Fight to bring beautiful colors back to a hand-crafted world of darkness and discover the story of Europa, a young warrior, and her ghostly childhood companion, Apino.
Recent Reviews:
Mostly Positive (48) - 77% of the 48 user reviews in the last 30 days are positive.
All Reviews:
Mostly Positive (1,626) - 79% of the 1,626 user reviews for this game are positive.
Release Date:
Mar 27, 2023
Developer:
Publisher:
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Curator Review

Informational

“繊細な美麗ドットで描かれた2Dメトロイドヴァニア 物語の舞台は9年もの長きにわたって深い闇に支配され、すべての生命やの色が奪われてきた世界 プレイヤーは若き女戦士「エウロパ」となって精霊のテディベア「アピノ」と共に美しき色と希望を取り戻すため、闇の根源が存在するといわれる「タロス城」の深層を進んでいくメトロイドヴァニアアクション”

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Reviews

“If you like Metroidvanias and/or want a game with an impressive score that helps you feel good while you play, I cannot recommend 9 Years of Shadows enough.”
GeekTyrant

“If you want some colorful and thoughtful action in your life, this one's for you.”
NPR

“9 Years of Shadows hits all the right Metroidvania notes.”
Keen Gamer

About This Game

9 Years of Shadows is a side-scrolling Metroidvania by Halberd Studios. Travel alongside Europa, a brave warrior determined to enter the mechanical giant Talos and stop the corruption within before it swallows the world in darkness. Battle through tainted creatures, meet charismatic musicians and uncover the truth behind the curse that robbed the land of all color.

Many have tried to venture inside the twisted depths of Talos, a dormant fortress where several civilizations have settle over centuries. And, after losing everything she held dear, Europa has nothing holding her back from attempting what others could not achieve. As a noble fighter who refuses to be bound by the curse, she must enter the castle, find the source of corruption, and return the color once and for all.

This adventure is not for Europa to face alone. Inside the giant, she befriends Apino, a cute floating bear who seems to possess magical abilities that can restore color and replenish the health of his allies. He is also able to shield his companions from the multiple dangers that roam Talos’ hallways.

While exploring the castle, Apino can cleanse the corruption around Talos and shoot a variety of projectiles that can destroy dark crystals and inflict damage:

  • A fist that punches upwards when conjured.

  • A blast that travels along a surface until collision

  • A cyclone that returns to Apino like a boomerang.

Use the elements to your advantage to travel the map dynamically. Acquire the elemental armors that were once treasures to ancient civilizations and change on the fly and unlock special abilities to traverse your way: from swimming against waterfalls to traveling underground tunnels or gliding through warm air currents.

Harness the power of lightning, water, earth, and fire. Surprise bosses while you switch armors, perform strong halberd combos, and exploit your foes’ weaknesses to pave your way through the heart of the shadows.

Music is all but the soul of the game. Revitalize the world while you listen to a moving soundtrack composed by Miguel Hasson, as well as soothing pieces scored in 432hz by celebrated composers Michiru Yamane (Castlevania series) and Norihiko Hibino (Metal Gear Solid series). Meet these guest composers as in-game NPCs who aid in Europa’s quest throughout the game.

Music is the binding thread that combines gameplay and storytelling: collect musical notes and perform a healing lullaby to restore your health.

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"Literally stunning" 

Keen Gamer

"A stunning Metroidvania"
GamesRadar+

"Excellent & responsive combat"

Game Rant

"Delights all the senses"

GameLuster

"Two thumbs up"

LadiesGamers

System Requirements

    Minimum:
    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: Windows 10
    • Processor: Intel Core i3-9100F
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: GT 730
    Recommended:
    • Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    • OS: Windows 10
    • Processor: Intel Core i3-9100F
    • Memory: 8 GB RAM
    • Graphics: GT 730

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