9 Years of Shadows

Halberd Studios has crafted a Metroidvania with a really encouraging number of unique elements. We have no issue in declaring it A Good Game™ and a great time thanks to its careful crafting and implementation of a number of original ideas that elevate the gameplay, rather than stifle it. It is just another Metroidvania at heart, yes, and it doesn't revolutionise the genre; but, while there are a few scrappy bits where you can see a thinning of the budget compared to works by larger studios, it holds its own as an inventive, pretty, and consistently enjoyable adventure.

9 Years of Shadow is a very intriguing production with an excellent, old-school audiovisual style. However, it is definitely a title aimed at fans of metroidvanias, who should consider it a must-play. Other players may complain about the high difficulty level, formulaic structure, and repetitive gameplay. Nevertheless, the developers have delivered a technically solid and polished game that is undoubtedly worth attention. Play it if only for the soundtrack alone, which is truly outstanding.

9 years of shadows is a visually stunning game with amazing pixel art and a great soundtrack that employs some unique gameplay ideas, but their execution leaves a lot to be desired and the game remains more of a "what could've been".

9 Years of Shadows is a love letter to the 90s, amalgamating classics such as Metroid, Zelda, Castlevania, Altered Beast – the list goes on and on. But never once does it feel as though it is plagiarising these games, rather paying homage and rejuvenating their ideas for a modern audience.

9 Years of Shadows has some great ideas, but the health system is one that, while original, is flawed and can damage the momentum and pacing needed to keep you engaged. The initial wave of combat is impressive, but the game runs out of ideas to flesh out its combat systems to feel like you are progressing in your capabilities. That said, its strong visuals and boss designs are impressive, and do a lot of heavy lifting to a game that would otherwise be forgettable.

With beautiful visual presentation and exemplary pixel art, 9 Years of Shadows doesn't quite achieve the same level of refinement in its gameplay and story. Some boss fights are truly fun and challenging, but the rest falls into the realm of average quality. This is a game I would recommend to anyone looking to indulge in the aesthetic beauty of sophisticated pixel art, as that's where it truly excels.

9 Years of Shadows is a beatiful game that shines with its atmosphere, but it is held back by some lacking combat, shallow exploration, and tiring backtracking. Still, there is a solid experience here for those willing to look past the flaws.

9 Years of Shadows is a solid 2D action-adventure title that is very pretty to look at, and could be recommendable to those who don't focus on combat.

9 Years of Shadows is a challenging and old-school Metroidvania that never ceases to impress with its varied gameplay and striking world. 🌳

9 Years of Shadows is a beautiful game with interesting mechanics. It’s filled with great intentions and ideas that were never fully realized. However, even with its glitches, confusingly long load time, and input lag, it was an enjoyable experience, albeit a sometimes frustrating one.