With so many rogue-like games out there, can Shadow of the Depth bring something new to the dungeons?
When you think of top-down, ARPG – Action Role Playing Games- your mind most likely lands on games like Diablo and Last Epoch, and rightfully so, as they are impressive titles. So you wonder what a game made by ChillyRoom, a small China-based indie company, can do to make a dent in this genre.
Loading into the gam,e you’ll start your journey as Arthur, a formidable melee warrior, who is renowned for his exceptional defense, a skill that comes at the cost of agility. Armed with a sword and shield, he navigates battles with expertise in defensive maneuvers, making him a stalwart protector on the battlefield. Born into the lineage of blacksmiths, Arthur carries the legacy of his family’s craftsmanship
Driven by a deep sense of loss and a thirst for justice, Arthur’s quest for vengeance is fueled by the tragic death of his father at the hands of monstrous foes. His journey is not just a personal vendetta but a quest to rid the world of the creatures that brought sorrow to his family and terror to the innocent.
The cinematic that brings Arthur’s story to life is short, and the tale is not something new; being driven by revenge is a staple in games and movies. However, something that does make Shadow of the Depth different is that it is all hand-drawn and stunningly so. The graphics we see in games these days are impressive and something we have all come to expect, but there is something about hand-drawn animations that can make a game feel more personal.
Arthur is the first character you’ll get to meet in Shadow of the Depths, as there are five characters and five different play-styles that you can unlock. Each character has their bio and story, they all have unique skills to master, and each falls into their class.
You have your ranged attacker, the archer, Phyllis, who can summon animals to fight by her side. The sorcerer Stephanie powerfully uses fire, lightning, and frost magic to fight her enemies. There is Ginzo, a longer-ranged swordsman with a katana whose fighting style is akin to a Samurai. Finally, we have Arya, the assassin. She is agile and uses speed and her dual daggers to take down her foes.
In Shadow of the Depth, you’ll be sure to find a character that appeals to your personal play style. For me, that was Phyllis; her ranged attacks and agile movements suited me, and calling on a wolf to help me fight will always be a plus side for me. Phyllis’s agility allowed me to maneuver swiftly around enemies, maintaining a safe distance while unleashing devastating ranged assaults.
Shadow of the Depth offers a diverse range of gameplay options and character customization features that keep players engaged and constantly experimenting. With a staggering 140 different passive skills to choose from and combos to master, you can explore new strategies and playstyles continuously.
The game’s depth extends to its randomized dungeons, ensuring that each dungeon dive is a unique experience. You are never entirely sure what challenges or treasures will be waiting for you, adding an element of excitement and unpredictability.
The combination of extensive character customization, diverse gameplay mechanics, and randomized dungeons in Shadow of the Depths promises an immersive and ever-evolving gaming experience that keeps players interested and eager to uncover new possibilities with each playthrough.
In the dungeons, you will find treasure chests scattered around. These can contain coins, weapons, or even skills. You never know where these chests will appear, so it gives you more incentive to explore the dungeon and discover its secrets.
Shadow of the Depth keeps you on your toes by having mini-boss fights happen during your exploration of each dungeon. Thankfully, you will know where the mini-boss fight is going to take place because there is marking on the floor to indicate it. During these fights, you’ll fight enemies in waves. After the battle is won, you will receive a chest that contains a reward of higher value.
You can choose to play on a mouse and keyboard or controller, with both options allowing you to change your key binds and find the setup you are comfortable with. Combat in the game is very much like Diablo but simplified, which is not entirely a bad thing. You have your primary fire that does not take mana to use, a secondary fire that does have a mana cost and a cooldown, a dodge mechanic to get you out of a tricky situation, and an ultimate ability that is unique to each character.
The enemies in Shadow of the Depths range from bats and zombies to trolls and shadow creatures, and while having one bat or archer come at you, it becomes increasingly difficult when a horde of creatures is engaging you in combat. Mastering your combos to use in there type of situation is a must for survival because dying in this game does not mean you will get to respawn.
Similar to the rogue-like game Hades, dying in Shadow of the Depth means you are dead, you do gain experience, which unlocks different characters, more skills, and runes to equip. Unlocking and equipping these prepares you for your next dungeon run, helping you survive longer and progress further.
Each dungeon in Shadow of the Depths has three floors. You will need to explore the dungeon, fight enemies, and defeat mini-bosses on your way as you search for the door that leads to the next floor. Enemies increase in difficulty with each new floor, and finally, you’ll encounter the boss. These bosses are not easy to defeat, and with the thought that you don’t respawn in mind, the battle has a lot more at stake, including your sanity, as I found out after dying numerous times.
Unfortunately, there were times during my play-through that my game froze and caused me to take a knock or even die; this was, however, the only issue I had with the combat. Problems like these, I’m sure, can be fixed by a patch.
In an unexpected twist, experiencing defeat in Shadow of the Depths serves a purpose that goes beyond mere setbacks. It becomes an important part of your progression, driving the need to accrue more experience points and unlock various skills and runes. This game mechanic transforms the notion of death into a meaningful step in your journey, ensuring that every challenge and sacrifice contributes to your growth.
Rather than feeling discouraged by defeat, you’ll find yourself motivated to continue pushing forward, eager to unlock new abilities and conquer the next dungeon. This incentive to grind for progression adds a layer of depth to the gameplay, turning each encounter into a strategic opportunity to advance and evolve your character.
As I mentioned at the beginning of this review, Shadow of the Depths’ world is hand-drawn. The colors and style bring the dungeons to life; they feel creepy and grimy. The characters have been beautifully drawn, there has been a lot of thought put into each character’s concept, and the colors and designs complement them and their backstory and class.
The in-game sound complements the game and adds well to the atmosphere. There is ambient music that plays through the dungeons that increases in tempo when you are in a boss battle. The sound of the enemies is clear, and each one sounds different. You know when a zombie is approaching or when a bat is flying towards you.
Shadow of the Depth is in a genre of games that has a lot of renowned titles, and it can be difficult for a smaller game developer to make an impact. The concept of the game, however, has its twist, and that does allow it to stand out. Building each character lets you play the dungeons in different ways, trying out different combos, plus randomized chests and drops keep the game fresh and interesting.
I had no problem spending over 9 hours running around the dungeons and grinding away to unlock characters and perks. It didn’t leave me frustrated; if anything, I felt more determined each time to defeat the dungeon’s boss and progress.
While more prominent games dominate this genre, Shadow of the Depth faces a challenge in making a significant impact. However, I remain hopeful that it will surprise us. The game’s enjoyable gameplay, well-rounded design, appealing visuals, and solid mechanics make it a worthwhile addition to any gaming library.
Despite the competition from established titles like Diablo and Hades, Shadow of the Depth holds its own by offering a fun and engaging experience that keeps players entertained. Its polished gameplay mechanics ensure a smooth and immersive gaming session, while its aesthetic appeal and attention to detail make it visually appealing.
If you’re a fan of action RPGs like Diablo or rogue-likes such as Hades, I highly recommend adding Shadow of the Depths to your gaming playlist. It may not have the same level of recognition as its counterparts, but its quality and entertainment value are undeniable, promising an enjoyable adventure that won’t disappoint.
