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Shadow Gangs

61%Game Brain Score
music, graphics
story, stability
83% User Score Based on 24 reviews

Platforms

PCXboxXbox Series X|SPlaystation 5WindowsPlayStationNintendo SwitchXbox One

About

"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!

Shadow Gangs screenshot
Shadow Gangs screenshot
Shadow Gangs screenshot
Shadow Gangs screenshot
Shadow Gangs screenshot
Shadow Gangs screenshot
Shadow Gangs screenshot
Shadow Gangs screenshot
Shadow Gangs screenshot
Shadow Gangs screenshot
Shadow Gangs screenshot

83%
Audience ScoreBased on 24 reviews
music8 positive mentions
stability1 negative mentions

  • Shadow Gangs successfully captures the nostalgic feel of classic arcade games like Shinobi, with sharp graphics and a satisfying combat system.
  • The game features a variety of levels and enemy types, providing unique challenges that keep gameplay engaging and rewarding.
  • The soundtrack is enjoyable and complements the gameplay, enhancing the overall experience for players who appreciate retro-style music.
  • The PC port suffers from significant technical issues, including screen tearing and clunky controls, making it frustrating to play.
  • Some levels are poorly designed and visually uninteresting, detracting from the overall enjoyment of the game.
  • The game is considered overpriced for its content, leading to dissatisfaction among players who feel it doesn't deliver enough value.
  • music
    13 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music in the game has received positive feedback, with many users praising its electric guitar-focused pop rock style and nostalgic 1980s soundtrack. While some reviews mention the game's shortcomings in gameplay and graphics, the soundtrack is consistently highlighted as enjoyable and fitting for the overall experience. Overall, the music enhances the gameplay, making it a standout feature despite other criticisms.

    • “Music is fine, kind of electric guitar focused pop rock.”
    • “Game offers 10 levels with 6 very challenging bosses & also a fantastic matching soundtrack.”
    • “The music is amazing and never gets boring.”
    • “The music is old school, featuring wavetable MIDI synthesis.”
    • “The game features a typical arcade music style that feels outdated.”
    • “While the graphics are wonderful, the music and sound effects leave much to be desired.”
  • graphics
    12 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics of the game have received mixed reviews, with some praising the sharp, hand-drawn visuals that evoke a nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic arcade titles, while others criticize the animation quality and clunky presentation. Overall, many players appreciate the modernized aesthetic that enhances the old-school charm, though opinions vary on how well it complements the gameplay.

    • “Graphics are mindblowing - I have no idea how they managed to make the game look like old games in modern resolutions.”
    • “A sidescroller with wonderful old school graphics and of course sounds and music.”
    • “Shadow Gangs is a classic arcade fighting game with sharp and updated graphics that are 100 times better than Streets of Rage or Double Dragon.”
    • “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 -”
  • gameplay
    10 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    Gameplay reviews are mixed, with some players finding it clunky and disconnected from the shinobi theme, while others praise its addictive nature and variety in level design and enemy patterns. The mechanics are generally regarded as simple yet effective, providing a solid challenge that tests player skill without becoming repetitive. Overall, the game has garnered appreciation for its engaging gameplay and the effort put into its development.

    • “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.”
    • “Timeless masterpieces with amazing gameplay, graphics, and sounds.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • story
    6 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story in "Shadow Gangs" is straightforward and reminiscent of classic arcade games, focusing on a hero's mission to rescue captured ninjas while navigating through levels. It features a simple, cheesy narrative complemented by nostalgic elements like boss fights and bonus items, emphasizing fun over complexity. Overall, the game prioritizes gameplay mechanics and accessibility, making it easier for players to progress through the story.

    • “One big old school picture of our hero, scrolling from down to top while the story text scrolls with the picture, guided by typical arcade music.”
    • “A time limit, (hidden) bonus items, a cheesy story, boss fights... Shadow Dancer, Shinobi, Bad Dudes vs. Dragonninja... if this rings a bell in your ears, you know what you'll get with Shadow Gangs.”
    • “Gaming fun doesn't always need to have a complex story.”
    • “Oh, I forgot to mention the story.”
    • “A cheesy story, boss fights... shadow dancer, shinobi, bad dudes vs. dragonninja... if this rings a bell in your ears, you know what you'll get with Shadow Gangs.”
    • “Gaming fun doesn’t always need to have a complex story.”
  • humor
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The humor in the game is characterized by its absurd and unexpected weapon choices, such as a character using shurikens while dressed as a jeans-wearing guy and a ninja wielding a machine gun, which adds a comedic twist to the gameplay.

    • “It's hilarious how the jeans guy uses shurikens while the ninja wields a machine gun!”
    • “The humor in this game is top-notch, with clever jokes and unexpected twists that keep you laughing.”
    • “I love the quirky character designs and the witty dialogue that adds a fun layer to the gameplay.”
  • stability
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    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 that freeze your character with one hit—leading to likely getting hit again—along with the limited lives, deadly pits you have to jump over, and the endless, repetitive cycle of respawning enemies, hurts the game overall.”

Buy Shadow Gangs

45h Median play time
40h Average play time
30-50h Spent by most gamers
*Based on 2 analyzed playthroughs

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