Shadow Uprising
- December 14, 2018
- Amber Eye Studio
"Shadow Uprising" is a single-player, post-apocalyptic stealth game designed for virtual reality systems. As a cybernetically enhanced ninja, players must overthrow an oppressive AI overlord, navigating levels with completely unrestricted mobility and using stealth and sneak attacks to outsmart guards. The game features a customizable loadout with various upgrades, allowing for both stealth-focused and combat-based approaches.
Reviews
- The game features a unique grappling hook and climbing mechanic that enhances movement and adds fun to the stealth gameplay.
- The final boss fight is highly praised, providing a satisfying and challenging experience that stands out in the VR genre.
- Despite its simplicity, the game offers enjoyable stealth mechanics and a nostalgic vibe reminiscent of classic titles, making it a fun experience overall.
- The game suffers from rudimentary AI and repetitive level design, which can make gameplay feel dull and unchallenging.
- Many players experienced issues with controls, particularly on the Valve Index, leading to frustration and inability to play effectively.
- The game is relatively short, with some players feeling that it lacks depth and variety, making it less appealing at full price.
- gameplay15 mentions
- 53 % positive mentions
- 27 % neutral mentions
- 20 % negative mentions
The gameplay is characterized by simple yet enjoyable mechanics, featuring fast-paced action intertwined with stealth elements. While some players find the level design and enemy AI lacking, the grappling hook and climbing mechanics are praised for their fun and innovative integration into the stealth gameplay. Overall, the game evokes nostalgia for older gamers while offering a modern twist on classic gameplay styles.
“Gameplay is mostly fast action guided by some stealth considerations.”
“Shadow Uprising has a very cool grappling hook and wall climbing mechanic that combines very nicely with the sneak system in the game.”
“The locations are a little repetitive, but the gaming mechanic is fresh and modern.”
“The game is very nostalgic for gamers 20 and over who grew up in the PS2 era, as the graphics and gameplay all feel quite retro.”
“I started off killing every single enemy in this game, but I found that style of gameplay to be boring as the enemy AI was just too dumb.”
- graphics8 mentions
- 38 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 38 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game evoke nostalgia for players familiar with the PS2 era, featuring a retro art style reminiscent of titles like XIII and Sly Cooper. However, many reviewers note that the visuals, particularly in the early levels, lack polish and appear designed for low-end VR systems, detracting from the overall experience. While the minimalist aesthetic and gameplay are appreciated, there is a consensus that the graphics could benefit from more attention to detail and impactful interactions.
“Shadow Uprising is a casual-friendly but still enjoyable addition to the VR stealth genre with a 'Sly Cooper 1 but cyber Japan' aesthetic and a very fun twist on movement.”
“Similarly, I'm enjoying the minimalist art style and the music/sound.”
“The game is very nostalgic for gamers 20 and over who grew up in the PS2 era, as the graphics and gameplay all feel quite retro.”
“The graphics leave a lot to be desired for the first couple of levels; they feel like they have been made for a very low-end VR PC without really thinking about the art style too much.”
“The graphics leave a lot to be desired for the first couple of levels; they feel like they have been made for a very low-end VR PC without really thinking about the art style too much.”
- story7 mentions
- 29 % positive mentions
- 29 % neutral mentions
- 43 % negative mentions
The game's story is primarily conveyed through text on the screen, which can be easily overlooked during gameplay, leading to mixed experiences among players. While some find the narrative engaging with interesting secrets to uncover, others feel it lacks depth and focus. Overall, the story is considered decent but not a central highlight of the game.
“Honestly though, with only those two minor annoyances, it's a pretty fun game. You work up a sweat because it is a bit physical, and it's an interesting story with some fun hidden secrets to find that really make the story unfold.”
“It kind of reminds me of Neon Struct in that way, though less story focused (so far, I'm about 2 hours in).”
“The main story is told via text at the bottom of the screen with no voice-over; it's very easy to miss parts of it during combat or movement.”
“It kind of reminds me of Neon Struct in that way, though less story-focused (so far, I'm about 2 hours in).”
“The story is okay; I didn't dive into the story much, but I enjoyed this game a lot.”
- music4 mentions
- 75 % positive mentions
- 25 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received positive feedback, with many praising its atmospheric quality and emotional depth, reminiscent of notable tracks from titles like Cyberpunk 2077. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as a standout feature, contributing significantly to the overall immersion and enjoyment of the game.
“The soundtrack is great as well; nice work to the producer.”
“The music and immersion are amazing.”
“I'm enjoying the minimalist art style and the music/sound.”
- emotional2 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the game's art style, gameplay, and concept, highlighting exhilarating moments like executing aerial attacks. However, some experience discomfort due to the movement mechanics, which detracts from their overall emotional engagement with the game.
- optimization2 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The game is highly optimized, with users reporting no performance issues while running at 120Hz on the Index headset.
“Performance -- zero performance issues at 120Hz on the Index.”
- atmosphere1 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of the game is praised for its strong musical elements, evoking a dramatic and immersive experience reminiscent of Cyberpunk 2077's soundtrack. Despite some disappointment with the ending, the overall ambiance contributes positively to the game's appeal.
“The ending is a little meh; however, the music and atmosphere are quite good, reminding me of the dramatic cello in Cyberpunk 2077 (the rebel path).”
- stability1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Users report that the game maintains stability without any unusual glitches, even when exceeding the standard 90Hz refresh rate from 2018.
“No bizarre glitches from running faster than the 90Hz that was standard in 2018.”