Metroidvania, a genre that combines the nonlinear exploration of Metroid games with the character progression and item collection of Castlevania games, has evolved over the years. What was once a niche concept has now become a popular and easily consumable genre. One such game that exemplifies this evolution is “9 Years of Shadows” developed by Halberd Studios. In this article, we will delve into the unique aspects of this game and how it adds to the ever-expanding Metroidvania landscape.
In “9 Years of Shadows,” players take on the role of Europa, a female protagonist in a realm plagued by a nine-year sickness that drains the color from the land. Unlike other Metroidvanias where the protagonist starts fully powered up, Europa begins in her vanilla phase, only capable of basic movements. The game follows the typical progression of acquiring armor, allies, and additional abilities to explore new areas. However, it is the tonal and artistic qualities of the game that set it apart from its peers.
The Mexican development origins of “9 Years of Shadows” lend it a unique artistic quality. The game features a vast and cavernous layout filled with dark and magical environments. Towering sculptures, writhing foliage, and cascading waterfalls create an otherworldly atmosphere. The attention to detail in the level design adds depth and immersion to the gameplay experience.
One of the standout features of “9 Years of Shadows” is its unconventional approach to health and healing. Unlike traditional health systems, where players rely on health potions or resting at save points, Europa’s health is restored by striking enemies with her weapon. Additionally, a floating teddy bear companion named Apino can be summoned to refill Europa’s health when she is on the brink of death. This unique mechanic adds a layer of strategy and reflex to the gameplay.
“9 Years of Shadows” breaks away from the usual RPG-style leveling system found in Metroidvania games. Instead, players’ progression is determined by the armor, skills, weaponry, and currency they acquire. Upgrades can be purchased at the theater, and armor can be enhanced at the forge, ensuring a constant sense of reward and progression for the player.
Europa’s arsenal is not limited to just weapons. Different armor sets grant her different abilities and combo attacks. By cycling through the available armor, players can maximize their attacks against enemies of specific colors. Some areas even require specific armor for traversal, adding another layer of strategic planning and exploration.
While “9 Years of Shadows” excels in many aspects, it does have its flaws. The animation lacks fluidity in certain areas, and character movements can feel static. The enemies, although challenging in boss battles, lack variety and can be easily dispatched. Additionally, the environments, while visually appealing, can feel repetitive due to palette swapping and rearranged elements.
The music in “9 Years of Shadows” adds to the overall atmospheric experience. The soothing jazz lounge arrangements create a calming ambiance that complements the game’s visual design. However, the music can become repetitive, with few notable tonal shifts throughout the gameplay.
One major downside of “9 Years of Shadows” is the occasional frame drops, even in docked mode. While not game-breaking, these drops can be noticeable and detract from the overall experience. It is puzzling why this issue persists, especially considering the capabilities of modern consoles.
“9 Years of Shadows” is a testament to the evolution of the Metroidvania genre. With its unique storytelling, original gameplay mechanics, and artistic qualities, it adds a fresh perspective to the genre. While not without its flaws, the game offers an enjoyable experience for fans of the genre, further enriching the ever-expanding Metroidvania landscape.
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