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

MicoSelva

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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.
That is probably because GTX 560 (non-Ti) is basically an overclocked GTX 460, the GPU is the same.

I am looking forward to playing this, although I will do my customary patch & DLC wait before buying. I should probably finish Of Orcs And Men first too...
 
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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.
That is probably because GTX 560 (non-Ti) is basically an overclocked GTX 460, the GPU is the same.

You missed the part about it being listed as a MINIMUM requirement, and me running it on max settings.
 

MicoSelva

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I noticed, but it does not matter.

Official system requirements are bloated nowadays, because it makes for easier tech support - they do not have to deal with people complaining about frame rate issues if they list an overkill card as a minimum. Basically, minimum requirements: fluid play, recommended requirements: fluid play with any possible gimmicks enabled (like multi-monitor wide-screen setups).

Also, take into account that their minimal system requirements have to take higher display resolutions into account. I am guessing the performance testing was done in 2560x1440 at the least, and maybe even in 4K, while you are probably playing in 1920x1080 or less.
 
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That is correct, I'm using 1050p res. I'm starting to notice this about bloated requirements too, I'm playing Alien Isolation almost maxed at 50+ FPS too, while my card is way below recommended. It used to be that meeting recommended requirements didn't allow you to max games. This might mean I don't need to be in a big rush to buy a new card after all, nice.
 

Infinitron

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Codex Year of the Donut Serpent in the Staglands Dead State Divinity: Original Sin Project: Eternity Torment: Tides of Numenera Wasteland 2 Shadorwun: Hong Kong Divinity: Original Sin 2 A Beautifully Desolate Campaign Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire Pathfinder: Kingmaker Pathfinder: Wrath I'm very into cock and ball torture I helped put crap in Monomyth
More reviews: http://www.gamebanshee.com/news/114563-styx-master-of-shadows-reviews.html

PC World, 3.5/5.

Regardless, Styx: Master of Shadows feels like a stealth game from ten years ago. That is to say, it feels like a modern stealth game but a little less polished, a little less forgiving, and a lot more open. That's fine in my book, but it's also something I could see frustrating a lot of people.

Keep your F5 finger handy.

GameSpot, 5/10.

In some ways Styx feels like a stealth game from an earlier era, but one that's more dated then vintage. It tries to pick up a few tricks from more modern games in the genre, but much of its core wouldn't have been out of place alongside the earlier Tenchu or Metal Gear Solid games. That prospect may sound exciting, but Styx unfortunately finds itself in the shadows of better stealth experiences.

Worlds Factory, 80/100.

Styx: Master of Shadows has the potential to be a sleeper hit this year; it’s a deep and very well designed stealth game which is longer and more focused on stealth than a lot of other, full priced, AAA titles such as Hitman Absolution. Fans of stealth games could definitely look past its flaws and enjoy the long story mode as well as tackling all the optional objectives, but the game may end up being a little bit too hard core or boring for people who are used to fast and more action packed games. At only 25$ or your regional equivalent, Styx packs in tremendous value and I would recommend it to anyone who has been disappointed by the likes of Hitman Absolution or Thief and is ready for a real stealth game.

Artistry in Games, 7/10.

Styx: Master of Shadows can be both a fantastic and downright horrible game. While it starts out strong, some middling levels that recycle earlier environments and an abysmal final boss fight drag Styx down from being the best game it could have been. Know what you’re getting into, and you can get some fun out of this title, but only the most devoted stealth fans will keep coming back long after Styx’s origin tale concludes. There’s a great stealth game here, but it’s in dire need of either a level editor, challenge mode, or an expansion pack. The story is interesting, with a great series of twists that keep you on your toes, and the game’s aesthetics look great.

TrueAchievements, 3/5.

Styx: Master of Shadows had many things going right for it in terms of the stealth-based gameplay it provided. Among the best of the mechanics are the clones which really bring a unique perspective to this genre. The level designs are among the best parts of the game, and their size and the choices given to the player are something that should be mimicked in other games. However, the amount of enemies compiled with lack of helpful items made the game frustratingly punishing even on the easier difficulties, and proved to sour the experience from being even better. In no game do you ever want to feel as if the amount of time spent on loading and save screens matches that of actual playtime. For those players who don't find the game dificult, there is a "Goblin Mode" difficulty which allows enemies to detect you quicker, kill you in one hit, and you leaves you unable to parry their attacks. If you plan to play through this mode, I wish you the best of luck with it; you'll need it.

Gizorama, 3.5/5.

Though it has all the fixings of a great stealth RPG, Styx: Master of Shadows falls short in a few important categories. The forcible stealth gameplay and recycled maps will frustrate all but the most patient of players, and the combat system errs on the side of being repetitive and unforgiving. While the stealth mechanics and powers are interesting and well-implemented, Styx just barely falls short of high expectations, though it’s still well worth a single playthrough.

Saving Content, 3/5.

Styx: Master of Shadows may be ugly, but so is Styx the character. Both are rough around the edges, but underneath lies a core stealth mechanic that is incredibly solid with a highly enjoyable character that’s fun to listen to during the game and ensuing cutscenes. It’s just a shame that everything surrounding the wonderful stealth is so hackneyed and uninteresting.

iDigitalTimes, 3/5.

Styx: Master of Shadows is far from the worst game I’ve played in 2014, and could still end up on a few of our year-end lists, but I think the game could’ve used a bit more time in the oven if it really hoped to appeal to a wider audience.
 

ghostdog

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Holy shit the butthurt of popamole journalists reviews... "It feels like a stealth game from 10 years ago, less forgiving, big open areas, you can't parkour with the awesome button, you can't kill mobs of enemies with the awesome button... and that's not a good thing..."

:lol: the morons are giving it the best praise they can, to the real stealth game crowd.
 

subotaiy

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"iDigitalTimes, 3/5.

Styx: Master of Shadows is far from the worst game I’ve played in 2014, and could still end up on a few of our year-end lists, but I think the game could’ve used a bit more time in the oven if it really hoped to appeal to a wider audience."
Sounds good to me.
 

Infinitron

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This game has RPG elements, doesn't it? If it's going unappreciated by lamestream journalism then I'm up for somebody doing a Codex review.

Still haven't seen the Eurogamer and RPS verdicts, though.
 
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Astral Rag

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All UI elements can be disabled apart from health level.

Sound is pretty nice. Same goes for the music. (Alas, I'm spoiled by Of Orcs and Men, the music in that game was absolutely amazing. Here it's... well, alright, but not quite as cool, so I'm a bit grumpy.)

Level design is superb. You have large sprawling areas, can reach the same place in many ways, either through climbing, through carefully stealth or maybe even through tunnels in some places. There are also some secret spots with supplies you can find, if you are observant enough.

The AI is pretty nice and is not as blind as in Dishonored, for example. However there is a problem that if you get out of line of sight and far enough from them, they search for you maybe 10 seconds and then you are safe. (However if they find a corpse, then they go searching for longer time and they also are fully capable of checking your favorite hiding spots. After they have found nothing, they still stay alert and you may have more difficulties getting past them.)

QTE is what combat here looks like. I personally turned on highest difficulty (Goblin) and I'm instant killed whenever guards come near me. I like it that way more than this silly duel game.

It plays very well (with keyboard and mouse). Good precision, very responsive.

http://steamcommunity.com/app/242640/discussions/0/613938575176459585/#c613938575195356243

Sold
 

ERYFKRAD

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Strap Yourselves In Serpent in the Staglands Shadorwun: Hong Kong Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire Steve gets a Kidney but I don't even get a tag. Pathfinder: Wrath I'm very into cock and ball torture I helped put crap in Monomyth
This game has RPG elements, doesn't it? If it's going unappreciated by lamestream journalism then I'm up for somebody doing a Codex review.

Still haven't seen the Eurogamer and RPS verdict, though.
Seems to me like stealth fans can figure that this game is good, despite what gaming journalolis say.
Maybe a review from sneakybastard or whatever that site is would do it good.
 
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By the way guys, just noticed anisotropic filtering from game menu doesn't work, force it from card panel if you want cleaner visuals.
 

JarlFrank

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Steve gets a Kidney but I don't even get a tag.
This game has RPG elements, doesn't it? If it's going unappreciated by lamestream journalism then I'm up for somebody doing a Codex review.

Still haven't seen the Eurogamer and RPS verdicts, though.

Might be up to it, as soon as I got my new OS up and running.
 

Astral Rag

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Those "system requirements" are definitely inaccurate, this game runs great (1920x1080, maxed out, constant 60fps) on my i7 920 with 560ti. Loading times are also very quick for an UE3 game. Game controls great with KB + mouse.

44211AC5BE256509294816938A5B0CFAE2A6BC36



:lol:
 
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Eyeball

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Fart jokes aside, this game appears to be better than it looks. I was surprised that the notoriously popamole Cyanide Studios would make a stealth game that actually kills you every time you get spotted, but it's a very welcome change from Dishonoured's if-I-get-spotted-I-just-magic-myself-the-fuck-away system.

Dueling combat is probably the worst combat I've ever seen, but frankly, if you get yourself into a duel you've probably lost the game anyway, so not really that much of a biggie. Thief 1&2 were not exactly amazing swordplay simulators either.
 

Karwelas

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Finally, a GOOD stealth game. This is how you do it. Open levels, instakill on Goblin difficultty. This game left new "Thief" in Stone Age. And for love of God, at last we have game where AI is not retarded and guards don't forget about their killed friends like in 30 seconds.

Cyanide Studios. Congratulations.

:bravo:
 
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Siel

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Since when is it now acceptable for a reviewer to say "this was too hard for me"? Aren't they fucking gaming specialists?
Back in the 90-2000, a reviewer was too ashamed to even admit he found the game too hard. Now it's like a good thing to be bad at video games.

:dead:
 

Infinitron

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Codex Year of the Donut Serpent in the Staglands Dead State Divinity: Original Sin Project: Eternity Torment: Tides of Numenera Wasteland 2 Shadorwun: Hong Kong Divinity: Original Sin 2 A Beautifully Desolate Campaign Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire Pathfinder: Kingmaker Pathfinder: Wrath I'm very into cock and ball torture I helped put crap in Monomyth
RPS review: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/10/08/styx-pc-review/

Styx’s adherence to strict definitions of a stealth game mean that it feels compellingly old-fashioned. It’s nice to play a stealth game again where seeing carpet underfoot is a blessed relief. It’s also nice that it’s not a wholly retro game, in that it’s clearly learned lessons from Batman and Dishonored as far as how to communicate information visually.

But Styx sets appropriate player expectations early: it costs £25/$25, half the price of many of its competitors. A lot of the time, cost is a shaky thing on which to measure a game – potential buyers know themselves how far their coffers will stretch – but being aware of the tight budget the game was presumably made on gets you halfway towards understanding much of Styx’s design. It doesn’t excuse the flaws, especially those control problems, but it explains why its textures look how they do, why no QA process wiped away those fiddly frustrations, and why it’s as focused on offering a single type of experience as it is. Given that the focus is also it’s biggest strength, it feels like a good example of making the most of what you’ve got.

You’re not going to love Styx. It’s not the kind of game you’re going to be itching for a sequel to. It seems kind of unfortunate that it was released within a week of Middle-earth: Shadow of Mordor and Alien: Isolation. But sometime five or ten years from now you’ll be talking about stealth games with a friend and you’ll go, “Oh, hey, remember Styx? That was pretty good.”

Your friend probably won’t have played it, but that just means you get to feel smarter than them.

Styx: Master of Shadows is out now and on Steam.
 

vonAchdorf

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One thing about the shadow indicator (the glowing tattoo) - isn't it counterintuitive for it to glow in the dark and and fade away in the sunlight? The last thing you want is a glowing tattoo on your shoulder when you are hiding in the shadows. I know that it's merely an "immersive" version of the gem, but it seems to be an odd choice for me that it's not the other way around, tough it probably makes sense in a meta way, because the other way around, it would be harder to notice it or something.
 

Abu Antar

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Enjoy the Revolution! Another revolution around the sun that is. Shadorwun: Hong Kong Divinity: Original Sin 2 Pillars of Eternity 2: Deadfire Pathfinder: Wrath I'm very into cock and ball torture I helped put crap in Monomyth
I will just quote myself from NeoGAF.
I have read some reviews and I have to shake my hand at them.

One comment struck me as stupid, that's the nicest way I can put it.

"forcibly making you take a stealthy approach"... It's a stealth game.

Others complain about the difficulty and that you will have to reload a lot. I was expecting nothing less. They weren't even playing on the highest difficulty. Someone said good luck to those playing on Goblin difficulty. I say that watch your surroundings or get screwed on Goblin difficulty is a better piece of advice.

In general, I don't take most of these reviews seriously.
 

set

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Didn't hear about this game until just now.

All the negative reviews have pretty much made it obvious to me: day one buy.

Not because I want to play it right away, god no I have no time for that right now - but I definitely want to support challenging stealth games. This genre I thought was extinct until just now.
 

DeepOcean

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RPS review: http://www.rockpapershotgun.com/2014/10/08/styx-pc-review/

it’s not a wholly retro game, in that it’s clearly learned lessons from Batman and Dishonored as far as how to communicate information visually.
:lol:So a flashing arrow "I noticed you stupid!" and "You can execute this guy now moron." over enemies heads is considerated a design innovation to be learned now... Jesus Christ, I should had been a gamming journo. Scratch my balls all day long and write "pearls of wisdom" pretending I know shit about gamming design on the internet and get paid for that.
 

Cyberarmy

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Had fun with this one yesterday night, playing on Goblin. Pretty good stealth game we have here, at least AI is not blind and deaf...

Controls are very smooth also, those horrible youtube "celebs" need to be more careful while playing tutorial sections...
 
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