Summary

Release Year: 2014
Genres: Adventure, Role-playing game (RPG), Strategy
Platforms: PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Xbox One
Developers: Cyanide Studio
Publishers: Focus Entertainment

Styx: Master of Shadows (2014) Review

Styx: Master of Shadows is an infiltration game with RPG elements taking place in a dark fantasy universe. You play as Styx, a goblin two-centuries of age, who must sneak, steal, and assassinate his way through a variety of environments.

The game is set in the Tower of Akenash, a vertiginous and multi-layered forsaken tower where Humans and Elves protect the World-Tree, source of the Amber – a powerful and magical golden sap. Styx’ chance to understand his true origin, and to make a fortune at the same time, is hidden deep within the tower.

Styx: Master of Shadows is a challenging and rewarding game that requires patience, stealth, and quick reflexes. The levels are large and complex, with multiple paths to take and secrets to discover. The AI is also very good, and enemies will quickly detect you if you make a mistake.

One of the things that makes Styx: Master of Shadows so unique is its verticality. Styx can climb walls, jump over obstacles, and even use his grappling hook to reach new areas. This adds a lot of depth to the gameplay, and allows for some very creative solutions to puzzles.

Another thing that sets Styx: Master of Shadows apart from other infiltration games is its focus on stealth. Styx is not a fighter, and he must rely on his wits and agility to survive. The game encourages you to use stealth takedowns, distractions, and environmental hazards to your advantage.

Styx: Master of Shadows also has a strong RPG element. Styx can level up and learn new skills, which can be used to improve his stealth, combat abilities, and traversal skills. The game also features a variety of loot that can be used to upgrade Styx’s equipment.

Overall, Styx: Master of Shadows is a great infiltration game with RPG elements. It is challenging, rewarding, and has a lot of depth. If you are a fan of the genre, then you should definitely check it out.

Gameplay

Styx: Master of Shadows is played from a third-person perspective. The player controls Styx as he infiltrates a variety of environments, including forests, caves, and castles. Styx can move silently, climb walls, and use his grappling hook to reach new areas. He can also use a variety of weapons and gadgets to take down enemies, including daggers, bows, and traps.

The game features a variety of stealth mechanics, such as hiding in shadows, using distractions, and creating noise to lure enemies away. Styx can also use his Amber Vision ability to see through walls and detect enemies.

In addition to stealth, Styx: Master of Shadows also features some RPG elements. Styx can level up and learn new skills, which can be used to improve his stealth, combat abilities, and traversal skills. The game also features a variety of loot that can be used to upgrade Styx’s equipment.

Setting

Styx: Master of Shadows is set in a dark fantasy universe. The game’s world is a dangerous place, filled with creatures such as goblins, orcs, and trolls. The humans and elves are the dominant races in the world, and they have enslaved the goblins.

Styx is a goblin who has escaped slavery. He is a skilled thief and assassin, and he is determined to find out the truth about his past.

Characters

Styx: The protagonist of the game. Styx is a goblin who has escaped slavery. He is a skilled thief and assassin, and he is determined to find out the truth about his past.
Helledryn: A female dark elf who is Styx’s mentor. Helledryn is a powerful sorceress, and she teaches Styx how to use his Amber Vision ability.
Goblin: A race of small, green-skinned creatures. Goblins are often enslaved by humans and elves.
Orc: A race of large, muscular creatures. Orcs are often used as soldiers by humans and elves.
Troll: A race of large, lumbering creatures. Trolls are often used as guards by humans and elves.

Story

Styx: Master of Shadows begins with Styx escaping from slavery. He meets Helledryn, a female dark elf who teaches him how to use his Amber Vision ability. Styx then sets out on a journey to find out the truth about his past.

Along the way, Styx must infiltrate a variety of environments, including forests, caves, and castles. He must also face a variety of enemies, including humans, elves, goblins, orcs, and trolls.

Styx eventually reaches the Tower of Akenash, where he learns the truth about his past. He also discovers that the Amber is a powerful source of magic, and that it is being used by the humans and elves to control the world.

Styx must now decide what to do with this newfound knowledge. He can either side with the humans and elves, or he can side with the goblins. The choice is up to the player.

Reception

Styx: Master of Shadows received positive reviews from critics. The game was praised for its stealth gameplay, its RPG elements, and its dark fantasy setting. The game was also nominated for several awards, including the Golden Joystick Award for Best Stealth Game.

Conclusion

Styx: Master of Shadows is a great infiltration game with RPG elements. It is challenging, rewarding, and has a lot of depth. If you are a fan of the genre, then you should definitely check it out.