Just for the sake of completeness, we have rounded up some more reviews for Cyanide’s stealth/RPG Styx: Master of Shadows, a game that puts you in the shoes of the goblin Styx on a series of infiltration missions that blend together mechanics from titles such as Thief, Dishonored and Batman: Arkham Asylum.
GamingLives, 8/10.
As a fan of keeping my distance when it comes to getting through task-oriented gameplay, it’s easy to fall into stealth mode even when the developer hasn’t actually gone out of their way to provide one. Cyanide Studio, thankfully, clearly sat down and thought about the best way to approach the stealth aspect and have made a stellar job of it. From beginning to end, Master of Shadows taxes you and never stoops to the point where you’re spoon fed anything, no matter how small. In a time when most developers appear to go out of their way to make gameplay as simple and pedestrian as possible, this is a very welcome change and makes for some pretty quick-save-heavy moments.
If you’re looking for a walk in the park with sporadic face-offs, Master of Shadows is definitely not for you. It’s a glorious rooftop/crawlspace/shadows-based rollercoaster with more than a hint of sarcasm thrown in for good measure and, despite its difficulty, I feel compelled to play through it until I max every in-game challenge and achievement, and I don’t imagine it’ll get boring.
Coffee Break Gaming, 8/10.
I am, however, still delightfully enthralled by Styx: Master of Shadows. It’s an alluring proposition; an ugly but endearing antithesis to modern gaming stereotypes, slinking about immense locales in a manner that does justice to the pure age of stealth. Mechanically sound, visually impressive, refreshingly pared back with room for improvement, Cyanide have done justice to a tantalising concept. With a solid opening swing, here’s hoping there’s an even stronger follow-up.
If you’re not already lurking in the shadows, get thee to an unlit alcove post-haste.
Canadian Online Gamers, 50/100.
The only saving grace I can find for Styx: Master of Shadows is that it only costs $30.00 at launch. At that price, there may be some hardcore stealth fans who might find some enjoyment here. If this were a 60 dollar product it would be a crushing disappointment for many. At $30.00, it’s merely an inferior game that you probably shouldn’t play, but you could do worse. Styx’s stealth is less (Master of Shadows) and more like the lyric from his namesake band (This jig is up. The news is out. They finally found me.)
Videogamer.com, 7/10.
If you can get past the fact that it isn’t the best looker, you’ll have a good time with Styx. It’s particularly recommended for hardcore sneak-em-up fans looking for a genuine challenge: a stealth-action game in which the emphasis is unapologetically on the stealth, and not the action.
Punk and Lizard, 7.5/10.
If you’re into stealth games and looking for something tough to gnaw on, this is the game for you. Although it does suffer from a few control problems, it is completely possible to work around them. The stealth aspects are spot on and the open environments give copious sneaking possibilities. Deviously dark and addictive, Styx: Master of Shadows will challenge you, infuriate you and stab you right in bread basket.
Capsule Computers, 8/10.
Styx: Master of Shadows is a decent stealth title that has a lot of charm and wonder. Sure, there are a few shortcomings in the areas of combat and freedom, but those who enjoy a good steal will be happy to play predator and prey in what was surprisingly a rewarding experience overall. As I said at the start of this review, stealth is hard to pull off and yes, Styx has a few stale (and even frustrating) moments. However, with a little patience and finesse, one can truly dust off minor flaws to discover a gem of a game here that doesn’t just make an attempt, but nails what it sets out to accomplish by simply being a solid product of the stealthy shadows.
ZTGD, 8.0/10.
Styx: Master of Shadows surprised me. The fluid controls and inventive game play kept me coming back to its lengthy campaign. I also liked Styx as a character. I might not have remembered what he did, but I had a good time getting him there. The price might be a little scary at $30, but for those that enjoy a pure stealth game, this one is definitely worth a look.
RETRO, 3/5.
In the end, Styx: Master of Shadows does have some interesting elements in terms of stealth play that some players may find appealing. However, the rest of the package isn’t so neatly wrapped, with a terrible combat system and AI flaws that may leave you frustrated. Priced at $30, you can’t afford to be frustrated.
Two Dash Stash, 3.5/5.
I realize that a relatively flawless infiltration is kind of the point, but I think it’s the distinction between reliance on memory or skill that separates good stealth games from great ones. Searching for the (perfect run) sometimes sapped the experience of fun, but luckily Styx’s unique world and powers kept me interested enough to push through the frustration. When I did manage to navigate a scenario without incident, it was bliss, and it’s in those moments of success that the game truly shines.
Stealthy Box, 7/10.
Styx: Master of Shadows can best be seen as a, thematically unconventional, pure stealth game. Run around in a sandbox, avoid or kill guards, and puke out clones. Repeat. Playing as a goblin does yield some fascinating results. And there’s always something commendable in a straight-shooter attitude toward gameplay. Most interesting of all, Styx: Master of Shadows operates without time. Styx himself is a centuries-old character within Developer Cyanide’s Of Orcs and Men universe. What we’re really dealing with is a game trying to fool itself. Styx: Master of Shadows runs on PlayStation 4 & Xbox One in name only. Nothing screams anything new in design, just scratches an itch. Feeds a contingent of people in search for obscure niche picks. Which, by the end of the day, Styx: Master of Shadows will be remembered for that exactly.
GameGrin, 8/10.
Styx: Master of Shadows does some stuff wrong but in the areas it succeeds it gets gold. However with the odd difficulty levels it ranges from being a challenging pure stealth game to feeling almost Assassin’s Creed where the stealth feels unnecessary. Ultimately I think it’s a definite addition to any stealth fan’s library and will certainly be the best recent addition.
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