Metascore
71

Mixed or average reviews - based on 31 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 15 out of 31
  2. Negative: 0 out of 31
  1. Oct 7, 2014
    90
    Despite a few rough edges, Styx: Master of Shadows deserves a place alongside Metal Gear Solid 3, Hitman: Blood Money, and Mark of the Ninja as one of the best titles the genre has to offer.
  2. Nov 6, 2014
    85
    If you’re looking for a game with good graphics and an emphasis on sneaking around in the dark and trying to achieve your aims with as little blood spilled as possible, you have your title right here.
  3. Oct 7, 2014
    85
    Styx: Master of Shadows may not come out swinging, it may not become a household name, but it doesn't have to be. Treasure always teases the eyes of those who want it, and Styx has all the makings of a potential sleeper hit.
  4. Pelit (Finland)
    Mar 18, 2015
    81
    Styx: Master of Shadows is quite good as a stealth based game. Fighting sucks, but I think that is intentional, so that stealth is the main point. [Feb 2015]
  5. Oct 28, 2014
    80
    Despite some flaws, Styx: Master of Shadows is an impressive game. There's not enough real stealth based games and this one fills this little hole perfectly. Styx is not for everyone - you need to be patient, you have to like challenges and high difficulty level. But if you're not easily irritated it will reward you for a job well done. The satisfaction is really big.
  6. Oct 18, 2014
    80
    A surprisingly fun and solid game, that loses a bit of edge in the technical department, but will still be appreciated by any stealth game fan.
  7. Oct 8, 2014
    80
    The music throughout the game is used to great effect.
  8. Oct 27, 2014
    78
    This is why Styx's greatest strength is in always providing another option when a passageway appears to be impenetrable.
  9. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Oct 25, 2014
    78
    Styx: Master of Shadows is positioned as a prequel to the barely noticed in the game world and almost useless Of Men and Orcs. It seems that developers cut off about 99% of previous content but left untouched the most essential element – creepy old goblin with a pedigree that is longer than the history of the world. After this surgery the prequel looks much better than original and if somebody will work over next Styx series with a file it will be capable to outdo restarted Thief. [Nov 2014, p.86]
  10. Oct 15, 2014
    78
    Admirably open levels that reward exploration means there’s high replay value if you’re prepared to overlook the back-tracking.
  11. Oct 15, 2014
    77
    Styx: Master of Shadows feels like a stealth game from an earlier era. Whether that is a bad thing, however, is the question. If you can look past the somewhat dated graphics, you’ll find that the basic mechanics of the game are well constructed. Also, the open level design and the fun abilities Styx has, make this title well worth the small price tag. Just make sure you remain unseen, as our goblin is certainly not a master of combat.
  12. Oct 20, 2014
    75
    A competent, well-made stealth game that can offer quite a few fun gameplay hours. Unfortunately, the transition from the RPG stylings of Of Orcs And Men to stealth caused the game to lose some of its special atmosphere and charm, mainly due to the lack of banter and dialogue between the two unlikely protagonists of the previous game. Still, if you're looking for a quality stealth game Styx: Master of Shadows is well worth the money.
  13. GamesBeat
    Oct 10, 2014
    75
    The action and the feeling of many right paths make Styx truly engrossing for hardcore stealth fans, at a bargain price. Be ready to save often and die a lot — with a smile on your face.
  14. Oct 8, 2014
    75
    The only actual problems with Styx come from the fact that it's not a big budget game. Sometimes, we can clearly feel it. But fortunately, the price tag balanced this little glitch and we can honestly say that the quality of the game is not questionable. Open world and very straightforward at the same time, Styx urges us to try different ways, to play the missions several times to discover all of its secrets.
  15. Oct 7, 2014
    75
    At its core lies a solid slow game that knows how to shine, especially with its multi-story levels, the multi-paths and Styx 'Goblin arsenal.
User Score
7.2

Mixed or average reviews- based on 336 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Negative: 57 out of 336
  1. Oct 11, 2014
    10
    Finally a revive of the stealth genre. With only little imperfections here and there it's an unforgetable ride. No nursing, lots of freedom,Finally a revive of the stealth genre. With only little imperfections here and there it's an unforgetable ride. No nursing, lots of freedom, outstanding level (or should I say - world) and sound design, solid graphics*.

    Controls:
    Smooth, precise, no automation allowing a great deal of freedom of movement. People complaining about it are usually accustomed to Assassin's Creed type of aids or plainly didn't grasp the introductory tutorial of Styx. After few hours I'm looking like a Quasimodo returning from a ballet lessons!
    Good camera movement BTW. I've never seen a serious clipping or obstruction problems with it.

    Story/world:
    Mature fantasy world with interesting, original twists. Again, mature and non-trivial!

    AI:
    A little bit short-sighted and quickly dropping the hunt for you if you manage to run away after being detected but aside from it. A solid work.

    Game mechanics:
    Like a well-selected orchestra!
    Initially I thought that some elements I've seen in the trailer are misplaced and that I won't use them. So wrong. Everything has its place and purpose and everything has its limitations, avoiding boredom and making a specific item too commonly used during gameplay. A stealthy run through a guard-crawling level on the highest difficulty level will leave you thinking you're a god :) It's all hard work, patience, planning and execution all put together.

    Good representation of Styx's limitations. A jump 15 meters down and you're a goner. It's not anime...

    Audio:
    One of the biggest selling points of the game. Apart from repetitive dialogues of the guards that is. The soundtrack should be sold separately! Well done and, as with the story and world design, a great deal of originality.

    * very well optimised! Radeon 6850 allows for perfectly smooth maxed-out gameplay at 1080p.
    Full Review »
  2. Oct 9, 2014
    9
    I am not normally a stealth game type person. I normally get bored and crave something more, the latest "Thief" game is a good example inI am not normally a stealth game type person. I normally get bored and crave something more, the latest "Thief" game is a good example in which this has happened to me. For some reason, with Styx: Master of Shadows, I can't stop playing.

    Pros: You get to be a Goblin assassin. The best kind of assassin.
    Expansive and creative level design offers a multitude of paths for your creative enjoyment.
    The controls work well and I have had no problem with "ledge detection" like other people have stated.
    Movement animations are nimble and feel right. Kill animations make you feel powerful and gritty.
    Beautiful graphics especially the lighting and main character, Styx.
    Good story and a cool way of telling it as far as I'm concerned.

    Cons: Sub par voice acting. I really feel like this is the only thing keeping it from a 10/10 to me. If I had to rate the voice acting it would be a 6/10, not horrible but it could have been better.

    All in all, this is a great game for about 25$. I've enjoyed it more than most games I've bought this year for over twice that price.
    Full Review »
  3. Oct 8, 2014
    8
    Lots of some raging imperfections but really enjoyable in the end. Surprised by the combat system in the first place, I finally managed toLots of some raging imperfections but really enjoyable in the end. Surprised by the combat system in the first place, I finally managed to deal with it and had a good stealthy time. It's hard to be a gobelin o_o Full Review »