9 Years of Shadows

 PC
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 15 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 8 out of 15
  2. Mixed: 7 out of 15
  3. Negative: 0 out of 15
  1. GameOver.gr
    Apr 8, 2023
    70
    9 Years of Shadows is a typical metroidvania which still manages to draw attention thanks to its interesting design and the somewhat eccentric elements of its world building.
  2. GLHF on Sports Illustrated
    Mar 31, 2023
    70
    9 Years of Shadows can be frustrating in places, but if you’re looking for a 2D Metroidvania with solid combat, enjoyable platforming, and beautiful world design, it ticks all of those boxes.
  3. Multiplayer.it
    Apr 20, 2023
    65
    9 Years of Shadow is not a true metroidvania and should not be approached as such. It is a scrolling action game that is linear most of the time and does not have much content, as you can get 100% in less than ten hours. The combo system is very simple, with few moves available, and attacks from a distance are far too powerful. If you are a fan of the genre you might give it a chance, as soon as you find it in a price range you think is appropriate, but don't expect it to be your new benchmark in terms of quality.
  5. GameGrin
    Apr 3, 2023
    65
    9 Years of Shadows is a great game that fans of Metroidvanias will definitely love; it’s just the problems with the game crashing and freezing that make me have to score the game lower than it really deserves.
  6. IGN Italia
    Apr 12, 2023
    63
    9 Years of Shadows clearly shows that Halberd Studios' underlying ideas are good, but their development hasn't been flawless. Despite a particularly lively background imagery, which mixes different influences in an interesting way, staged with considerable care in the graphics department, this short adventure fails to exploit its full potential.
  7. PC Invasion
    Mar 27, 2023
    60
    It's pretty and it plays well, but this is a short, underwhelming Metroidvania with no exploration and uninteresting level design.
  8. Hey Poor Player
    Mar 27, 2023
    60
    I can’t pretend the glitches I encountered in 9 Years of Shadows weren’t frustrating, especially as a backer. I can only hope that Halberd Studios and Freedom Games take my complaints to heart and does everything they can to patch these problems as quickly as possible. Because underneath all the glitches, there’s a truly fantastic adventure, and one I still really enjoyed. If you’re a fan of Metroidvanias, definitely put this one on your wishlist. Just maybe wait on pulling the trigger until the developers have had a chance to make some necessary fixes.

Awards & Rankings

49
#49 Most Discussed PC Game of 2023

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 31 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 22 out of 31
  2. Mixed: 4 out of 31
  3. Negative: 5 out of 31
  1. Damien29
    Apr 2, 2023
    9
    Astonishing aesthetic, the colors on the pixel art are just jaw dropping. Besides this… the game play is dynamic with a fun interaction withAstonishing aesthetic, the colors on the pixel art are just jaw dropping. Besides this… the game play is dynamic with a fun interaction with the armors and a lovely bear. What about the music? Man… THE MUSIC! Just give it a try and you won’t stop hearing that soundtrack! “9 Years of Shadows” is the new kid on the block on metroidvanias… and it will stay as fan favorites, no doubt.… Full Review »
  2. BabyDontHurtMe
    Mar 31, 2023
    9
    This game is the perfect example of good harmony between video game elements. I like that the game makes sense to me. Beautiful art,This game is the perfect example of good harmony between video game elements. I like that the game makes sense to me. Beautiful art, animations, and gameplay.… Full Review »
  3. dreamcinnammon
    Mar 30, 2023
    10
    9 Years of Shadows is one of the best sweet metroidvanias I have played in a while. The feeling of this game is like playing Metroid Fusion9 Years of Shadows is one of the best sweet metroidvanias I have played in a while. The feeling of this game is like playing Metroid Fusion back in the day. The game is clustered in key areas and the level design guides the player towards the next goal without making the player feel lost or too much straightforward.
    While the combat is a bit simple, it's a highlight of the game because you can combine the combos and it allows the same cancels as any Castlevania game. With the cancels, you can make infinte combos to any boss making a TON of damage, leading to satisfying moments when you connect them well.

    In addition to the gameplay, the game looks phenomenal, even comparing with others like Blasphemous. The soundtrack shows that was made by Michiru Yamane and Norihiko Hibino.
    The only problem I think this game has is that is a little too short... but overall, 9 Years of Shadows was one of the best surprises the player had in quite a while.    … Full Review »
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