Cyber Shadow Reviews
Shovel Knight was an example of an indie platformer that did hold up its end of the deal on both ends and that comparison doesn’t work in Cyber Shadow’s favor. Its boss fights and soundtrack can compete with other modern indie greats, but the rest of its gameplay inherits many of the antiquated parts that have been stripped out in other thoughtful throwbacks. This dichotomy makes Cyber Shadow a lot like its protagonist as it is made up of parts both old and new. But unlike Shadow, Cyber Shadow is made up of obsolete pieces, resulting in a rusty, defective cyber ninja that’s stuck in the wrong time period.
The game hits the mark on the looks of a retro side-scrolling ninja game of the past. My wish however is better puzzle play and in-game mechanics.
Cyber Shadow is an attempt for lightning to strike twice with Yacht Club and while the presentation and music are absolutely brilliant its missed some of the best aspects that made Shovel Knight work, like the combat, story and characters which really kept the world structure together.
A love letter to retro games that know how to add its own personal touches to an otherwise well-known formula.
Review in Spanish | Read full review
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.
While Cyber Shadow is fundamentally a solid game, it does go to show that some robot ninjas aren’t built as well as others.
In the end, the positives are strong enough to make Cyber Shadow a fun adventure for indie platformers fans, NES Ninja Gaiden fans, or even gamers who just like tons of challenging boss fights.
Cyber Shadow's swift, skillful gameplay and memorable boss fights are dragged down somewhat by some frustrating platforming.
Cyber Shadow is not the best retro-infused indie platformer starring a ninja I’ve played in recent memory, but it’s still well worth your time. It’s occasionally unfair and frustrating, but once you reach a boss battle or a better designed level, you’ll be greeted with a surprisingly rewarding action experience with great visuals and soundtrack.
Cyber Shadow is definitely a genuine old-school experience which mostly works in its favour although it can be a frustrating test of patience at times. No matter which way you slice it, if you enjoy old-school 2D action games, playing Cyber Shadow is a must.
Great blast from the 80s that needs a minor tweaking of its difficulty levels to avoid frustration.
Review in Slovak | Read full review
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 bit disjointed at times, but right when it's chugging, it begins to crescendo and pick back up again. Despite the modern design concessions (which are within reason and don't betray the core of the game) it's not going to appeal to everyone, and that's OK. Even with a few misgivings, I'm anxious to see this world explored again with the power of hindsight.
Equal parts fun and infuriating, Cyber Shadow isn't for the weak of heart
Cyber Shadow isn't the peak of the genre, but it's a shuriken's throw away.
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
A near perfect slice of throwback nostalgia pie served up ninja style
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.
This is a finely made game, to be sure, and is fun to play and control. It’s just that until the end it’s a lot of what I’ve played before. It may not be reinventing the wheel, but Cyber Shadow still makes a damn fine one. If you want a definitive example of 8-bit action, look no further.
Yacht Club and Mechanical Head have clearly made a title for acquired tastes, specifically the masochistic kind, but they at least had the decency to be generous with its continue system and new-age game design nuances like refillable energy for your skills.