Even more reviews for Cyanide’s stealth-based spin-off of Of Orcs and Men, Styx: Master of Shadows, have been published since we last checked. Without having played the game, the impression is that the inherent problems that come with a lack of budget were a sore point for some publications, while others found the core stealth gameplay compelling enough to ignore them.
We Got This Covered, 4/5.
Despite some wonky mechanics and frustrating gameplay, Styx: Master of Shadows is an excellent throwback to the glory days of the stealth genre.
IncGamers, 5/10.
It’s a game I want to applaud for, in many ways, being indebted to the punishing tradition of early stealth titles. But the uneven presentation (the music is wonderful, while the storyboard cut-scenes and dialogue are often quite awful,) embarrassing reliance on recycling levels for the entire second half of the game, and any number of other glitches and frustrating quirks left me with serious reservations.
GameCrate, 6/10.
Styx: Master of Shadows has a promising set-up that, at times, feels like a much-needed boost to the stealth genre, and that’s something fans can appreciate after being let down by Thief. However, broken combat mechanics, combined with audio and level design issues, leave this game feeling somewhat incomplete. Stealth fans may be tempted to give it a try, but not everyone needs to pick up Styx.
Constantly Calibrating, 4.5/5.
While Styx: Master of Shadows managed to sneak up on me, as a good goblin should be able to, it has not gone unnoticed. The game started as yet another review, but has now become a beloved world in my imagination. My only hope is that whether by DLC or a sequel title Styx will get more stories, even if this particular one seems to have come to a defining end.
Push-Start, 8.5/10.
Overall if you’re not playing that other big fantasy ‘˜Shadows’ game this week, Styx: Master Of Shadows is a great addition to the modern day stealth-em-ups like Arkham or Assassin’s Creed. The game is challenging without being too difficult, although it will take you a while to be a ‘˜master’. With around 20-hours of story to play, you’ll find plenty more hours can be spent revisiting completed areas to collect treasures and complete challenges and objectives. Styx: Master Of Shadows that is certainly worth your time.
Gaming Bolt, 4.5/10.
Styx: Master of Shadows feels like a dated game. The unsurprising progression and brainless AI make for a game that offers nothing new in exchange for one’s time.
GeekScape, 4/5.
Styx: Master of Shadows does a fantastic job making Styx interesting enough to endure glaring issues. Poor combat, buggy traversal, and a shallow story might be too much to spend more than 17 hours to see the end. I was proud that I walked in Styx’s shadow and was worth the suffering if only to hang with the goblin a little while longer.
Attack of the Fanboy, 4/5.
Styx: Master of Shadows isn’t a game that takes itself overly seriously and it knows it. It isn’t a Pulitzer Prize winning story or a masterclass in the art of voice-acting, but it’s a darned good budget stealth game that actually takes the stealth part seriously (in the sense that, if you aren’t stealthy, you will lose). The graphics are clean, the gameplay is generally sound and you’ll get a few laughs in between. If you like a good stealth game, you could do a lot worse than Styx: Master of Shadows, especially at the price of $25. Never thought I’d have fun playing as a goblin, but I just did and so will you, probably.
Frugal Gaming, 6/10.
Not being able to trust that the controls will do what you think they’re going to do is the worst fault a platform game can suffer from. I have no problem whatsoever with the game being tough, nor with it requiring multiple attempts and even a degree of trial-and-error. It is my belief however that a tighter control scheme when it comes to moving around those brilliantly designed levels would have seen Styx: Master of Shadows elevated to a lot of people’s Game of the Year Lists. As it is much like its protagonist’s aerial gymnastics too often, Styx falls a little short.
Geeks Under Grace, 7.3/10.
Styx: Master of Shadows is a well-executed stealth action title with an intriguing narrative. Despite the foul language and a few other issues, fans of the stealth action genre will find a gritty, satisfying experience reminiscent of a medieval fantasy Splinter Cell.
Hooked Gamers, 8.5/10.
Styx: Master of Shadows may not come out swinging, it may not become a household name, but it doesn’t have to be. Treasure always teases the eyes of those who want it, and Styx has all the makings of a potential sleeper hit.
CalmDownTom, 4/5.
The only slight annoyance I had with Styx was with the ledge and hand hold grabbing. With the hand holds it can be quite difficult to judge where Styx is going to jump leading to quite a few missed ledges and fatal falls. There are contextual clues when going between hand holds but nothing when going between ledges.
That said, I had fun with Styx. Planning out a route and then executing (pardon my pun) that plan is very satisfying indeed.
Softpedia, 7/10.
Styx: Master of Shadows is not a great game and the timing of its launch is somewhat unfortunate as many gamers are probably still enjoying the stealth approach in Shadow of Mordor, but for old school fans of the genre it does offer a solid experience with some nice level design and cool character abilities.
The level design is the standout element of the entire experience and there are moments when the layout and the player’s abilities combine in impressive ways.
The title is priced at half of what an AAA release tends to sell for during the fall season and those who have an urge to explore complex environments while constantly experiencing the fear of being discovered can pick the Cyanide experience up and enjoy it.
GamesBeat, 75/100.
Styx’s old-school stealth doesn’t match modern standards for UI, in-game hints, and combat, which can make it frustrating to learn. It took me a few levels to truly believe that enemies weren’t just occasionally being arbitrary; they were following their own rules, and the sweep of their attention wasn’t always obvious. The graphics are also basic for 2014.
But the action and the feeling of many right paths make Styx truly engrossing for hardcore stealth fans, at a bargain price. Be ready to save often and die a lot with a smile on your face.
Just stay out of combat.
And while there’s no demo available for the title, it’s still possible to at least get a taste of its final build thanks to a couple of Quick Look-type videos from Giant Bomb (45 minutes of commented footage) and PC Gamer (embedded below, around 30 minutes of footage), in case you don’t trust the write-ups we have rounded up:
