Shadowcrypt

57%
Game Brain Score Based on 54 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • music
Shadowcrypt Game Cover
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Shadowcrypt is a challenging arcade game of strategic sword & shield combat. Quick reflexes, timing, and keen observation of enemies are key to survive the deadly catacomb! You play as a hero who is the last of an ancient order sworn to battle corrupted sorcerers. Pick up weapon upgrades along the way, find the Necromancer and defeat his horde of undead warriors through a series of labyrinthine ro…

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Reviews

57%
Audience ScoreBased on 54 reviews
gameplay5 positive mentions
replayability3 negative mentions
  • The game features nice animations and designs reminiscent of classic platformers, providing a nostalgic feel.
  • Combat mechanics are simple yet rewarding, requiring players to learn enemy patterns and timing for success.
  • The game offers a challenge that can be enjoyable for players who appreciate mastery over mechanics and are looking for a short, focused experience.
  • The game is very short and linear, with limited content that can lead to a feeling of redundancy after a short playtime.
  • Controls can be unresponsive and frustrating, especially when dying results in losing all collected gear, making retries tedious.
  • Backtracking through repetitive environments and a lack of variety in enemies and weapons detracts from the overall experience.
  • gameplay24 mentions

    The gameplay is characterized by solid combat mechanics and appealing animations, but it suffers from a lack of content and depth, making it a short experience that can be completed in about 30 minutes. While the mechanics are simple and emphasize mastery, they lack variety and innovation, leading to a monotonous experience without replay value or engaging level design. Overall, the game presents a unique vision but falls short in delivering a rich and diverse gameplay experience.

    • “Good combat mechanics but very little content.”
    • “I like the graphics and the gameplay.”
    • “Gameplay: combat is quite simple, but overall extremely challenging.”
    • “It's a very short game and can be beaten within 30 minutes if you excel within the gameplay.”
    • “Unresponsive controls with precise timing gameplay.”
    • “There is no random generation, there are no alternate routes, there are no interesting environments, there are no pacing mechanics.”
  • graphics6 mentions

    The graphics are generally well-received, with many praising the cool 8-bit style and appealing visuals. However, some users feel that while the animations are decent, the overall potential of the graphics could have been better realized, and the lack of customizable settings is noted.

    • “I like the graphics and the gameplay.”
    • “Cool 8-bit graphics.”
    • “Visuals: awesome.”
    • “There are no graphics settings available.”
    • “The graphics are serviceable, with decent animations, but they lack depth and detail.”
  • music5 mentions

    The music in the game is generally well-received, with early tracks fitting the dungeon atmosphere and later compositions being described as excellent. However, some players find the music and sound design to be lackluster and repetitive, which can detract from the overall experience. Overall, while the music contributes positively to the mood and immersion, its effectiveness varies throughout the game.

    • “The music is good enough for a dungeon, but becomes excellent later in the game.”
    • “I appreciated the mood, the music, the excellent character animation, the sound of the dungeon doors opening and closing, and especially the challenge.”
    • “Good: animation, sounds, music, combat mechanics, atmosphere.”
    • “The repetitive environment dulls the entire experience, not to mention the lackluster music and sound design.”
    • “The music is forgettable and fails to enhance the gameplay.”
    • “The soundtrack feels generic and does not match the game's atmosphere.”
  • replayability4 mentions

    The game's replayability is primarily driven by its challenging achievements, appealing to players who enjoy mastering mechanics. However, many users feel that the short duration of around 30 minutes limits overall replay value, as the experience can become monotonous quickly. While some appreciate the retro feel and straightforward design, the lack of diverse features may deter repeated playthroughs for others.

    • “Shadowcrypt feels very retro in all the best ways: simple controls, a manual with valuable game knowledge, no long tutorial, and the best part: its replay value comes from not the length of the game or a plethora of features and modes, but the sheer challenge of finishing the game (and getting achievements).”
    • “There are a lot of achievements that can add some replayability for some players, but the thing is the game becomes boring in 30 minutes and I don't see a reason to run it many times.”
    • “You won't get much replay value out of it -- it's a short, ~30 minute game that emphasizes mastery over the mechanics.”
    • “It's challenging and has replay value because of the hard achievements.”
  • atmosphere3 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is highly praised for its engaging animation, sound design, and music, contributing to a fun and immersive experience. Players find it atmospheric and challenging, drawing favorable comparisons to the ambiance of Dark Souls, particularly in how it enhances the rewarding combat mechanics.

    • “The game has great atmosphere, and the combat is quite rewarding, in a similar way to Dark Souls.”
    • “Fun game, atmospheric and challenging.”
    • “Good animation, sounds, music, combat mechanics, and atmosphere.”
  • story2 mentions

    The game's story is criticized for its absence, with players noting a lack of overarching narrative and engaging lore. Many feel that the experience suffers from repetitive gameplay and missed opportunities for character development and meaningful choices. Overall, the story aspect is seen as a significant weakness that detracts from the potential depth of the game.

    • “The story is rich and immersive, drawing players into a world filled with intriguing lore and complex characters.”
    • “The narrative is beautifully crafted, with each decision feeling impactful and leading to unique outcomes.”
    • “The game features a diverse cast of NPCs that enhance the storytelling experience, making every interaction feel meaningful.”
    • “This is a husk of a game that could have thrived from an overarching story bound into the lore, a diverse cast of NPCs, rewarding decision-making, innovative fighting mechanics that leave no room for monotony, and challenging boss battles.”
    • “It's a hard game with no story, and their idea of dungeon crawling is just backtracking.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Reviews indicate that the grinding aspect of the game is seen as both a challenge and a potential drawback; while some appreciate its retro and moody qualities, others find it tedious and a waste of potential.

    • “Instead of what I can only describe as a tedious waste of potential.”
    • “It's grindy, it's retro, it's moody, it's a real challenge.”
  • humor1 mentions

    Players generally find the game to be humorous, highlighting its comedic elements as a standout feature.

    • “It's a hilarious game that keeps you laughing throughout.”
    • “The humor is spot-on and adds a delightful twist to the gameplay.”
    • “I love how the game incorporates witty jokes and funny scenarios.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
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Negative mentions (%)Negative

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