Cyber Shadow Reviews
Just as Shovel Knight, the other game published by Yacht Club Games, Cyber Shadow is a true homage to classic NES games, in particular to the Ninja Gaiden trilogy. It has all the elements that we remember fondly from those years, such as a retro sound and looks, but it complements them with modern gameplay mechanics. If we take off some of its visual effects and its resolution, I do see myself playing it in a classic 8-bit console. You only need the directional pad and two buttons to play it.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
As Yacht Club Games’s first non-Shovel Knight IP, and as a work of individual love and passion developed over many, many years, there has been a ton of hype around Cyber Shadow among lovers of indie platformers. Cyber Shadow does not disappoint. While its simplicity compared to another recent Ninja Gaiden-inspired game may leave you wanting a tad more, the game as it is is challenging, creative, and absolutely a blast to play.
Seamlessly blending the feeling of an NES platformer with a surprisingly engaging story helps Cyber Shadow cement its place as one of the best retro-inspired titles on the market. Cyber Shadow is the newest title developed by Mechanical Head Studios and published by Yacht Club Games.
(One last note for Nintendo Switch players: Cyber Shadow actually plays best with Joy-Con, not the Pro Controller. The control pad on the Pro Controller sometimes incorrectly registers "forward" inputs as "down" inputs, which makes parries and dashing frustratingly more difficult.)
Cyber Shadow isn't as exceptional as Shovel Knight, but it's a darn good attempt at making a Ninja Gaiden game. In many ways, I had more fun with it than I did with The Messenger, and it feels both modern and nostalgic. It's mostly held back by a few frustrating design decisions and a forgettable cast and story. If you like NES-hard games but dislike NES-frustrating difficulty, then Cyber Shadow will hit the mark for you.
Tough, beautiful retro games might seem like they’re everywhere these days. You might be losing track of them all in the midst of this recent deluge. I promise Cyber Shadow is one of the good ones. A delicate balance is struck between challenge and accessibility, leaving you bloodied and eager for more. The art and the music is among the best you’ll see all year long. Finally, the mechanical guts of this game are perfectly tuned. While some players will be rebuked by certain NES-era sensibilities (like the knockback effect), the overall experience is practically sublime. If you’re looking for a Ninja Gaiden send-up that’s been dragged into the 21st century, look no further than Cyber Shadow.
Cyber Shadow isn't the peak of the genre, but it's a shuriken's throw away.
Cyber Shadow is the exciting product of melding memorable NES classics such as Mega Man and Ninja Gaiden. It's difficult and frustrating at times, but the stylish 8-bit look, bopping soundtrack and enjoyable gameplay result in a quality action-platformer.
Cyber Shadow is a good return to the past, with strong and very fluid gameplay elements that keeps us constantly moving.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
A love letter to the NES era of platformers, Cyber Shadow scratches the retro itch just right. With some amazing gameplay elements and a killer presentation, this is an adventure you need in your life right now.
Cyber Shadow's swift, skillful gameplay and memorable boss fights are dragged down somewhat by some frustrating platforming.
A near perfect slice of throwback nostalgia pie served up ninja style
Cyber Shadow is a challenging ninja game that features unlimited lives, tons of checkpoints and no game overs to deal with. Has a great 8-bit visual style and soundtrack that will please any retro game lover!
Cyber Shadow is the quintessential 2D retro-style ninja platformer. Aarne Hunziker has absolutely outdone himself with this title in every sense of the word. I genuinely don’t have anything negative to say about it, and even the one thing I did have a slight problem with I wouldn’t change (that being checkpoint frequency). The difficulty can feel frustrating at times, but it is in no way insurmountable, and honestly just gives it more of a retro vibe. Cyber Shadow excels in every way through its beautiful presentation, a soundtrack that slaps harder with each new song, a touching story, and absolutely thrilling gameplay. This is an absolute must play for any fans of 2D platformers.
It doesn’t make excuses, nor does it hold your hand. It preserves the sanctity of gamers who appreciate the challenge granted to them in the title’s mentioned at the beginning of this review. Cyber Shadow is certainly worthwhile, if you’re prepared to get your butt handed to you.
Cyber Shadow‘s level design is so good that you’d be forgiven for thinking Yacht Club both developed and published the title. The game is superbly paced, ripe for multiple replays, and visually polished. It won’t win over those who don’t love retro action platformers, but even casual fans of the genre will love this one.
If you crave an old school action platformer, you definitely should try Cyber Shadow. This game is a nostalgic trip with great boss fights and amazing music.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Cyber Shadow isn’t merely a nostalgia inducing adventure, but a triumph of modern game design. It’s demanding, it’s challenging, and despite a few exaggerated difficulty spikes, it grabs us with its rewarding easy to understand but hard to master gameplay. It’s a visual and auditory delight from beginning until end, and a game to which we will keep coming back in the future. Cyber Shadow is a game of undeniable quality, and one of this year’s first mandatory experiences.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
There is not a single original idea in Cyber Shadow, but it's a great game created with love for the classics like Ninja Gaiden.
Review in Russian | Read full review
Cyber Shadow is not only a great homage to times gone, but also a quite enjoyable game in itself. What lacks in originality it compensated by great controls and a spot-on level design.
Review in Italian | Read full review