Styx: Master of Shadows Reviews
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We have rounded up some more reviews for Focus Home Interactive and Cyanide's stealth-based RPG, Styx: Master of Shadows, so that you can get a better idea of the quality of the title or, at least, the reactions it elicits in the press.
PC World, 3.5/5.
Regardless, Styx: Master of Shadows feels like a stealth game from ten years ago. That is to say, it feels like a modern stealth game but a little less polished, a little less forgiving, and a lot more open. That's fine in my book, but it's also something I could see frustrating a lot of people.
Keep your F5 finger handy.
GameSpot, 5/10.
In some ways Styx feels like a stealth game from an earlier era, but one that's more dated then vintage. It tries to pick up a few tricks from more modern games in the genre, but much of its core wouldn't have been out of place alongside the earlier Tenchu or Metal Gear Solid games. That prospect may sound exciting, but Styx unfortunately finds itself in the shadows of better stealth experiences.
Worlds Factory, 80/100.
Styx: Master of Shadows has the potential to be a sleeper hit this year; it's a deep and very well designed stealth game which is longer and more focused on stealth than a lot of other, full priced, AAA titles such as Hitman Absolution. Fans of stealth games could definitely look past its flaws and enjoy the long story mode as well as tackling all the optional objectives, but the game may end up being a little bit too hard core or boring for people who are used to fast and more action packed games. At only 25$ or your regional equivalent, Styx packs in tremendous value and I would recommend it to anyone who has been disappointed by the likes of Hitman Absolution or Thief and is ready for a real stealth game.
Artistry in Games, 7/10.
Styx: Master of Shadows can be both a fantastic and downright horrible game. While it starts out strong, some middling levels that recycle earlier environments and an abysmal final boss fight drag Styx down from being the best game it could have been. Know what you're getting into, and you can get some fun out of this title, but only the most devoted stealth fans will keep coming back long after Styx's origin tale concludes. There's a great stealth game here, but it's in dire need of either a level editor, challenge mode, or an expansion pack. The story is interesting, with a great series of twists that keep you on your toes, and the game's aesthetics look great.
TrueAchievements, 3/5.
Styx: Master of Shadows had many things going right for it in terms of the stealth-based gameplay it provided. Among the best of the mechanics are the clones which really bring a unique perspective to this genre. The level designs are among the best parts of the game, and their size and the choices given to the player are something that should be mimicked in other games. However, the amount of enemies compiled with lack of helpful items made the game frustratingly punishing even on the easier difficulties, and proved to sour the experience from being even better. In no game do you ever want to feel as if the amount of time spent on loading and save screens matches that of actual playtime. For those players who don't find the game dificult, there is a "Goblin Mode" difficulty which allows enemies to detect you quicker, kill you in one hit, and you leaves you unable to parry their attacks. If you plan to play through this mode, I wish you the best of luck with it; you'll need it.
Gizorama, 3.5/5.
Though it has all the fixings of a great stealth RPG, Styx: Master of Shadows falls short in a few important categories. The forcible stealth gameplay and recycled maps will frustrate all but the most patient of players, and the combat system errs on the side of being repetitive and unforgiving. While the stealth mechanics and powers are interesting and well-implemented, Styx just barely falls short of high expectations, though it's still well worth a single playthrough.
Saving Content, 3/5.
Styx: Master of Shadows may be ugly, but so is Styx the character. Both are rough around the edges, but underneath lies a core stealth mechanic that is incredibly solid with a highly enjoyable character that's fun to listen to during the game and ensuing cutscenes. It's just a shame that everything surrounding the wonderful stealth is so hackneyed and uninteresting.
iDigitalTimes, 3/5.
Styx: Master of Shadows is far from the worst game I've played in 2014, and could still end up on a few of our year-end lists, but I think the game could've used a bit more time in the oven if it really hoped to appeal to a wider audience.
