Styx: Shards of Darkness

Such a great game! And it's locked to Steam with its great multiplayer features! Really a shame! GoG is trying to sweeten the deal but good 2-player coop (in my opinion) is always better than some shiny equipment. (BTW The dagger is OP making the gameplay very dumb. Hiding bodies is part of it!) I'm really dissapointed with this practice. It would be an instabuy for me here on GoG if it had the MP capability. 1-star for the devs. Do NOT be evil! I remember days when all games came with a dedicated server (for generations to come)! And direct connect was never a "brainer". (Sadly, it's not the only game in the catalog here, that's not worth buying here - and maybe not worth buy anywhere else if you really dislike this practice and want to vote with your wallet - anyone remembers Starve Together?)

It lost a bit of the old charme but this was a worthy successor to Styx: Master of Shadows. The graphics greatly improved and brings you to different places in the world - outdoors and even onto those nice airships that could only be seen from the distance in the other game. It focusses more on the Elves and their (new) culture, but it also introduces Dwarfes and reveals what influences Styx cause in the other game (you don't have to play them in order but there are numerous references and it helps understanding the story). But don't worry there's still a nice twist at the end, although not as mind-blowing as before. They also introduced crafting, different outfits and weapons, boss battles and some puzzles and challenges, which were all great and welcome additions. Of course it does feel a little bit different, but I quickly learned to love the new Styx and his insulting Game Over lines. Pretty much recommended if you already liked Styx: Master of Shadows or stealth games and cheeky goblins in general. Just beware that this game feels a bit more polished and "for the masses" than the other.

I loved all 3 games (Of Orcs and Men, Master of Shadows, Shards of Darkness) - this is a bit of review for the whole bundle. The story, the characters are amazing! If they ever make a new game, I hope good old Styx will come through and the team will stay true to the roots. These games sure have their unique atmosphere. Subtle, dark, gritty, humourous, nasty and lovable. I loved the level design and the art! Loved the stealth - and the voice! And the music, masterpiece! Loved and both suffered through the gameplay (at times) - but then, I'm kind of a noob - don't have much time to play - so when I do, I really appreciate games like these. They've got soul. Had so much fun - and pain... lotsa pain - but in the end, when I finished Shards of Darkness, the only question in my mind was "Phew this was a wild ride... okay, and what happens next? I sure hope there will be more of Styx!" Fingers crossed so hard I could break a walnut.

looks great even on low. true stealth, if you get spotted best run and hide. skils and crafting to spice it up a bit. big detailed areas. can be funny can be frustrating, its not easy, its going to last awhile. its worth having for a break from shooters.

Sometimes is frustrating, sometimes the levels flow perfectly. Sometimes there's a lot of reloding. I finished the game not using any special skills for the most of the game. Presentation is solid. Musicsounds nice, thought maybe it would benefit from a slightly different theme. Characters are entertaining, thought there could be a bit more depth then just them being edgy. Was disapointed at the end where I thought there will be one more level, and there wasn't. In general had a lot of fun, and hoping for next one.