Shadowkin
- February 23, 2024
- The Fox Knocks
Get on Steam"Shadowkin" is a local multi-player action game that allows 2 players to play together in co-op mode via Steam RemotePlay. Players control minions of the Dark Lord, working together to conquer worlds and annihilate enemies using a variety of abilities. The game features masterful mechanics, with each character able to build and synergize their abilities differently, making for a unique and challenging experience.
PC
Windows
Reviews
- The unique twin character mechanic adds depth to gameplay, allowing for interesting build strategies and cooperative play.
- The game features a multi-zone run structure that keeps gameplay fresh and engaging, differing from typical bullet heaven games.
- The art style and music are well-received, contributing to an enjoyable atmosphere during gameplay.
- The game suffers from significant bugs in multiplayer mode, including issues with audio and character abilities, which the developers have not addressed.
- There is a lack of content and variety, with many players feeling that runs become repetitive and the skill tree options are uninspiring.
- Visibility issues during combat can lead to frustrating experiences, as players struggle to see their characters and avoid attacks amidst chaotic visuals.
- gameplay22 mentions
- 64 % positive mentions
- 23 % neutral mentions
- 14 % negative mentions
The gameplay is praised for its innovative ally character mechanic, which enhances variety and strategy during runs, alongside changing room layouts and unique enemy attacks. While the game offers great build variety and fun abilities, some players find the lack of healing mechanics leads to a constant struggle against damage. Overall, the gameplay is considered solid, though some minor issues may affect the overall recommendation.
“I am pleasantly surprised how well the twin characters concept functions in the gameplay.”
“Great build variety, fun abilities, and decently challenging gameplay!”
“There is little to no healing mechanics you can utilize, which for me makes the game feel like a constant fight to avoid chip damage.”
“The first is the presence of your ally character, a mechanic I've not yet seen executed in the genre.”
“This is a massive boon for the game, as it keeps runs much fresher: not only do the changing backgrounds keep things interesting from a visual perspective, but they also keep the gameplay fresh, as room layouts will change how you approach hordes, and zone-specific elite enemies have unique attacks to avoid.”
- graphics12 mentions
- 33 % positive mentions
- 42 % neutral mentions
- 25 % negative mentions
The graphics are generally praised for their pleasing art style, which remains clear even during intense action sequences. However, some users noted that certain fonts clash with the overall aesthetic. Overall, the visuals are considered a strong point of the game, especially given its modest price.
“The art style is overall pretty good.”
“Visuals: the art style is pleasing, and even with lots of abilities firing onscreen, it's not too hard to figure out what is going on.”
“Seven bucks is a really modest price for what's on offer (beyond gameplay, the visuals and especially music are pretty great), so I'd say go ahead and up the game if you're interested!”
“Some of the fonts seem a bit conflicting with the art style.”
“Somebody responded with 'disable visuals in accessibility settings'.”
“Visuals: art style is pleasing, and even with lots of abilities firing onscreen it's not too hard to figure out what is going on.”
- music6 mentions
- 67 % positive mentions
- 33 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The music in the game is highly praised for its quality and ability to enhance the overall atmosphere, featuring a dynamic soundtrack that complements the gameplay effectively. Reviewers note that it significantly contributes to the experience, making the modest price of the game even more appealing.
“The music is great and helps set the tone well.”
“Lots of skills, lots of stats, not too easy, banger dynamic soundtrack, and you can couch co-op.”
“Seven bucks is a really modest price for what's on offer (beyond gameplay, the visuals and especially music are pretty great), so I'd say go ahead and up the game if you're interested!”
- stability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game's stability is notably problematic, particularly in multiplayer mode, where players experience significant bugs such as the inability to dash after acquiring dash skills and audio issues during remote play. These persistent glitches detract from the overall gameplay experience.
“The multiplayer is buggy, where the second player will be unable to dash if they pick up any dash skills. Remote play is even more buggy, where the second player will be unable to hear any audio.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 50 % neutral mentions
- 50 % negative mentions
The game's replayability is limited due to the lack of character options, as players can only choose from two playable characters instead of the initially suggested five. This restriction may diminish the incentive for players to replay the game.
“The prologue/demo had what looked like placeholders for 5 characters to pick from, but then they were never added and only 2 characters are playable.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players find the grinding required to acquire skills excessively tedious, particularly noting that many skills are only effective when the player's health is below 25%. This design choice contributes to a frustrating experience, as it limits the utility of skills and adds to the grind.
“Getting skills is too grindy, and most of them don't work unless you're below 25% HP.”
