9 Years of Shadows (PS5) | REVIEW | A Visually & Aurally Captivating Adventure

Developed by Halberd Studios and published by JanduSoft, 9 Years of Shadows is a captivating Metroidvania that immerses players in a world drained of color and hope. The story follows Europa, a determined warrior who ventures into the cursed Talos Castle, the source of a malevolent force that has sapped the world’s vibrancy for nearly a decade. 

Accompanied by Apino, a magical floating teddy bear with healing abilities, Europa seeks to uncover the curse’s origins and restore life to the desolate land. The narrative, while not groundbreaking, weaves a heartfelt tale of resilience and self-discovery, with Europa’s internal struggles and Apino’s whimsical presence creating a compelling dynamic.

The Gameplay ...

The gameplay in 9 Years of Shadows is a classic Metroidvania experience, blending exploration, platforming, and combat across the sprawling, interconnected halls of Talos Castle. Players control Europa as she slashes through enemies with her halberd, gaining new abilities and elemental armors that unlock previously inaccessible areas. Apino’s projectile attacks add a layer of strategy, allowing players to target enemies or environmental objects from a distance. 

The game emphasizes progression through acquiring upgrades, solving light puzzles, and battling a variety of enemies and bosses. While the exploration is satisfying, the map can feel linear at times, and backtracking can be tedious without a robust fast-travel system.

The Mechanics ...

The game’s mechanics shine through its innovative health and shield system, tied to Apino’s magical abilities. Europa’s health is protected by a shield that depletes with damage or Apino’s attacks, requiring players to balance offense and defense. A quick-time event allows for instant shield recovery, adding a skill-based element to combat, while hugging Apino restores partial health at the cost of vulnerability. 

The elemental armor system, inspired by Greek mythology, lets Europa switch between lightning, water, earth, and fire armors to exploit enemy weaknesses or navigate environmental hazards. However, combat can feel repetitive due to limited attack variety, and some boss fights lack mechanical depth, relying on predictable patterns.

The Presentation ...

Visually, 9 Years of Shadows is an innovative indie, boasting vibrant pixel art that evokes the charm of 16-bit classics while incorporating a rich color palette that gradually returns as players progress. The anime-style cutscenes and detailed character portraits enhance the storytelling, creating a striking contrast to the initially monochromatic world. 

The soundtrack, featuring contributions from renowned composers Michiru Yamane and Norihiko Hibino, is a highlight, blending orchestral pieces with soothing 432 Hz tunes that tie into the game’s healing theme. The music not only elevates the atmosphere but also integrates into gameplay, with musical notes collected to upgrade health or abilities, reinforcing the game’s artistic identity.

The Verdict ...

9 Years of Shadows is a solid Metroidvania that excels in presentation but stumbles in execution at times. Its stunning pixel art and exceptional soundtrack create an immersive experience, while the innovative shield and armor mechanics add freshness to the genre. However, repetitive combat, and linear exploration hold it back from greatness. 

Replay value is limited due to the lack of New Game+ or boss rush modes, and the short 5-7 hour runtime may not satisfy players seeking deeper content. At $19.99, it’s a fair price for fans of the genre who value style and atmosphere, but those prioritizing complex gameplay or extensive replayability might want to wait for a sale. Overall, it’s a visually and aurally captivating adventure that’s worth experiencing for its unique ideas and heartfelt narrative.