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Play Overview
9 Years of Shadows (2023) is a retro-looking running and jumping game about exploring dungeons and using elemental powers to take on monsters. Using different suits of armour, you swim, tunnel and float through the labyrinthine stages pausing only to fight enemies in fast-paced rhythm-based combat. It's the traversal that stands out here because switching armour on the fly lets you seamlessly move between abilities to move around the world instinctively and imaginatively.
You play Europa, a hero who sets out on a quest to destroy the evil lurking deep inside the ancient castle that's drained the world of hope and colour. As you progress through the beautiful pixelated world, you meet Apino, a magical bear spirit who can heal you and clear out the corruption. You also find four magical sets of armour that let you tame the elements (lightning, water, earth and fire) and use them to help you reach new areas. The two of you progress ever deeper into the ruins to find the source of evil and return the land to its former glory.
Gameplay consists of platforming across gaps and using the magical armour sets to get past environmental dead-ends. With the water set, you can swim with ease through the waterfalls and pools throughout the castle and its grounds. With the earth set, you can enter tunnels in the ground and castle walls. Becoming proficient with the armour's uses and quickly switching between them enables you to take on a range of obstacles and enemies. Combat is fast-paced, and many enemies' attacks are based on a rhythm you must use to your advantage, attacking and dodging at just the right time.
The result is a game that uses its four-armour abilities to encourage exploration and backtracking to find secrets. Employing and experimenting with these abilities, both in and out of the fast-paced combat, enables you to succeed in imaginative ways.
Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked 9 Years of Shadows 19 months ago. It was re-examined by Ellen Robertson and updated 3 months ago.
You play Europa, a hero who sets out on a quest to destroy the evil lurking deep inside the ancient castle that's drained the world of hope and colour. As you progress through the beautiful pixelated world, you meet Apino, a magical bear spirit who can heal you and clear out the corruption. You also find four magical sets of armour that let you tame the elements (lightning, water, earth and fire) and use them to help you reach new areas. The two of you progress ever deeper into the ruins to find the source of evil and return the land to its former glory.
Gameplay consists of platforming across gaps and using the magical armour sets to get past environmental dead-ends. With the water set, you can swim with ease through the waterfalls and pools throughout the castle and its grounds. With the earth set, you can enter tunnels in the ground and castle walls. Becoming proficient with the armour's uses and quickly switching between them enables you to take on a range of obstacles and enemies. Combat is fast-paced, and many enemies' attacks are based on a rhythm you must use to your advantage, attacking and dodging at just the right time.
The result is a game that uses its four-armour abilities to encourage exploration and backtracking to find secrets. Employing and experimenting with these abilities, both in and out of the fast-paced combat, enables you to succeed in imaginative ways.
Our examiner, Ben Kendall, first checked 9 Years of Shadows 19 months ago. It was re-examined by Ellen Robertson and updated 3 months ago.
Too complex for your family? There are lots of games similar to 9 Years of Shadows. Here are some easier younger-rated games:
Play Style
Benefits
This game is good if you want to:
Age Ratings
Skill Level
10+ year-olds usually have the required skill to enjoy this game. Some of the fights require precise timing and skill and figuring out the way forward using the different armour sets at your disposal often needs careful thought and experimentation.
Costs
9 Years of Shadows usually costs £16.75.
There are no additional in-game purchases, loot boxes, adverts or subscription costs.
9 Years of Shadows
 SALE | PC | £16.75 | £10.05 until 22/04/2024 | – |
 | Switch | - | ||
Game Details
Release Date: 27/03/2023
Price: 40% off
Out Now: PC and Switch
Skill Rating: 10+ year-olds
Players: 1
Genres: Action, Traversal (Adventure, Fighting, Platform and Rhythm)
Accessibility: 0 features documented (Tweet Developer )
Components: 2D Side-On and Pixels
Developer: Halberd Studios (@HalberdStudios)
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