Following launches onto PC and Nintendo Switch back in 2023, Halberd Studios’ Metroidvania 9 Years of Shadows has now made its way over to Xbox and PlayStation.
Can you bring some colour to this world of darkness, and look super cool while doing it?
A Pure Metroidvania
With scores from composers such as Michiru Yamane of Castlevania fame, there’s no doubt that 9 Years of Shadows is a pure Metroidvania, through and through.
Now available on the full complement of platforms – Xbox, PlayStation, Switch and PC, this side-scrolling title will thrust you into the depths of Talos, a fortress that has, until recently, laid dormant.
Protagonist Europa is determined to enter Talos, find the source of the corruption that is plaguing her world, and restore colour to her home.
Alongside her companion Apino, who will restore colour in the world and replenish Europa’s health as and when you require, Europa will make use of a number of weapons that can take down even the hardest of enemies found within the game.
With a fist that can punch upwards, a cyclone that shoots Apino out to your foes, and a powerful blast that rockets across the ground, there’s no limit to the damage you can put out.
Elemental Madness
As well as the utilisation of a range of weaponry against the tainted enemies that plague Talos, in true Metroidvania fashion players will be making use of different elemental vessels that can transform how you navigate and fight.
Further, you’ll be needing to switch elements against tough bosses, as 9 Years of Shadows will have you switching on the fly to best platforming challenges, and to reach new areas.
Key Features
- Dynamic elemental combat: Switch between elemental armors in real time to adapt to enemies and environments
- Explore the fortress of Talos: Traverse a massive interconnected map filled with secrets
- Classic Metroidvania gameplay: Unlock new abilities to access new areas
Play Now!
9 Years of Shadows can now be purchased on Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One, PS5, PS4, Nintendo Switch and PC. For Xbox fans, you’ll be needing the Xbox Store to buy a copy, where the game costs £16.74.
Is 9 Years of Shadows on Game Pass?
With launch of 9 Years of Shadows on the Xbox eco-system, many will want to utilise their Game Pass subscription in order to play it. As of launch, 9 Years of Shadows is not on Game Pass and there is currently no sign that it will be in the near future.
9 Years of Shadow Description
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.
