Cyber Shadow Review
Release date: Jan 26th, 2021
Developer: Mechanical Head Games
Publisher: Yacht Head Games
Platforms: Xbox One (Reviewed), PS4, PS5, Switch, and PC
Price: $19.99
Cyber Shadow may be the 8-bit platformer fans have been looking forward to for years. This game is a reminder of 8-bit classics such as Ninja Gaiden. Cyber Shadow and features excellent combat with continued evolution as the game progresses.
While Yacht Club published this game, it was Mechanical Head that developed Cyber Shadow. As the game progresses, the upgrades players receive continue to challenge gamers in new and different ways. The story is pretty basic, players wake up as a cyber ninja who's city has been overrun by evil machines. Not too much here but plenty to work with.
Players start with the basics, they have a sword and they can jump. Most of the puzzles are quick and easy. There is a decent checkpoint system and you never run out of lives. Early on players are mastering the mechanics, when to jump, timing attacks and doges, while watching bosses' patterns and learning what kills them fastest. Checkpoints let gamers restore their health and buy upgrades. Eventually gamers can double jump, dash slash and play with some fun items.
Game clocks in between 5-7 hours, depending how much people want to do. The game isn’t a complete metroidvania. Players can backtrack some but it's mostly to boost their score and collect a few items. The game does keep track of how many times you die and I mostly died in the boss fights. They all have a pattern and gamers will have to be patient.
I wish there was a wall jump or wall climb. Mechanical Head has done a great job of capturing the idea behind an old school 8-bit platformer/adventure game. It feels right and controls like something in the past. The graphics, mechanics, and the music all mesh well. I only wish it was longer and the story was more flushed out. If you like Shovel Knight, then you should feel right at home with this game and at $20 it's hard to say no.
Thanks to the publisher for letting us review it
Final Score
Pros:
Great music and action
Fun theme and concept
Not too long, prefect for the price
Cons:
You die a lot
Could be longer
Controls could be tighter