PGC NEWS

Styx, the foul-mouthed goblin protagonist, returns in Styx: Shards of Darkness. This stealth-action sequel builds upon the foundation laid by its predecessor, Styx: Master of Shadows, offering a familiar yet refined experience for fans of pure stealth gameplay. Prepare for a challenging adventure filled with verticality, cunning tactics, and plenty of goblin-flavored commentary.

Styx: Shards of Darkness – Climbing and Stealth

Korrangar and the Quest for Amber

Styx: Shards of Darkness takes place in the elven city of Korrangar, a visually striking and intricate environment ripe for exploration. The narrative revolves around a plot involving the goddess Lyssril, amber, and quartz, with the survival of goblin-kind hanging in the balance. Styx finds himself embroiled in this conflict after a heist goes awry, forcing him to navigate the treacherous political landscape and utilize his unique skillset to survive.

A Master of Shadows Refined

The core gameplay of Styx: Shards of Darkness retains the pure stealth focus of its predecessor. Shadows, cover, and verticality are your greatest allies. Familiar abilities like clone creation, amber vision, and grappling hooks return, supplemented by new tools such as crafting cocoons for remote clone deployment and utilizing glass vials for distractions.

Styx: Shards of Darkness – Environmental Interactions

Level Design and Verticality

The game’s level design shines, offering expansive environments with a strong emphasis on vertical traversal. Each of the nine levels provides numerous paths and approaches to objectives. From hiding under tables and in cabinets to scaling walls and traversing rooftops, Styx’s agility and the game’s verticality create a dynamic and engaging gameplay loop. While freedom of approach is often encouraged, certain sections feature more linear sequences that test the player’s mastery of Styx’s abilities.

Gameplay Enhancements and Collectibles

Styx: Shards of Darkness expands upon its predecessor with refined controls and a variety of collectibles. Side quests and tokens scattered throughout the levels add replay value and encourage exploration. While stealth is paramount, direct combat is a viable option for players willing to embrace the risks. The inclusion of achievements for completing levels under specific conditions further incentivizes mastering the game’s mechanics.

A Narrative Shortcoming

While the gameplay is engaging, the narrative of Styx: Shards of Darkness falls short compared to its predecessor. The story lacks depth and compelling characters. The main antagonist’s motivations remain unclear, and the supporting cast, particularly Helledryn, is underutilized. The ending feels rushed and unsatisfying, serving primarily as a setup for a potential sequel.

Styx: Shards of Darkness – Combat and Stealth

AI and Difficulty Concerns

The game’s AI remains a significant weakness. Enemy perception is limited, allowing Styx to exploit their shortcomings with relative ease. Inconsistencies in enemy behavior further detract from the challenge. Despite offering a “Goblin” difficulty setting that disables Styx’s ability to block attacks, the overall difficulty feels less demanding than Styx: Master of Shadows.

Conclusion: A Solid Stealth Experience with Narrative Flaws

Styx: Shards of Darkness delivers a compelling stealth experience with refined gameplay, expansive levels, and a focus on vertical traversal. However, its narrative shortcomings and AI issues prevent it from reaching its full potential. Despite these flaws, fans of stealth gameplay will find much to enjoy in this goblin’s latest adventure.