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9 Years of Shadows
Description
A fateful night of sorrow and ancient magic changed the life of a young child forever, and with it, everything else as mankind knew it. For 9 long years, the world has been submerged in the deepest of shadows, robbing every object and living creature of their color, their joy, and most importantly, hope.
Many brave souls have tried to venture inside the corrupting depths of Talos Castle, a long-abandoned orphanage from which the curse stemmed. All have failed, except for one. Armed with little other than her halberd and sheer nerve, Europa’s daunting quest is clear: enter the castle, find the source of darkness, and return color to the lands before it is too late.
However, this adventure is not for Europa to face alone. In her most desperate hour, Europa encounters Apino, a cute magical bear with the ability to heal, cleanse the corruption and protect his allies.
While exploring the castle, Apino can shoot powerful projectiles at enemies, open locked doors and shield Europa from ranged attacks.
Enhance your battle prowess by acquiring elemental armors. Master the might of lightning, water, earth and fire to defeat a vast assortment of enemies.
Use the elements to your advantage to travel the map dynamically, surprise bosses while you change armors on the fly and perform strong combos. Obtain special abilities to swim against waterfalls, travel underground tunnels or glide through warm air currents to access hidden locations and uncover their secrets.
Meet enigmatic composers that will aid you in your mission. With the special appearance of Michiru Yamane and Norihiko Hibino, both as NPCs and composers of several tracks tuned to 432hz, a soothing frequency used in what’s known as healing music. And there is more to music than meets the eye. Hidden bosses with musical attack patterns lurk in the shadows ready to strike. In fact, music is the binding thread that brings gameplay and storytelling together; from collecting musical notes, to performing a healing lullaby to restore your health, music is all but the soul of the game.
© Halberd Studios & Freedom Games. All Rights Reserved.
System requirements
Minimum system requirements:
Recommended system requirements:
Time to beat
6.5 hMain
9 h Main + Sides
9.5 h Completionist
9 h All Styles
Game length provided by HowLongToBeat
Game details
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English
audio
text
Español (AL)
audio
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Critics reviews
Softpedia
8.5/10
Nine Years of Shadows is a good Metroidvania with an impressive presentation and intriguing world. Gameplay mechanics will be instantly familiar to any genre fans and easy to understand for newcomers. There aren’t too many surprises in the narrative but it is imbued with a sense of optimism that kept me engaged.
Read full review »CGMagazine
7/10
9 Years of Shadows is a solid 2D action-adventure title that is very pretty to look at, and could be recommendable to those who don't focus on combat.
Read full review »
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User reviews
Posted on: April 10, 2025
yungrag
Verified ownerGames: 91 Reviews: 1
Really good
Its a really a good game, nice characters, nice gameplay. the music its good. a Solid 8.5 - 9. I really enjoyed myself playing it.
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Posted on: April 11, 2025
craudinn
Verified ownerGames: 200 Reviews: 1
a gem that doesn't glow for anyone
really good mechanics, art and music. the bosses are a joke and the enemies are more developed than the bosses wich is a shame. the game is really short 10h~ max for 100%
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Posted on: April 12, 2025
RS_World
Verified ownerGames: 412 Reviews: 14
Excellent Metroidvania
Beutiful graphics and music, highly recommended.
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Posted on: April 13, 2025
BlueGhost18
Verified ownerGames: 82 Reviews: 1
Great game
Super fun, quick Metroidvania. Love the designs and mechanics and the characters are charming and easy to enjoy
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Last 30 daysLast 90 daysLast 6 monthsWheneverAfter releaseDuring Early Access