4.5/5 ★ – vassm's review of Styx: Shards of Darkness.

After months of having the itch to play another "Styx" game, I stumbled upon the sequel "Styx: Shards of Darkness" during a sale, snagging it for $4--a stroke of luck considering I was willing to pay the full $20 only a week before. Though shorter, this sequel was definitely impressive with its heightened production quality. The animations and set pieces felt grander, and the transition from 2D to 3D cutscenes, while sacrificing some of the original charm, adds a layer of depth to the narrative experience. Gameplay-wise, "Shards of Darkness" retains familiar mechanics fans love but introduces better AI patterns in enemies, making progression feel more balanced and enjoyable. The environments, thankfully, are more compact and visually coherent, addressing the overly expansive levels in the first game. Side characters like Helledryn and Djarak shine with distinct personalities and are big parts of the main story. The integration of side characters into the narrative adds a refreshing dynamic considering the lack thereof in the first game. Each mission stands out, with really well-thought-out level designs, and gameplay variations. The boss fights in this game also had a jump in quality, considering they are actual bosses this time and not mobs. Despite its cliffhanger ending--frustrating given the seven-year silence on a follow-up--"Styx: Shards of Darkness" is a worthy sequel that refines its predecessor's formula without completely changing it. I am currently eagerly awaiting the next game in this franchise (fingers crossed). After playing this game it's safe to say that this has become one of my favorite video game franchises of all time. 8.6/10