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User Score
7.7

Generally favorable reviews- based on 26 Ratings

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  • Summary: Shadows of Adam is a unique take on a classic genre - a retro JRPG built for the modern era. Tucked away from the outside world by the impenetrable haze of the Misty Woods, the village of Adam has mostly lived in peace since the days of the Wraith War. The dark power that fueled that war hasShadows of Adam is a unique take on a classic genre - a retro JRPG built for the modern era. Tucked away from the outside world by the impenetrable haze of the Misty Woods, the village of Adam has mostly lived in peace since the days of the Wraith War. The dark power that fueled that war has vanished, but darkness is descending once more and Adam's legendary hero, Orazio, is no more. 10 years ago he left without explanation and never returned, leaving his son and adopted daughter to wrestle with the dark secret he left behind—a secret that must now be revealed if the children hope to save both Adam and their departed father, though its revelation could unhinge the world. Expand
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 2 out of 3
  2. Negative: 0 out of 3
  1. 80
    Shadows of Adam is a solid JRPG that doesn’t just cash in on SNES nostalgia. Its excellent battle system and attractive pixel art make it worth the cost of entry if you don’t mind some pacing issues.
  2. 75
    Shadows of Adam is an enjoyable but familiar JRPG. It doesn’t do anything overly surprising, but its fun combat mechanics and humorous writing largely overshadow a by-the-numbers story. It isn’t overly challenging, but sometimes it’s nice to step away from the grind and the random battles and take on something more leisurely. Those who long for the plethora of similar titles from the SNES days will find a better than average adventure here that outclasses many of the budget releases currently on the eShop.
  3. Apr 30, 2019
    70
    While its runtime is noticeably short for a JRPG of this style – especially when compared to the classics it so closely resembles – Shadows of Adam is still a really enjoyable experience while it lasts. The constant topping up of your AP makes every battle less challenging than other similar games in the genre, but it does give you far more options to be creative in the midst of combat. With a strong menagerie of monsters to battle, a really catchy soundtrack of chiptunes and a set of funny if not wholly memorable characters, this bite-sized adventure is a perfect fit for Nintendo Switch and the legacy of the SNES.
Score distribution:
  1. Positive: 11 out of 12
  2. Negative: 0 out of 12
  1. May 28, 2019
    10
    This is a callback to everything I grew up with and has a special place in my heart. Something Classic did an excellent job buildingThis is a callback to everything I grew up with and has a special place in my heart. Something Classic did an excellent job building something that feels like a glimpse of the past. Highly recommended. Expand
  2. Aug 5, 2019
    9
    This game is an absolutely fantastic retro jrpg. Had everything going for it that really makes it stand out to me. Good story, fantasticThis game is an absolutely fantastic retro jrpg. Had everything going for it that really makes it stand out to me. Good story, fantastic soundtrack to it, great battle system (while being a little different than the usual turn based, a nice touch) and great art to it.

    I was looking for something like this, but the indie jrpgs that i found just didn't really have any soul to them. They all felt pretty bland. While playing Shadows of Adam I could definitely see that the team that put it together really wanted to create something special. They succeeded at that.

    Do yourself a favor and give it a shot. Its just a pleasant ride all the way through.
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  3. Jul 24, 2019
    9
    Jump back in the golden age of the Jrpgs, Shadows of Adam gives you this opportunity. The first new game + I ever did. Great puzzles duringJump back in the golden age of the Jrpgs, Shadows of Adam gives you this opportunity. The first new game + I ever did. Great puzzles during the game, with some extra features. You won't be disappointed. Plus, it's possible to talk directly to the game devs, so if you happen to be stuck in the game, they can help you! Expand
  4. Aug 19, 2019
    9
    Great game for a fan of classic JRPGs. The added puzzle element is a great and made the game feel fresh. Although the story isn’t the most inGreat game for a fan of classic JRPGs. The added puzzle element is a great and made the game feel fresh. Although the story isn’t the most in depth in a JRPG, I grew to enjoy the characters in the 15 hours it took me to beat the game. Expand
  5. May 31, 2019
    9
    Shadows of Adam is a traditional JRPG that respects your time and money. For $15 on the Nintendo Switch you get the main game plus the GuildShadows of Adam is a traditional JRPG that respects your time and money. For $15 on the Nintendo Switch you get the main game plus the Guild of the Artificers DLC which adds a ton of side content as well as a mechanic that in my opinion makes the game pretty unique. Follow Kellan and Asrael; a hearty adventurer and his childhood friend whose got the unique access to magic, a once thought long lost power. On this journey you will explore diverse locales, meet interesting characters, make great friends and defeat even greater foes!

    Find the Grand Reliquaries in the added on DLC! Items which have the ability to forge three artifacts into one, containing all of their unique abilities!

    Enjoy combat which doesn't ask of you grinding time but yet is still at times highly challenging and strategic! As a consumer, I really can't say enough good about this game. I've put way more time than even the devs at Something Classic wanted me to. It's honestly all positives around for me. Maybe some mechanics presented in this game are subjective (such as no random battles/roaming monsters) however I think the game stands firmly on two legs for an enjoyable experience!

    The only two negatives I can think of would be maybe an overuse of a puzzle mechanic and a more minor complaint would be maybe the main cities could have looked a bit more varied to help differentiate between them. That being said this games an easy 9/10 for me. Check it out and join the Discord! The devs are great people and the game is great fun!

    Follow me @DakTalk on Twitter and follow Something Classic @SomethingClassc on Twitter.
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  6. May 28, 2019
    9
    This game was a delightful throwback to the JRPGs of yesterday. The look was charming and the soundtrack was perfect. The combat is simpleThis game was a delightful throwback to the JRPGs of yesterday. The look was charming and the soundtrack was perfect. The combat is simple and tight. The puzzles were challenging but not impossible. Definitely worth checking out if you are a fan of bit size JRPGs. Expand
  7. May 6, 2019
    5
    This game is average. Although it has a great old school charm and nice pixel art, it falls flat in other key areas. The story is mediocre andThis game is average. Although it has a great old school charm and nice pixel art, it falls flat in other key areas. The story is mediocre and the combat system dull. In combat you repeatedly spam skill abilities and can get through any battle with little strategy. There is no modernization with the combat like with other modern JRPG games, e.g. Octopath Traveler, which update this dated formula to make it entertaining rather than tedious.

    The game also suffers from serious pacing issues and an incredibly annoying audio bug where the battle song loops until you reach a new area.

    You are better off playing the SNES classics this game attempts to emulate rather than play this game which does nothing special. I only recommend this game for diehard JRPG lovers who do not care about quality and just want a JRPG fix, although as it is priced now it is hard to recommend this title even for that crowd.
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