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Shadows and Dust

47%Game Brain Score
story, gameplay
80% User Score Based on 10 reviews

Platforms

PCPCWindowsWindows

About

A ghost story. "In that sleep of death what dreams may come." A dim view. A dark room. Someone else is here. Shadows and Dust is a narrative game about regret. It combines short sections of first person exploration with text-based scenes of interactive dialogue. Some choices can't be taken back. Shadows and Dust is a deeply personal experience based on the author's own nightmares. C…

Shadows and Dust screenshot
Shadows and Dust screenshot
Shadows and Dust screenshot
Shadows and Dust screenshot

80%
Audience ScoreBased on 10 reviews
graphics2 negative mentions

  • The game effectively captures the feelings of anxiety, depression, and the impact of suicide on individuals and their families.
  • The hybrid gameplay of visual novel and first-person elements provides a unique storytelling experience.
  • Despite its dark themes, the game is well-executed and offers a raw, emotional journey that resonates with players who can relate to its subject matter.
  • The visuals and audio quality are subpar, with some elements resembling low-quality graphics and annoying sound effects.
  • Gameplay can feel repetitive and lacks meaningful choices, as dialogue options do not lead to different outcomes.
  • The game may be too dark and triggering for players who are sensitive to themes of depression and suicide, making it unsuitable for some audiences.
  • story
    5 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The story revolves around a father's profound grief following the death of his son on his second birthday, exploring themes of depression, regret, and loss. While the narrative offers a compelling concept, it tends to funnel into a singular outcome, making repeated playthroughs feel somewhat monotonous and vague. The emotional depth is heightened through interactions with the dream child and the environment, but the limited gameplay may detract from the overall experience.

    • “It tells the heartbreaking story of a father mourning the loss of his son, who passed away on his second birthday.”
    • “As the story progresses, and you engage more with the dream child and the room, the fear becomes increasingly rooted in a sense of regret and loss.”
    • “There really is not much gameplay, but the story focuses on a depressed character who struggles with the aftermath of their son's death on his second birthday.”
    • “It tells the depressing story of a father whose son perished on his second birthday.”
    • “There really is not much gameplay, but more story interaction about a depressed character who committed suicide on their son's two-year-old birthday.”
    • “Great idea and concept, but it can seem boring or vague when playing the game for the second time, trying to understand the story.”
  • gameplay
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The gameplay of '[i]shadows and dust[/i]' features a blend of visual novel and first-person exploration elements, centering on interactive conversations with a dream child and the ability to freely navigate your room.

    • “The gameplay features two distinct styles: a visual novel sequence and a first-person sequence.”
    • “The gameplay centers around engaging conversations with a dream child who visits you every second of his birthday, as well as exploring your room where you have the freedom to move.”
    • “The gameplay is focused on having conversations with a dream child, who visits you every second of his birthday, and with your room, where you are free to move.”
    • “'Shadows and Dust' has two types of gameplay: a visual novel sequence and a first-person sequence.”
  • graphics
    3 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The graphics have received mixed feedback, with some users feeling that while there are aesthetic features like toggleable light switches, the overall visual quality could have been improved to enhance the gaming experience.

    • “Overall, I feel as if the visuals could have been done better justice.”
    • “Other than that, you can toggle the light switch, but this appears to be aesthetic and serves no purpose for the overall game.”
  • music
    1 mentions Positive Neutral Negative

    The music and ambience are effectively creepy, but they largely consist of familiar sounds commonly found in other B-horror games, lacking originality.

    • “The music and ambience are creepy, but they feel like things I've probably already heard before in other B-horror games.”
    • “The soundtrack lacks originality and fails to create a unique atmosphere.”
    • “The music is repetitive and doesn't enhance the overall experience of the game.”

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