Shadows: Awakening

Shadows: Awakening, developed by Games Farm and published by Kalypso Media, is an isometric action RPG that sets itself apart with an unusual premise and a mechanical twist that tries to push beyond the genre’s usual boundaries. Instead of placing the player in the role of a traditional hero, the game casts you as the Devourer, a demon capable of consuming the souls of fallen individuals and using them as vessels. This narrative framing immediately gives the experience a darker, more morally ambiguous tone, as the story unfolds through the perspective of a being that exists somewhere between manipulator and reluctant participant in a larger conflict. The defining feature of the game is its dual-realm system, which allows players to shift between the shadow world and the mortal plane at will. This mechanic is tightly integrated into both combat and exploration, requiring players to think in terms of two overlapping realities. Enemies, obstacles, and even puzzles often exist differently depending on which realm is active, creating moments where progress depends on careful observation and timing. Alongside this, the ability to control multiple “puppets”—each representing a different absorbed soul—adds a layer of tactical depth. Players can switch between characters on the fly, combining their abilities to handle different combat situations. When this system works smoothly, it gives the game a dynamic rhythm that feels more strategic than the typical hack-and-slash approach. Combat itself leans toward a slower, more deliberate pace. Rather than relying purely on reflexes, the game encourages players to think about positioning, cooldown management, and the synergy between different characters’ abilities. There is a certain satisfaction in coordinating attacks and swapping between puppets to maintain control of the battlefield. However, this pacing can also become a drawback over time. Skill cooldowns are often lengthy, which can lead to stretches where combat feels less engaging, and the reliance on basic attacks becomes more noticeable. As the game progresses, encounters can begin to feel repetitive, especially when the variety in enemy behavior does not evolve significantly. The world of Shadows: Awakening is rich in atmosphere, drawing heavily on dark fantasy themes. Environments are varied enough to maintain visual interest, with detailed locations that reflect the grim tone of the narrative. Lighting and effects contribute to a sense of depth, particularly when transitioning between the mortal and shadow realms. Despite this, there are moments where the presentation feels uneven. Character animations can be stiff, and certain interface elements appear dated, creating a contrast between the game’s more polished aspects and its rougher edges. Narratively, the game shows ambition, exploring ideas related to identity, control, and the nature of power. The concept of inhabiting different characters allows for multiple perspectives, and the dialogue often reflects the tension between the Devourer and the souls it controls. Voice acting is generally solid, helping to bring these interactions to life. However, the story struggles to maintain a consistent level of engagement throughout its length. While the premise is compelling, the pacing can cause key plot developments to feel diluted, and some characters do not receive the depth they seem to promise early on. Quest design and progression follow a familiar structure, with a mix of main objectives and side activities that guide the player through the world. While this provides a steady sense of direction, it rarely breaks away from established patterns. Puzzles are included to add variety, but they often lack creativity and can feel repetitive after extended play. The overall experience becomes one of gradual progression rather than discovery, with fewer moments of surprise than the game’s premise might suggest. Despite its shortcomings, Shadows: Awakening offers a substantial amount of content, with a lengthy campaign and additional material that extends its playtime. Its systems, while sometimes cumbersome, provide enough depth to keep dedicated players engaged. The combination of character management, skill customization, and resource handling creates a layered experience that rewards investment, even if it occasionally feels unwieldy. In the end, Shadows: Awakening is a game defined by its ideas more than its execution. It introduces creative mechanics and an intriguing narrative perspective that set it apart from more conventional action RPGs, but it is held back by uneven pacing, repetitive elements, and a lack of refinement in certain areas. It remains an enjoyable and occasionally compelling journey for those willing to engage with its systems, though it falls short of reaching the full potential suggested by its concepts. Rating: 7/10

It was ok

Grafik ist ok. Aber welcher Vollidiot hat sich das mit der Kugel und denn Drei Hebel mit denn Platten. Durchgefallen, fing gut an das Game aber jetzt nach 50 versuchen das Hindernis hin zu Bekommen. Ich gebe auf. Der Character Eiert und Taumelt sich was zurecht. Auch keine Kamerawinkel Veränderung möglich. Schade ein Game was man nicht weiterspielen kann wegen so ein Blöden Hindernis oder weil man ewig Schlüssel Braucht für Irgendwelche Tore. Das Game muss reichlich Überarbeitet werden um ein Gutes Game zu werden.

重复在空旷地图的跑图和单纯用来折磨玩家的解密，消耗完我所有的耐心

Может игра и неплоха, но... Под завязку напичкана самым противным, что бывает в ролевых играх - головоломками. В середине игры линия сюжет вообще теряется, хотя и до этого она была весьма слабая, и остаются сплошные головоломки. Любителям головоломок рекомендую. Остальным - нет.

搜一个房间要人和魂两个形态切换各搜一遍，太繁琐了

이동속도가 없으면 거의 기어가는듯한 맵 진행.. 하지만 그거빼곤 재밌음...

A lot better than the Xbox version in terms of FPS, graphics and absence of bugs. Its an under rated gem.

Wohl das Einzige Hack'n Slay das ich je durchgespielt habe und hat sogar etwas Wiederspielwert, da man immer wieder vor der Wahl steht, welche Charaktere der Dämon den man spielt übernimmt und seinem Roster hinzufügt.

The sound effects are bad and make combat feel stale.