Exploring the Depths of 9 Years of Shadows: A Comprehensive Switch eShop Review

Exploring the Depths of 9 Years of Shadows: A Comprehensive Switch eShop Review

2023-11-14 15:06:57

9 Years of Shadows on Switch eShop: An In-Depth Review

The world of Metroidvania games has transformed from a niche genre to a heavily indulged one, with regular releases for fans to devour. 9 Years of Shadows, developed by Halberd Studios of Mexico, introduces players to Europa, a heroine unaffected by a plague that has drained color from her universe. Stepping into an ominous castle, she undertakes a daring quest to eradicate the source of evil.

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Europa's World in Greyscale
Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)

Europa's journey in 9 Years of Shadows is not the common Metroidvania narrative of starting powerful and then being stripped of abilities. Instead, she begins with just the basics, gradually gaining new armor, allies, and movesets that allow her to delve deeper into the game's intricately connected world. The layout, enriched by its Mexican developmental roots, presents a blend of dark fantasy, sprawling caverns, and mystical landscapes that distinctly contrast with other titles in the genre.

Europa isn't alone in her venture; she’s soon accompanied by Apino, a teddy with a twist, offering both an endearing presence and a tactical edge in combat. Slash and shoot gameplay rhythms are accented as Apino helps in dismantling enemies' defenses and navigating environment-specific challenges.

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The title stands out with its unique approach to health and healing mechanics. Receiving heavy hits could spell near demise, but players can recover swiftly by landing successful attacks or calling upon Apino's comforting hug. With risks come rewards, as well as specialized abilities that further enhance the player's survivability in tight situations.

The game's design smartly eschews level grinding in favor of a more streamlined power-up journey. Players focus instead on acquiring meaningful upgrades to Europa's armor, skills, and weaponry, which satisfyingly propels the character through her quest and enhances the combat experience.

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Europa's Armor Transformation
Captured on Nintendo Switch (Handheld/Undocked)

Europa's ability to navigate diverse environments is intrinsically linked to her armor, which not only changes her aesthetic but also her combat proficiency. The game cleverly automates armor transitions when encountering new terrains, such as instantly equipping the Poseidon armor upon touching water. This seamless mechanic enriches gameplay by allowing for uninterrupted exploration and shifting strategies.

9 Years of Shadows presents an expansive and compelling Metroidvania experience, though it's not without its artistic imperfections. While some animations may lack fluidity or feel static, the game's environmental diversity and gameplay depth largely mitigate these concerns. The strategic challenge mainly resides in its well-crafted boss battles, demanding a well-timed use of the protagonist's arsenal.

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The soundscape of the game, composed by Michiru Yamane, offers a soothing, jazz-lounge ambiance that complements the visual experience—though it may lack memorable standout scores. Yamane, renowned for work on classics such as Symphony of the Night, even graces the game as an NPC.

Despite its many strengths, some players may take issue with sporadic frame rate hiccups, noticeable even when the Switch is docked. While not game-breaking, these technical issues are puzzling and detract slightly from what is otherwise an immersive gameplay experience.

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Detailed Game Environments
Captured on Nintendo Switch (Docked)

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