Shadow Bug

 Switch
Metascore
74

Mixed or average reviews - based on 11 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 6 out of 11
  2. Mixed: 5 out of 11
  3. Negative: 0 out of 11
  1. Switch Player
    Nov 18, 2019
    60
    Shadow Bug offers a memorable USP but is awkward to handle at times, and extremely so when you’re not using the detached Joy-Con control method. Bear with it, though, and there’s some clever platforming here to enjoy.
  2. New Game Network
    Apr 24, 2018
    60
    Shadow Bug is a unique platformer with some interesting ideas, but one that doesn’t always stick the landing.
  3. Nintenderos
    Apr 18, 2018
    75
    Shadow Bug is a fun, addictive game with beautiful graphics. Its control in handheld mode is tremendously effective and it’s ideal proposal to play short games anywhere. A game that you might replay if you’re one of those who love completing challenges up to the 100%. Watch out because you might get attached to it.
  5. DarkStation
    Apr 13, 2018
    80
    Despite that restriction, I found myself pleasantly surprised by Shadow Bug. The slow start is a bother, but the game quickly wins you back when it removes the training wheels. The speed of the gameplay never got away from me, and even with the bosses throwing up major hurdles, taking them down feels like a huge accomplishment. This is one game that I can perform my recommend-jutsu on!
  6. Nintendo Insider
    Apr 9, 2018
    70
    Shadow Bug is a decent, but short little game to kill some spare time with. While I didn’t find it a particularly difficult to play through, the extra challenges in place can raise the bar a little bit higher. Besides the fun but temperamental Joy-Con pointing feature, it is a game best suited to the touch screen in Handheld mode.
  7. NintendoWorldReport
    Apr 5, 2018
    90
    Shadow Bug is an easy recommendation to make for Switch owners looking for a challenging 2D platformer and are open to something less traditional than the eShop’s plethora of retro inspired platformers. Even players that are weary of touch/motion controlled games will likely enjoy using them in Shadow Bug.
  8. Vooks
    Apr 3, 2018
    80
    Shadow Bug all combines for an accomplished package that feels right at home on the Switch, as the short levels are perfect for sneaking in a quick gaming session. It’s a sensory delight, and the unique movement system results in a fresh take on a familiar genre. Shadow Bug is well worth a look.
  9. Nintendo Life
    Apr 3, 2018
    80
    Shadow Bug is a welcome breath of fresh air in a stuffy virtual space that’s up to the ceiling with 2D platformers. Experiencing the title with detached Joy-Cons on the big screen, as opposed to utilising the touchscreen; you’ll be cheerfully surprised by its unique art style and play method.
  10. Cubed3
    Mar 30, 2018
    70
    There are some rather inconsistent dips and rises with the level design, but, for the most part, Shadow Bug remains a highly enjoyable, if a bit short, platformer from start to finish.
  11. IGN Spain
    Mar 30, 2018
    75
    A short but very intense and fun platformer. The game of Muro Studios is a pleasant surprise both for its great artistic section as its simple and robust control system.
  12. Universo Nintendo
    Mar 26, 2018
    60
    Shadow Bug is an intelligent game with very good songs. The art is beautiful, and, despite being a short game, it's well done. Unfortunately, the controls aren't good enough. A motion control sensitivity's update and display arrows on touch screen could be more interesting.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
6.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 13 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 7 out of 13
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 13
  3. Negative: 4 out of 13
  1. TheFlannelFox
    Mar 30, 2018
    5
    Shadowbug is a 2d puzzle platformer without the ability to jump, instead as you play through levels you dash attack your enemies which allowsShadowbug is a 2d puzzle platformer without the ability to jump, instead as you play through levels you dash attack your enemies which allows you to move throughout the world. In some instances you can dash through walls, use the enemies to gain vertical height, or volley dash enemies to continuously keep your character up in the air.

    Like most good platformers in each chapter the dash mechanic is utilized in a different way. Fish hopping over toxic lakes, bouncing between wall climbing spider-likes, or activating slow moving deadly ghoul arms all make your journey a satisfying learning experience that keeps you on your toes throughout the campaign.

    As you begin the first few worlds are really just focused on the platforming, but the further you get along the puzzles really become apparent. Looking off screen to find that certain enemy to dash to, unlocking a whole new world of challenge, that you then have to solve the puzzle, and platform your way to victory is what shadowbug is all about. You will certainly play the more difficult levels multiple times, learning attack patterns, mapping puzzle results, and timing your dashes just right.

    At the end of each world like most platformers, you’ll encounter a boss. The bosses in Shadowbug are the highlight of each of them. Trying over and over, again and again, until landing that perfect move, hit, or jump that gets you to the next attack pattern that you have to figure out. Each at first giving you that oh no feeling, becomes a task of memorization and skill, that feels fantastic.

    The biggest and absolute worst part of this what would be overall fun experience, are the controls.

    When playing docked you can play with the joycons detached or with the pro controller. You use the left joystick to control left and right walking, and point with the right joy con or tilt the pro controller, utilizing the motion controls to control the little on screen fly. That fly is your pointer to select enemies that you want to dash attack, the most important mechanic of the game. Which does work very well, you do get much better with time, but tight and precise, absolutely not. You can recalibrate your movement by pressing the Y button if it gets wonky, but they rarely feel spot on. It’s incredibly frustrating dying on a difficult level because of shotty controls, not because lack of skill.

    When playing handheld the attached joy cons will not work and you are forced to play touchscreen and I would recommend with the joy cons detached.

    As you play the iOS version of shadowbug you touch and hold the left or right side of the screen to walk left or right, you then just press the enemy that you would like to dash attack. The reason that you have to detach the joy cons, is that even for a guy with large hands like me, reaching my thumb over the joy cons to press the left and right sides of the screen is too far, and you absolutely cannot get all of the enemies with your thumbs. Removing the joy cons makes it a much more enjoyable experience, but at that point, just buy it on your iphone.

    Verdict
    Playing through shadowbug was a back and forth experience of satisfying victories and mechanical frustrations. Underneath the foggy input devices lies a pretty solid platforming experience with fun and innovative puzzle design. The game also has a very good challenge balance, with enough difficulty to increase your skill but keep it feeling light. While I can recommend this game on other platforms, the Nintendo Switch input controls are just not up to par.

    Be sure to watch my video review at YouTube channel TheFlannelFox    … Full Review »
  2. FredSchwen
    Aug 21, 2018
    8
    If you are a fan of 2D puzzle platform, you gonna loved this game. Shadowbug offer you multiple level witch additional challenge like time andIf you are a fan of 2D puzzle platform, you gonna loved this game. Shadowbug offer you multiple level witch additional challenge like time and collecting soul. In thins game , you can't jump. Instead you need to sync your attack at the right time. enemies ans Boss can be tough but very satisfied. Graphic are great to built this shadow environment A good game to add to your collection.… Full Review »
  3. ChronoMoogle
    Aug 7, 2020
    8
    A really unique and fun platformer, both in presentation and play-style. If you are looking for a game that uses Switch's unique featuresA really unique and fun platformer, both in presentation and play-style. If you are looking for a game that uses Switch's unique features without feeling gimmicky, but instead truly made for them, Shadow Bug is a real hidden gem for you.… Full Review »
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