annoying hit traps where one hit freezes your character, causing you to likely get hit again, along with the limited lives, deadly pits you have to jump over, and the endless, repetitive cycle of enemies that keep respawning, hurts the game overall.”
- story1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 100 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The story aspect is enhanced by a user-friendly easy difficulty setting that offers extra health and lives, making it more accessible for players to progress through the game. Additionally, the mission select feature allows players to start from later levels, further easing the journey to the conclusion.
