Shadow Bug | Switch Review
In July of 2017, Muro Studios brought the game Shadow Bug to the iOS platform. Now as part of the endless parade of ports to the Nintendo Switch, the shadowy insect brings its tiny frame of massive power to the console that doubles as both home entertainment system and handhold gaming device. In a world of sinister shadows and malicious landscapes, Shadow Bug takes his quick reflexes and forceful strikes to battle against evil forces that are out to turn him and his furry friends’ forest paradise into a factory of dastardly production. The only one to survive seems to be via your fly companion, who will alert you to enemies along the way.
Put Your Skills to the Test
As the game begins, you immediately come face to face with the evil forces that have taken over the land. The tasks don’t appear daunting at first as you learn the legendary skills that Shadow Bug possesses. Luckily, if Shadow Bug sees a group of enemies in front of him…no problem! A succession of taps on the foes will cause a chain reaction of destruction. With his simple but powerful repertoire, you’d think the path to absolution would be simple, right? Wrong! Along the way, the environment that has been spawned by the evil forces also fights against our spider hero. Become too eager and rush your opponent, and a spike wall may impale you. Hesitate during a midair attack and Shadow Bug may fall to certain doom.
If that much evil wasn’t enough to deal with, the bosses are just as treacherous. They are a combination of satanic machinery and evil energy. Success is obtained on a single spot of attack that must be struck at a proper angle that allows for a strike and avoiding all the surrounding weaponry before, during, and after the attack.
Strive for Perfection
The objective in this game goes beyond mere slaying of foes with forceful ninja prowess. Along the way, mysterious white orbs which can only be described as the leftovers of what was the goodness of the world must be obtained along the way. In each level, there is also a single massive orb that is the equivalent of 1,000 of the standard size orbs. With great value also comes great risk to obtain such a rare item. The giant orbs are, in many cases, cleverly tucked away in a secret, seemingly unreachable area of the level taking great skill to obtain.
Success in the game mirrors the familiar three star rank system. Each star is earned for completion time, the number of orbs collected, as well as merely completing the level. Timing of level completion is precise to the hundredth of a second and, if you’re anything like me, you’ll be aching to run right back and try a level again just to obtain the three star ranking.
Creepy Crawly Visuals
The graphics of the game are very simple in design, but the flow and feel is quite beautiful. You can see beauty in the background, but can feel the darkness that has saturated the land. The further you advance, the more consuming the darkness becomes and you can feel the presence of the stronger forces come upon you as you go along. Even the hack-and-slash sounds after a successful strike are satisfying. The sounds of failure due to spike impalement or consumption by enemy are grim enough to pull you down.
The difficulty in the gameplay of this action platformer is reminiscent to that of Super Meat Boy. Sometimes absolute precise, pixel-perfect movement is necessary for success and to avoid certain doom. Quick decision-making and attention to detail are needed if you wish to taste victory in this quest. The assistance by your fly companion can be a help, but those with the faster reflexes will find that the fly may be more of a hinderance.
Touch Controls Done Right
As this was originally an iOS release, the natural way to play is the handheld mode of the Nintendo Switch. However, the Joy-Cons can be used to move along while the Switch is on your television. The touch screen method I find is the easier way to traverse. The instant gratification of slaying your enemies with the touch screen is hard to compete with any other method of gameplay.
Shadow Bug Final Verdict
Overall this game has a level of difficulty high enough to make you slap your forehead after a wrong turn, kill, or move. The urge to make that right move will keep you playing until you achieve the ultimate victory of three stars across the board. The environment is whimsically dark enough to play with your emotions in either success or defeat. This is a game that is a very entertaining platformer. It should prove to be a good break in life’s monotony, and keep your brain sparks flowing. In conclusion, Shadow Bug may seem grim in name and environment, but is a bright spot in the indie gaming scene in the ever-marching port parade on the Nintendo Switch.
This review is based of of a Nintendo Switch review copy provided by Muro Studios for coverage purposes.
Pros
- Cool Visuals
- A Lot of Satisfaction When Going for 3 Stars
- Responsive Controls
Cons
- Relatively Simple
- Not Especially Memorable
