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. Gamer Escape
    Mar 27, 2023
    90
    If any part of 9 Years of Shadows looks appealing to you, you owe it to yourself to pick it up. This is an amazing game made by a heretofore unknown team, and I can only hope that Halberd Studios has plans for a follow-up. They deserve to be showered in praise, and this game deserves your time and attention.
  2. NPR
    Apr 21, 2023
    85
    9 Years of Shadows is an approachable pickup for anyone interested in a light and charming metroidvania. If you want some colorful and thoughtful action in your life, this one's for you.
  3. Softpedia
    Apr 4, 2023
    85
    Nine Years of Shadows is a good Metroidvania with an impressive presentation and intriguing world. Gameplay mechanics will be instantly familiar to any genre fans and easy to understand for newcomers. There aren’t too many surprises in the narrative but it is imbued with a sense of optimism that kept me engaged. I wanted more variety for combat encounters and a smoother difficulty curve for the bosses. The game also has a weird tendency to put its save rooms just outside of the way enough that it’s easy to forget about them and lose progress. But otherwise, Nine Years of Shadows execute a good idea well and its look allows it to distinguish itself from competitors.
  5. KeenGamer
    Mar 27, 2023
    85
    9 Years of Shadows will draw you in with masterful pixel art and irresistible music, then keep you hooked with its glorious halberdy action and overall strength of character. Despite some overly forgiving map design and limited replay value, this is a Metroidvania you might just fall in love with. An ideal entry point for newcomers to the genre, a must-play for long-time fans.
  6. Shindig
    Apr 14, 2023
    80
    Those technical troubles aside, 9 Years of Shadows is a marvelous adventure. It’s a more intimate take on the metroidvania formula, but what it lacks in scale it more than makes up for in clever design and synergy between its moving parts. The sheer beauty of the game and the world it asks you to explore don’t hurt, either.
  7. Movies Games and Tech
    Apr 10, 2023
    80
    An enjoyable, entry level metroidvania. It looks, sounds and plays great even if it is a little on the short side.
  8. LevelUp
    Mar 27, 2023
    80
    9 Years of Shadows may not shake up the world of indie games, but it comes as a metroidvania with quality, personality and a lot of good ideas. Recommended for fans of the genre.
  9. Noisy Pixel
    Mar 27, 2023
    75
    Hopefully, post-launch patches will arrive to remedy this experience to its best possible iteration because it deserves it. Underneath it all, 9 years of Shadows is a fantastic time assumedly hampered by developmental circumstances.

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 »
See all user reviews »