Halberd Studios and Freedom Games have officially announced that their side-scrolling Metroidvania, 9 Years of Shadows, is finally heading to Nintendo Switch next month, on November 9. This retro-style action-adventure was originally launched for PC in March 2023.
9 Years of Shadows immerses players in Talos, a dormant fortress where several civilizations have settled over centuries. In this game, players will follow the journey of Europa, a brave warrior determined to enter the mechanical giant Talos and stop the corruption within that threatens to swallow the world in darkness. Throughout their journey, players will battle against tainted creatures, meet charismatic musicians, and uncover the truth behind the curse of the land that lost its colors.
Europa is not alone in this perilous adventure, as she eventually forms a companionship with Apino, an adorable floating bear who possesses magical abilities that can restore colors and heal allies. Apino can also shield his companions from the dangers within the hallways of Talos. As they explore the castle, Apino can cleanse the corruption infesting Talos and shoot a range of projectiles to shatter dark crystals and deal damage.
Along their journey, players will acquire element armors, which they can use to travel the map dynamically. These elemental armors, which were once treasures to ancient civilizations, can unlock special abilities for traversing, including swimming against waterfalls, traveling underground tunnels, and gliding through warm air currents. Players may also switch elemental armors during boss encounters to perform strong halberd combos and exploit their enemies’ weaknesses.
Since its initial release on PC, 9 Years of Shadows has received favorable reviews, with most critics and players praising the game for its engaging combat mechanics. The game has been compared to the Castlevania GBA series, offering a similar vibe while presenting a more concise and forgiving gaming experience.
9 Years of Shadows is currently available on Steam and Epic Games Store.
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