Styx may not be a household name, but that’s just how he likes it. As a lone goblin navigating a world teeming with corrupt humans and elves reminiscent of Avatar's Na’vi, his small size often puts him at a disadvantage, making him vulnerable to a single punch from his foes. Similarly, Styx: Master of Shadows might fly under the radar for those focused on blockbuster titles, yet its unique features can surprise those willing to overlook its more apparent shortcomings. This stealth game takes its genre seriously and is a refreshing option for gamers tired of today’s action-packed titles.
Developer Cyanide has a firm grasp on Styx's character; he first appeared in the ambitious, albeit flawed, Of Orcs and Men back in 2012. Styx’s charismatic personality, complete with sharp wit and expertly delivered voice acting, carries moments that might have faltered in less skilled hands.
As Styx traverses the vertically designed levels of the Tower of Akenash—an intricate structure built around a world tree being drained for its sap—he encounters human allies who primarily serve to highlight his humor and cunning. While the graphics may not be cutting-edge, with environments that sometimes feel outdated, the game effectively utilizes its dark, Fable-inspired art style. The lower system requirements ensure that players can enjoy high framerates even on less powerful PCs.
Styx firmly clings to its stealth elements, where a single misstep can lead to chaos. This focus on remaining unseen allows Styx to thrive as he navigates through shadows, hiding in bins and squeezing through goblin-sized ducts scattered throughout the six expansive stages. The game encourages creative interaction with the environment, whether extinguishing candle flames or using spitballs to distract enemies, allowing players to stealthily maneuver past guards and researchers.
Despite its strengths, the game suffers from some control issues. Simple actions like dropping onto a ledge can sometimes become challenging, leading to unintended visibility and frustrating encounters with guards. However, the sprawling levels often provide alternate routes to objectives, making exploration and the collection of scattered coins enjoyable.
Yet, Styx’s gameplay can feel repetitive after about 15 hours. While Cyanide introduces elements of realism—such as shadows that conceal rather than make Styx invisible—it can lead to a sense of monotony. The game maintains tension through reasonably intelligent AI that becomes suspicious of Styx’s movements, enhancing the stealth experience.
The stakes are high for our goblin hero, as being caught typically means instant death, especially in the hardcore Goblin mode, where a single hit can spell doom. This design choice underscores the importance of stealth and the need for precision, though the option to save at any moment alleviates some of the frustrations of retracing steps.
The quick-time events triggered upon detection can also be problematic, as Styx may become trapped in animations while enemies continue to attack. This design choice can feel punishing, making encounters frustrating.
Nevertheless, Cyanide has crafted an engaging experience that doesn’t let these flaws overshadow the fun. Styx: Master of Shadows satisfies a craving for challenging stealth gameplay, a niche that often goes unmet in modern gaming.
Verdict
While Styx: Master of Shadows has its flaws—such as inconsistent edge detection and awkward quick-time combat—it excels with its immersive stealth mechanics across expansive levels. Though not visually stunning by contemporary standards, its charm lies in its witty protagonist and compelling gameplay. At a price point of $30, it’s an excellent deal that even Styx himself would appreciate.
