Shadwen

Shadwen is a billed as a stealth game where time moves only when you do and you can rewind time to fix mistakes. This is all true, but is it fun? Well... yes and no. Here's my take on this game divided into two sections: pros and cons. PROS: + Good looking graphics. + Decent voice acting, sound effects, and music. + You can fix mistakes or try something different using their rewind system. + Interesting game thief/assassin game mechanics (imagine Zoya, from the Trine series, using her grappling hook, but instead of wielding a bow, she only has a dagger). + Despite escorting Lily (a little girl who tags along with you), the game doesn't turn into an extended "escort mission" where the AI's failings cause you to lose. CONS: - The rewind system is basically there because the developer couldn't figure out how to properly implement manual saving (aka "save when and where you want") which has been a core feature of PC gaming since the 1980s. - If you get caught for any reason, you immediately need to either rewind or start from the lack checkpoint. - Checkpoint saves are rarely made, usually at the beginning of an area and that's it. So if you mess up or need to quit for whatever reason, you can expect to replay anything you've done up to that point. For me, this has meant redoing 30-60 minutes worth of game time at different points in the game. - The grappling hook is a bit awkward and will sometimes get the game's physics confused. I've seen it grab Shadwen at a 90 degree angle and then kill her. - There doesn't seem to be any in-game difference between choosing to avoid the guards and straight out assassinating them. - Although it's great Lily doesn't get you caught, the fact that the guards NEVER notice her at all is weird. I've seen her stop right in front of them and wait for them to move, after which she runs to hide in a haystack. Verdict: Get Shadwen on a sale. It's a decent stealth game, but not on par with Thief, Splinter Cell, Hitman, or Death to Spies.

Stealth games are a tricky thing to get right. There has to be a balance between realism and leniency to give a challenging experience while still making it fun to play. In my opinion, Shadwen doesn't traverse this line very well. The AI is limited, and as the game is also based on a series of escort quests you have to work around this AI for both the enemies and the little girl Lily which you are escorting. It can lead to a frustrating experience. There's also a few other questionable components, the story tells itself mostly through overheard dialogue with the guards and little snippets inbetween levels, but it feels almost like an afterthought. The game actually has some interesting elements, such as time manipulation which could have added another layer to the storyline if it was incorporated, but it never gets mentioned. In spite of all this, I've given the game 4/5. It may not make sense as what I've written above is unfavourable, but I think the game comes into it's own when you approach it a little differently. If you're like me it's tempting to take the pacifist route, as I did on my first playthrough; in retrospect I find this to be the least fun way to play through the game. Playing somewhat more.. messy? Killing the problematic guards, using all your (lethal) tools etc. feels so much more satisfying. It also helps offset the poor AI/pathing issues which I mentioned earlier. One thing I was disappointed about compared to the demo is the removal of the scoring component. I played the demo multiple times trying to get new high scores, I am very surprised to see this feature missing from the main release and hope it's something Frozenbyte could look into for a future patch perhaps? In summary: Shadwen can be a very fun game, but in my opinion needs to be approached with a different mindset than the average stealth game. It's tempting to abuse the time mechanic to try to get a perfect run, but I honestly think this cheapens the experience of the game.

There are a few things in this game to like. Shadwen seems to be a decent character, and so is the little girl. And the humor is nice at times. Unfortunately the gameplay is so bad that I ended up uninstalling it after only an hour. The controls are not very intuitive, for instance you have to toss a grapple at an object. The object is highlighted so you assume you can toss it. Unfortunately no, you have to have the crosshairs in the exactly correct area. The sad thing is that the crosshairs are almost impossible to see, and you do not want to have to move the joystick around in slow circles in order to pixel hunt for the exact spot when a guard is bearing down on you. In addition, the game automatically pauses if it does not sense any input for about 3 seconds. While this is a minor gripe, I personally find it distracting. The problem is that there is no way to disable this feature in the menu. If you are hiding in the bushes, the only thing you can do is hold down the RB button in order to move time forward. Otherwise the game pauses. The long and short of it is that there are better stealth games out there. Ones with more polish, and a better intrface. However, if you have the patience to fumble through the awkward interface you might find a decent game as so many other reviewers here have claimed. Sadly, I could not. I would avoid this game unless it was on sale. Even then, I would think about it. Spending an extra few bucks will probably get you a better game over all.

seriously, do not buy this at full price ever... if you do decide to get this game wait till it is on sale for 5 bucks or less... (remember this and keep it in mind) some things about the game are kind of cool: - storyline changes depending on if the girl sees you (as shadwen) kill or not - can build some stuff - grappling dart/line - sneaking (sort of) - physics (sort of) - can bring the lootbox/chest to you on a platform etc. the game can be fun, but gets extremely repetitive within a few seconds.... all of the issues (as they currently stand) with the game - animation is stiff and wonky to say the least with no variations - enemy site can cause issues with being able to see where enemies are and the map/scenery that you have to traverse - AI is complete garbage - instant death when seen or partially seen - movement is annoying as hell, your character will continue to move for 2+ more steps when stopping - little girl and enemy AI are completely broken, girl can be out in the open between hiding spots when enemies are around and nothing happens (which is odd considering the story line/arch) - camera movement is jerky and gets stuck on objects often - cannot zoom in/out - cannot upgrade items - can only build a few items - not an open world or movement as claimed, extremely linear gameplay at all times - no upgrades or alternate costume/armor/etc. - child complains of food but no 'side quests' to find anything to keep her fed/warm/etc. - logic of the game and the story are all over the place - pathing has major issues and you will get stuck or get dragged along the map forcing rewrind or restart of the game - is possible to fall through or dragged into floor/walls - beginning/end of each level/map is exactly the same and resets crouch and in some cases appears to reset/remove 1-2 items - enemies will see/hear you from 30-60 feet away, while they will not hear or see crates being moved or noise within 10 feet there are other issues as well, but limit on letters.

Shawden is that kind of games you think you know, but discover when you play. While the game could use some polishing, the gameplay is nice and interesting. The universe in which the game takes place could seem almost inexistant, and it wouldn't be illogical considering your character. However, listening to guards talking while walking through the levels provides great immersion and a coherent background. The more you play, the more you want to go deeper to discover what the game hides. A bit like Dishonored, but with less magic and more thinking.