Overall Impressions
I approached Cyber Shadow with the caution of a wrestler and the curiosity of a critic. Yacht Club Games brought in Aarne “MekaSkull” Hunziker to build this retro-style action platformer. When it launched on January 26, 2021, I expected a tribute to Ninja Gaiden—and that’s exactly what I found. The game captures the classic stiff-limbed ninja feel while adding modern touches. However, it sometimes stumbles due to its own ambition. While it doesn’t fully reinvent the genre, its dark pixel art and fast pace make it a strong contender in today’s indie lineup.
To its credit, each level seems built for speedruns and precise movement. Boss battles hit hard and offer a good challenge. The upgrade system encourages exploration. On the downside, occasional backtracking hints at Metroidvania-style depth but ends up feeling minimal. Compared to other retro throwbacks, Cyber Shadow comes off as more sincere than groundbreaking.
Gameplay Mechanics
Cyber Shadow shines with responsive controls and fast action. You slash, wall-jump, and dash with smooth and quick feedback. One player put it well: “Classic NES Ninja Gaiden vibes. Some challenging boss fights and interesting upgrades for your Ninja.” I agree. Upgrades like chain attacks and shuriken throws add variety without overloading your move set. Their placement promotes alternate paths, yet each level keeps pushing you forward.
That said, the game stumbles when it comes to damage handling. Many players called out the harsh hit detection. One noted, “When you get hit, there’s like no frame invincibility … prepare to die a lot.” I found that accurate. A mistimed move or spike can mean a quick restart. The sparse checkpoints don’t offer much relief. While this choice boosts nostalgia, it can also create frustration.
One moment that truly stood out was a rooftop chase under red skies. The fast pace and exact timing made me both smile and wince.
Story and Characters
Shadow, the last of his clan, responds to a desperate call as synthetic beings take over the world. The story delivers the simple tragedy you’d expect from 8-bit games. It doesn’t get deep or complex. Instead, Shadow’s silent drive says more than words could. Supporting characters appear as digital voice clips, offering warnings. They aren’t deep characters, but they fit the stripped-down style.
The world-building feels honest. A cool fact: Hunziker first built Cyber Shadow as a homemade NES cartridge before Yacht Club Games got involved. That retro origin shows in every detail. If you want a deep story, this might not be for you. But if you like a straight shot of revenge and ruin, it works well.
Visuals and Graphics
Cyber Shadow impresses with bold, dark pixel art. Each enemy and platform stands out against moody backdrops. The colors shift between dusky purples and fiery reds, adding tension. Animations feel quick and sharp. You can almost hear the soft crackle of an NES cartridge as Shadow moves.
At times, heavy effects like explosions or screen shakes blur the view. These moments are rare, though. Overall, the visuals lock in the mood and pay respect to classic consoles without copying them too closely.
Sound and Music
The chiptune soundtrack is one of the game’s biggest highlights. It carries urgency, swings between dark and dramatic, and doesn’t overstay its welcome. As one excited player said, “Everything about this game is great. The gameplay, the controls, the visuals, the story, the MUSIC…” I couldn’t agree more. Composer Nima “Warrenplee” Nejatbakhsh mixes eerie melodies with high-energy beats.
Sound effects also land well. The slash of your sword, the rumble of an explosion, and the hum of machines all sound crisp and fitting. There’s no voice acting, but honestly, it would have broken the fast flow.
Difficulty and Replayability
Expect to die often. Cyber Shadow leans into a tough experience. Bosses can take many tries to beat. Hardcore players and speedrunners will likely enjoy the challenge. Others may find it too punishing. If you’re hit several times in a row with no chance to recover, you’ll likely miss having invincibility frames. Still, landing a perfect run feels amazing.
Replay value comes from secret scrolls and speedrunning. These unlock new moves and invite you to revisit earlier levels. Local leaderboards offer extra goals. I can see myself running these stages again and again, proud of every new high score.
Some suggest waiting for a discount. It’s a strong game, even with a few flaws. If you love fast, tough platformers, it’s worth full price. If you prefer a forgiving style, tread carefully.
Trivia and Behind the Scenes
Cyber Shadow began as a personal project by Aarne “MekaSkull” Hunziker in 2016, fueled by his love of classic action games. After years of solo development, Yacht Club Games—best known for Shovel Knight—partnered with him in 2019. That collaboration added polish and expanded the game’s scope.
Here’s a fun tidbit: the final boss’s theme almost didn’t make the cut. At first, it was dropped, but playtester feedback convinced the team to rewrite and keep it. That small change shows the team’s care for player experience and the game’s growth through collaboration.
Final Thoughts
Cyber Shadow earns four stars out of five. It’s a strong tribute to classic ninja platformers. Its sharp controls, bold visuals, and intense soundtrack stand out. A few issues—like the steep difficulty and some forced backtracking—keep it from perfection. But for fans of fast action and old-school style, Cyber Shadow hits hard. Just be ready for some tough battles along the way.
Rating: 4 out of 5 stars
