Styx: Master of Shadows - Of Orcs & Men stealth spinoff(!)

[Siel]

Styx: Master of Shadows is as pure a stealth game as they come. It forces you to be thoughtful and to observe, and rewards your patience with a satisfying tension that few games can match. The abilities Styx has at his disposal are all great fun to use, and the levels are designed in such a way as to encourage experimentation and creativity. Ghosting through a level is exhilarating in ways I haven’t felt in ages, and Styx brings a substantially better story to the table than most of its contemporaries. Despite a few rough edges, Styx: Master of Shadows deserves a place alongside Metal Gear Solid 3, Hitman: Blood Money, and Mark of the Ninja as one of the best titles the genre has to offer.

http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/10/07/review-styx-master-of-shadows/110051/

 

[bloodlover]

So... still no option to silently take down the enemy without killing him? Judging from the videos alone, the biggest challenge would be passing through the levels without killing someone.

 

[Astral Rag]

Styx: Master of Shadows is as pure a stealth game as they come. It forces you to be thoughtful and to observe, and rewards your patience with a satisfying tension that few games can match. The abilities Styx has at his disposal are all great fun to use, and the levels are designed in such a way as to encourage experimentation and creativity. Ghosting through a level is exhilarating in ways I haven’t felt in ages, and Styx brings a substantially better story to the table than most of its contemporaries. Despite a few rough edges, Styx: Master of Shadows deserves a place alongside Metal Gear Solid 3, Hitman: Blood Money, and Mark of the Ninja as one of the best titles the genre has to offer.

http://www.hardcoregamer.com/2014/10/07/review-styx-master-of-shadows/110051/

Sounds promising.

For a moment I thought hardcoregaming101 had reviewed Styx, never heard of hardcoregamer.com.


In before StyxGate

 

[Infinitron]

Review roundup: http://www.gamebanshee.com/news/114557-styx-master-of-shadows-released-reviews.html

Gamersyde goes with no score:

Looking back over their long list of past works it might not be a stretch to say that Styx: Master of Shadows is the finest game Cyanide Studio has made yet. Those who love the focused design of classic Thief games or the more modern Dishonored should find something here that they’ll enjoy but one must keep in mind some of its frustrations. The sloppy controls mixed with an ill-conceived detection system can produce some frustrating, trial and error filled moments. Still, when everything eventually clicks, the end result can prove quiet enjoyable. If you’re looking for a stealth game that is entirely devoted to stealth and have patience to deal with a bit of “jankiness” give it a try.

Entertainment Buddha gives it an 83/100:

Fans of the stealth genre looking for a new title to renew their love of a good breaking and entering will surely be thrilled with Styx: Master of Shadows. Newcomers, as well, are destined to enjoy Styx’s journey, as the game’s wonderfully executed mechanics, tremendous level design and enjoyable writing are enough to capture the imagination from the game’s outset. Styx, and his misadventures in Master of Shadows are undoubtedly one of this year’s biggest and stealthiest sleeper hits.

Strategy Informer gives it a 7.2/10:

Styx is a likeable protagonist and is quite possibly the best videogame goblin of all time, but his humorous nature and sailor-like vernacular isn't enough to lift his game beyond the abyss of mediocrity it languishes in. Very much stealth by the numbers, Styx's levels feel more like joyless assault courses built to test the skills honed in other games than truly entertaining experiences in their own right.

Hardcore Gamer gives it a 4.5/5:

Styx: Master of Shadows is as pure a stealth game as they come. It forces you to be thoughtful and to observe, and rewards your patience with a satisfying tension that few games can match. The abilities Styx has at his disposal are all great fun to use, and the levels are designed in such a way as to encourage experimentation and creativity. Ghosting through a level is exhilarating in ways I haven’t felt in ages, and Styx brings a substantially better story to the table than most of its contemporaries. Despite a few rough edges, Styx: Master of Shadows deserves a place alongside Metal Gear Solid 3, Hitman: Blood Money, and Mark of the Ninja as one of the best titles the genre has to offer.

TechZwn doesn't score it:

Overall, Styx: Master of Shadows is a good game. Players who are not into stealth games will likely find it frustrating. Despite its varying difficulty levels, it plays overall like a hardcore stealth game. But for fans of the stealth genre, Styx is sure to be a memorable and challenging experience and is one of the best stealth games to come around in years.

MMORPG.com gives it a 7.2/10:

Nonetheless, despite its shortcomings, Styx: Master of Shadows is an enjoyable hardcore stealth game with the light trappings of its RPG forebear. At $30 and offering around 15-20 hours of sneaky goodness, if you can overlook the poor combat and budget animations, chances are you’ll find a lot to like in Styx. The PC port controls are actually solid, though I still wound up playing the game mostly on the 360 controller, mainly because it was more comfortable. Just keep in mind there’s a reason he’s called the Master of Shadows, not the Master of Fighting, and you’ll likely be very pleased with your purchase.

Twinfinite gives it a 3/5:

In closing, Styx: Master of Shadows is (read this in your best Yogi voice) slightly better than your average game . Problems can be frustratingly frequent just as moments of brilliance can fill an evening with a controller in your hand. The green menace Styx steals your heart only for inconsistent stealth mechanics to tear it from your chest. If you’re a huge fan of sneaking around then this is definitely a game to consider. However with big title games like Alien: Isolation and Shadows of Mordor competing for your wallet, the little goblin has little chance of standing out. Rather than being the Master of Shadows, the little guy is a jack of all trades, master of none.

APGNation gives it a 6/10:

Styx is a fun stealth game with multiple routes and options, but sometimes can be very linear. The combat system is atrocious in my opinion and the auto-save is poorly executed. You’re better off taking a moment to save every time you’ve made progress than relying on auto-save. The visuals are great, but at times the cut scenes seem lazy. I feel like this is a try before you buy type of game and may only really be targeted at those of you who really love stealth type games, while the players who don’t care for that style will be left in the lurch. Styx pulls you in with a cool story and cool abilities but leaves you wanting better gameplay. I must say though there is something in me that strives to play more and do better, but there are too many fundamental flaws in my opinion.

GBATemp gives it a 7.5/10:

I enjoyed tearing through the world Of Styx, and truly felt I had that "Master of Shadows" title down to a T. While the game has its slight bumps here and there, it is a fantastic addition to the stealth genre, and I couldn't be more pleased with it's approach. There's enough innovation and elements sprinkled in there for you to have creative and tactical approaches to how you take on your enemies and truly, Master the Shadows.

GameNGuide features no score:

Styx: Master of Shadows is not a perfect game, but it does enough right to make it worth your time. Yes, it feels like it's missing something; different ways to assassinate foes, more ways to distract, but when it works, it really, really works and you stop thinking about what's not here and better enjoy what is here. For those seeking a challenge, or those who want a stealthy alternative to the glut of Assassin's Creed titles, it should scratch that particular itch. Or better yet, it will silently stalk that itch and then gut it in the back. Then hide it in a nearby chest. That's the Styx way.

And Fully 'Avin It gives it a 78%:

Our one main criticism of this game is the difficulty curve, it does feel a little unpredictable. Sure it starts off with a no-brainer tutorial mission, but the difficulty seems to spike willy-nilly soon after, before you get fully to grips with all of the aforementioned options for upgrades and interaction with the environment. Still, there’s nothing better than creeping through the shadows like a Radio 2 DJ near a playground before popping up and shoving a small, stiff object deep into an unsuspecting victim.

 

[Volrath]

Sounds like a

 

[bozia2012]

• Graphically underwhelming, shocking production values at times
• Forgettable dark fantasy twaddle and terrible voice acting (apart from Styx himself!)

The same could be said about Of Orcs... Main characters were detailed and designed nicely - all the rest was boring and low quality. Plot/writing/voice acting was painful, but at least Styx' delivery was sometimes amusing.

This weird graphic mix was also present in GoT - the main characters and some armors were superb, rest of the graphics - utter shit (I'm not even talking about technical level, just design). At least the story/writing/plot/whatever was glorious.

Just look at my man Mors and compare to the other graphics you saw from the game:

Ooops... spoilers.

 

[Baron Dupek]

Does it have similiar cheese situations, like that one from Of Orcs... where doctor asked us to cure some girl by rape?

 

[DeepOcean]

The crying butthurt from Journotards seems like good news to me. If journotards are complaining frustration, it means that not subhumans will have some decent play here.

 

[bozia2012]

Does it have similiar cheese situations, like that one from Of Orcs... where doctor asked us to cure some girl by rape?

It was a mind rape to be precise (don't rush to install the game!!!) - just another short dungeon with boring combat (but it had creepy ambience IIRC). Still one of many old processed cheese moments.

Don't remember any crappy plot moments in GoT - it was exactly like better than the TV show (which I like). With choices and consequences - delayed and without witchervision.

Of Orcs... is just for masochists, GoT is something I would recommend to any storyfag and grimdark afficionado.

 

[Infinitron]

'k, it's officially out: http://store.steampowered.com/app/242640/

20% off until next week.

 

[bozia2012]

"A story about my uncle" also discounted. Don't know the game, but the title is nice.

Once more, his whispered warning
"You'll not tell a soul come morning!"

 

[Astral Rag]

According to this guy the game has some serious control issues.

 

[Abu Antar]

I started this on Goblin difficulty. I'm not very far in, but it seems decent so far. I have killed some enemies, not because I have to, but it looks so damn funny when Styx jumps on them. Jumping is a bit iffy, but you'll get used to it. Fighting can be a pain in the ass because I suck at timing (i don't actually fight outside of a forced fight in the beginning that explains the mechanics) and Goblin difficulty will supposedly have enemies one-shot you if you fail in your timing. (I didn't get killed in one shot in the tutorial fight.) The clones you use also have a simple "tutorial", you basically push a lever with it. I haven't used it in any other way yet. Been extinguishing torches from close range and with mud from afar., hiding under stuff and taking out single enemies every now and then. I have unlocked my first safe house, so that should tell you that I'm not very far in. The level design is acceptable, I guess. It starts in a very linear fashion and opens up as you go. I can see myself enjoying myself while playing this game, even if it's to early to give a proper verdict yet.

 

[bonescraper]

According to this guy the game has some serious control issues.

This guy is retarded. Yeah, you don't automagically stick to objects like in Assassin's Creed games. You need to put some effort into it, just like you had to in Thief for example.

Also,

The combat system is atrocious in my opinion and the auto-save is poorly executed.

There is no place for combat in this game. If you get spotted, you can parry/stab your enemy. It may work with in a a one-on-one situation, if there are more enemies, you're fucked. It's clear you're not supposed to fight anyone.

 

[Siel]

I've been playing for an hour or so and I can say these reviewers are either faggots or fucking dumb (maybe both). The jump controls work fine if you are not physically disabled. Seriously.
Concerning stealth, I'm playing on Hard (may change to goblin depending on next levels) and it seems challenging enough so far. The light/shadow system works like in Thief basically even if guards may see you if it's not dark enough. I'm no that fan of the cover system but that's a personal issue.
Level design looks ok so far, maybe not as big as in Thief/Thief 2 but I'd say better than Deadly Shadows.
I don't really give a shit about story in stealth games but it seems interesting. Never played Of Orcs and Men, but Styx sounds like he has some depth which is a good thing.

 

[skacky]

I'm liking what I'm hearing! I might pick the game up during the autumn sales then. It definitely looked better than Thief 4.

 

[Siel]

FenPhoenix's first impressions if you're interested :

 

[LESS T_T]

Damn objective markers. There better be a way to turn that damn things off.

 

[Darth Slaughter]

I started this and finish the 1st set of levels (reminiscence). Steam says I played it for 3 hours. I'm having a lot of fun.

-You CAN deactivate objective markers, and overhead indicators of detection.
-The game feels a lot like a 3rd person dishonored, but it has a binary shadow system (though it's not the visible/invisible type).
-Somewhat, it reminds me of batman, arkham series. I think it's the graphics, and the vents around the level.
-Controls are perfect the way it is: I'm playing with keyboard and mouse, and you get used to it very fast.
-When I saw animations of Styx walkin in ledges, it looked akward his feet stepping in the air. But in game, you barely notice, and in fact, it's better than the locked animations of games like assassin's creed. You have free movement over beams and narrow ledges.
-You can jump anywhere, and you have a lot of control of the jump. the only context buttons appear when youre jumping those special structures in the wall, or when close to torches, etc.
-Great visual style, levels are very open, and have a lot of different visuals. Though after you leave a zone, you cant go back. Though zones are very big, and feel like an individual level themselves.
-AI is basic stealth AI. I'm playing in Goblin difficultty, which is the hardest (and how you should play stealth games, anyway), and if you get caught by an AI, it kills you instantly.
-No non-lethal take-downs. If you don't want to kill anyone, you have to ghost it.
-You have some collectibles and side missions. Collectibles are tokens scattered through the mission, and it plays the role of loot. You have some relics to find, and a drawn map of the area (not dynamic, as in... it's just a map and you just have to orient youself, though maps are pretty accurate).
-Nice setting. You're a goblin, and it's a fantasy world but I have no clue how thing work on this society. I never played "of orcs and men" (which I bought also, but just gave a look), so I don't know how is this setting compared to general fantasy.
-Can't say anything about the story at this point, though, but hand(??)-drawn cutscenes with paning, much like thief.
-Powers are very similar to the ones in dishonored, but no swoop/blink, but I don't know how easy the game would become with upgraded power.
-Graphics are good. it could have better textures, but its a non-issue.


If you like stealth games in the vein of thiefs, dishonored, splinter cell, or even Batman arkham series, there's a great chance you'll like the game.. If you're looking for an assassin's creed kind of game, this game has not many similarities with it at all.

Edit:

I never played, nor will play thi4f. So when I mentioned thief, I meant the thief. Styx is better than Thiaf.

 

[Abu Antar]

Yeah, this shits all over the new Thief game. I tried the demo of that and uninstalled after 20 minutes.

 

[Multidirectional]

Yeah seems like a fun game from first hour. Heads up about GTX560 listed as GPU in MINIMUM requirements - it's bullshit. I'm playing fully maxed at constant 50+ FPS with a GTX460.

 

[Abu Antar]

I decided to play the Introduction levels again after completing them the first time. This time, I didn't kill anyone, but unfortunately, I did alert a few guards, so it wasn't a complete ghosting of the level. I didn't pick up the relic and only got 12/20 collectibles. On my second run, everything went much faster because I knew which routes to take. Fun game so far and I see myself replaying it. I don't know if I'm going to play all the levels twice in a row like I have done now, we'll see. I do know that I want to do a complete run at some point, with all side objectives and loot collected.

 

[Multidirectional]

One complaint regarding visuals - dark areas should be darker. Often enough the only way to tell if I'm in the shadows is that glowing tatoo.

 

[Siel]

Also just found out you can whistle by pressing X.

 

[Darth Slaughter]

One complaint regarding visuals - dark areas should be darker. Often enough the only way to tell if I'm in the shadows is that glowing tatoo.

Well, It should, but its the trend nowadays that shadows are blue. Anyway, being in the shadows doesn't make you completely invisible. The fact that it is 3rd person don't help, because sometime the tatoo IS glowing and you are only with 25% of you body in the shadows. In thief 1 and 2 that also happens, but since it's a first person, only sometyme you'd notice being in full shadows but your blckjack being in a well lit area.