Styx: Master of Shadows

before I say anything about my review I want to say something THIS IS A STEALTH GAME NOT AN ACTION OR HOWEVER YOU LIKE IT TO BE so now back to the review.
Without joking I seriously think this game deserves a critical scoring of 9.5/10 with the only problem being the black screen that you have to apply safe startup from the game files to solve it and that's the only problem I have, and about the good things there's a lot with both of the game play and story but to make it short I'm just gonna say one from each one firstly about the game play this game understands the field of vision is a cone not a triangle as in if you are in front above of an enemy and move away they will see you. and in term of the story it has a good message I'm not going to say what it is because I want you to try it.

TL;DR:good story and gameplay with funny selfish protagonist

Enjoyable until the elves section, combine with the stupid AI you pretty much rely fully on luck or cheats to finish each zones

This game is highly not recomended. Story is very good, but I cannot force myself to finish it even on easy. Game feels untested. Here is the most annoying thing in the game:
Cannot ledge grab from ledge.
You HAVE TO push enemies standing at the edge of platfroms.
Bug enemies are blind, but would see you if you are standing still or moving very slow at the sound source.
Bugs do not attack human enemies.
Bugs ignore human enemies sounds.
MC most of the times wont grab ledges and jump unpredictable when hanging from "things"

Good solid 7/10 stealth game. Drags a little towards the end as you essentially just retread the same levels in reverse, but they throw in new enemies to make things interesting enough. There isn’t much else like this anymore, so if you enjoy stealth challenges this’ll give you your fix

Good stealth game with a nice story.

Nice stealth game, although a bit repetitive at times; and the controls are a bit clunky

I stabbed a guard in front of his friend, and his friend only noticed after when I hit a bucket. 10/10

Fun stealth game.
The movement mechanics with grabbing ledges is a little wonky.
The areas with Robies are tedious as hell.
But it's still fun!

Lovely stealth game with a weirdo as the main guy! Not enough of those!

Styx Master of Shadows is a true hidden gem. It may be old and the npcs are a bit stupid. The stealth is amazing. This is one of the few games where you cant hide in plain sight and that makes it a lot more difficult.. The combat is the only thing I just dont like. Its clunky and annoying, but since the games focus isnt on combat thats okay.
9/10
Full recommend

What's not there to love about this game? Extremely dynamic animations, lots of story, character, art, attachments. It's a game that truly sticks to the art of stealth with a story rich adventure and lots of people to spy on an listen in on conversations within, you can enjoy a game of plenty and pain, a difficult stealth that will truly challenge you in the art of patience, stealth and finding the right moment to strike and get through a tough spot, there's various ways and routes of completing this game.

Combat isn't going to be your friend in this, being a goblin is. Think like goblin, be like a goblin and you will get through this game to the end, I don't want to spoil much for story in this game but I can guarantee to you that you will love the story if you enjoy some twists and more. The music, the artstyle and the characters is something to love. Enjoy the game and enjoy being a goblin.

What a mess of bad controls, repetative maps and a more pointless story than using a sock as a milk carton. This game was so bad in so many ways, finishing it felt like a nut kicking contest, no winners. I whole heartedly regret my hardcore need to finish it, I should have just looked up the story on youtube. This was game of thrones level craptastic endings.

Even if its on sale, not worth the time sink even for $5.

This game is truly underrated, yes it has its quircks (climbing mechanic can be tedious, AI sometimes active weird)

The story is not amazing, but contains a great twist. Its something I wanted to def finish though.

You can tell this is the studios first real big game, They really did great with the map designs, making it so there are multiple ways to get around to the objective, you can easily do a super passive role. I genuinely surprised that there are not that many speed runs in this game. This would be amazing to see speed runs, especially when it comes to exploiting the AI and other mechanics of the game.

The stealth mechanics are pretty enjoybale, the climibing can be an issue at times just because the way the camera is set Styx can block the view of reaching a platform, that might look close but is a bit farther away, also getting down platforms can be hard, but once you know how to deal with them it can be enjoyable to navigate through all the various paths this game offers.

This game is also great for achievement hunters and people who want to get all the points per level.

The game at this price is a steal, and should provide 8-10 entertaining hours.

Amazing game, great character to the story, 10 outta 10, better stealth game then modern day AC

if u like pure stealth games, you'll like this one, combat is super basic, you're a goblin (I think) so you can't really fight which makes sense, not really an action stealth game if that's wad u wan where u can man fight ur way out of things

Si, si, SI.
Level design INCREDIBILE, ambientazione fantasy ma originale. Trama che parte lenta ma riesce veramente a sorprendere, gameplay stealth soddisfacentissimo, divertente, leggermente clunky ma assuefacente. Migliore scoperta so far, non vedo l'ora di giocarmi il 2! (Hanno appena annunciato il 3)

One of the most entertaining stealth games I've ever played. I got a random YouTube video that popped up on my homepage that was talking about this game and within the first couple of minutes of watching that video I was interested in what i saw, so i stopped watching for spoiler reasons and wishlisted the game asap. Not long after the game actually went on sale for 90% off and i got it and played it to 100% completion. It has one of the most interesting narratives of any stealth game I've played and it has a twist roughly halfway through the game that really caught me off guard. I won't spoil it but while I did enjoy the twist, I didn't really enjoy who you end up being yourself. I wish it was reversed, if you know, you know. Gameplay wise it really emphasizes stealth in a way that the more popular stealth games like dishonored don't do well, in a game like dishonored, you have so many powers and weapons and abilities at your disposal that unless you play on ball busting difficulty, the enemies don't really pose a threat to you, and there almost isn't a reason to stealth unless you just enjoy doing it. It's alot faster and easier to just go guns blazing in that game (and it's sequel) but in Styx, you really do feel like a piece of shit goblin. You excel at being in the shadows and being a sneaky little fuck. If you DO get caught with your pants down, you're gonna have a bad time. There is a dueling mechanic so that if you're in a one on one fight with somebody, it's not that hard to parry their attacks and kill them but you can't always rely on that. More often then not, enemies will be grouped up, or they'll hear what's going on nearby and come help out whoever is getting attacked. Once you get outnumbered, you can forget about finishing the duel. Enemies also have a infinite amount of throwing knifes themselves so if you try running away, or climbing up something, chances are you'll get staggered a million times possibly dying in the process. Again, really emphasizes being stealthy comparitively. Also while you're in the "dueling" stage, you're kind of locked into the fight, and unless you try dodge rolling out of the enemies attack, you CAN'T run away from fights once you're locked in. I really don't like this aspect at all but again, just be stealthy and it won't be an issue. The powers and abilities you get are fun to use and the skills you can unlock make the game more enjoyable. Having the different insignias for beating the levels in a certain way and rewarding you for doing so honestly isn't bad at all. It incentivises replayability in a good way. The achievements are also easy to get making this a good game for completionists or bragging rights. The personality of Styx himself is also really enjoyable and fun to listen to.

the most underrated stealth game ever, the visuals are amazing and dark i love this game so much

Styx: Master of Shadows is a stealth game that dares to deviate from traditional action-heavy game play, creating a unique experience for players who cherish strategy and cunning over brute strength. Cyanide Studios crafted a masterpiece that places stealth at the forefront, emphasizing careful planning, exploration, and environmental awareness.

A Protagonist Unlike Any Other
The game’s protagonist, Styx, is an unconventional hero. Unlike the all-powerful characters often found in similar titles, Styx is small, physically weak, and entirely reliant on his stealth abilities. This intentional design choice not only sets Styx apart but also forces players to fully embrace the stealth mechanics. Combat isn’t glorified—in fact, it’s intentionally grueling and almost futile. Engaging in direct confrontations is a surefire path to failure, a design feature that reinforces the game's core philosophy: think, sneak, and outsmart.

Styx’s character is further enriched by his wit and personality. His sharp tongue and dark humor add charm to the narrative, making him a memorable anti-hero. This character-driven approach pairs perfectly with the gameplay, where players feel truly immersed in the role of a cunning goblin.

Immersive Level Design and Replayability
One of the standout features of Styx: Master of Shadows is its immaculate level design. Each level is a sprawling, multi-layered puzzle with countless paths to accomplish objectives. Whether you prefer to stick to the shadows, scale vertical structures, or create distractions, the game offers unparalleled freedom in how you approach each mission. The abundance of hiding spots, secret passages, and interactive elements ensures that no two playthroughs feel the same. This level of detail enhances the game’s replayability, inviting players to experiment with different strategies and routes.

The environments themselves are richly detailed, blending gothic and medieval aesthetics with intricate architecture. From towering castles to dimly lit dungeons, the atmospheric settings draw players into the world of Akenash and make exploration a rewarding experience.

Stealth Mechanics and Player Agency
The game’s stealth mechanics are among its greatest strengths. The reliance on shadows, sound, and timing creates a thrilling tension that keeps players on edge. Styx’s abilities—such as cloning himself, turning invisible, or extinguishing torches—add depth and variety to the gameplay. These powers aren’t overpowered but instead feel like tools that enhance the player's creativity. Mastering Styx’s abilities is immensely satisfying, as each success feels earned through skill and strategy.

Adding to the challenge is the diverse array of enemies. From elves with heightened senses to heavily armored guards, every encounter requires a different approach. This variety keeps the gameplay dynamic and ensures that players remain engaged throughout the campaign.

A Testament to Design Philosophy
What truly sets Styx: Master of Shadows apart is its commitment to its design philosophy. By focusing on stealth and limiting the protagonist’s combat effectiveness, the game encourages players to step out of their comfort zones. It’s a refreshing departure from modern titles that often blur the lines between action and stealth. Instead, Styx doubles down on its identity, delivering an experience that feels both unique and rewarding.

Looking Ahead
With its brilliant mechanics, creative level design, and charming protagonist, Styx: Master of Shadows is a must-play for stealth enthusiasts. The game’s emphasis on strategy and player choice makes it a standout title that continues to hold up even years after its release. Fans of the series have much to look forward to with its sequels, including the third installment set to release this year.

In summary, Styx: Master of Shadows is more than just a game; it’s a masterclass in stealth-focused design. For those who crave intelligent gameplay and immersive worlds, this title is an absolute gem.

Let's get the bad out of the way:
-Styx is a bit unwieldy, especially where it concerns grabbing ledges, which will lead to unintentional deaths.
-The second half of the game is mostly composed of previously used levels.
-Even though you can disable objective markers, the game was thought out with them in mind, with no other alternative to figure out where to go and what to do.

It's a fun stealth game otherwise. The gameplay is well-rounded enough, the levels have some nice verticality to them, and the art direction is solid.

Absolutely fantastic game. Some of the controls are a bit fiddly and a few sections can be a real pain but its all made up for by the amazing stealth sandbox and story.

Dope game in general. Everything in this game is alright, but the only thing that frustrated me was that sometimes the platforming felt a bit clumsy. However, I still enjoyed it. Moreover, the game is short, so it’s perfect for playing during breaks, weekends.... .

Great stealth game.

**Styx: Master of Shadows** is a hidden gem for stealth fans. The game offers satisfying sneaky gameplay, clever level design, and a unique goblin protagonist with a dark sense of humor. While the combat is clunky, the stealth mechanics shine, rewarding patience and strategy. If you love classic stealth games like *Thief*, this is worth checking out. **8/10**

Great story and characters but the gameplay gets really boring quick and the difficulty is ass.

Amazing game!

Great Game. Fun and adventure. And now is the time, to play these two games in preparation for the third game anounced today for this franchise. Very exciting.

it si good

Good for long enough to be worth it on sale. Eventually, you start running through the same levels over again, only backwards, but you'll have gotten $2 worth of fun out of the game long before that point.

I tried this game for a second time. Why do devs need the character to constantly talk its so damn annoying. I do not need my hand holding through every single step.

I'm sure 99% of people don't read the reviews. So you may not know that Naruto can be a bit harsh sometimes. You may not know this, but Naruto also grew up without a father. In fact, he never met either of his parents and never had any friends.

fun goblin , poor styx is hated by everyone

fun stealth game

I was gonna give a mid review to this game since its a general not so challenging stealth game, even in golbin mode, but there's something that gives it just enough essence. There are some very rare npc dialogues that can catch your attention, be it by funny jokes or even by breaking the forth wall. These details matter and give a little more life to the game. Other than that its a fun stealth game that quenched a bit of my thirst after playing all the dishonored games a milion times over.

Really neat stealth game even tho its kinda rough around the edges. Stuff like not being able to turn to another ledge while climbing gets really annoying. Some of the player/kill sounds alerting enemies is really exaggerated. The story and writing are great though and the twist is neat! The art design is super excellent and some of the levels really are just pretty. I wish the game would've explained how the predator perk tree worked before you unlocked it and maybe let you get skill points from collecting a partial amount of coins. If you play this keep in mind there is a whistle button, I don't think the game ever told me that and I didn't realize it till i got to the last level. Also the dueling system is dog shit just avoid that mechanic. Overall tho I recommend this if you're into stealth games and fantasy.

Very enjoyable and relatively short game with a decent story and gameplay. Not to difficult but challenging enough when gathering all the achievements.

Good game! But I suggest buy this on sale.

This is a really good Stealth game! As someone who adore the genre, it is a fine addition to Stealth as a whole. It can get really frustrating at time and save scumming is the name of the game here. As is typical for all stealth games. The level get repeated half way through. I don't mind it as much since it's not a AAA game. The story is great, really pull you into a loop half way through. The only thing I would mark against it are the platforming can be really inaccurate and frustrating at times, as well as some enemies are a pain to deal with. I really hated it when the game sometimes gave you situations that you have no counter towards and you have to sneak pass them. I'm more killing everyone quietly myself my it is what it is. Can't wait to play the next game

I went into this thinking I`d be a fantasy goblin and do some cool shit like procreate. But nah just a goblin that kills. Its good.

i love being little green guy and smothering posh british people

Styx: Master of Shadows – A Goblinsized Adventure with a Big Punch

Let me start by saying this: Styx: Master of Shadows is not your typical stealth game. It’s a gritty, dark, and often hilarious journey into the shoes (or rather, bare feet) of a foul-mouthed, green-skinned goblin with a knack for chaos and a love for shiny things. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like a tiny, angry gremlin wreaking havoc in a world that hates you, this game delivers in spades.

The first thing that struck me about Styx is its atmosphere. The game is set in a sprawling, vertical tower called the Akenash, a place filled with secrets, traps, and enough guards to make you question your life choices. The level design is fantastic—each area feels like a puzzle box, begging you to explore every nook and cranny. And trust me, you’ll want to. Styx is all about patience, planning, and sometimes just winging it when things go south (which they often do).

What makes Styx stand out is its commitment to pure stealth. This isn’t a game where you can hack and slash your way through enemies. You’re a goblin, not a warrior. One wrong move, and you’re dead. But that’s where the fun lies. You’ll need to use every trick in your arsenal: sneaking in shadows, climbing walls, throwing knives, and even using your clone (yes, you can create a clone of yourself) to distract guards or set up traps. The mechanics are simple but incredibly satisfying once you get the hang of them.

The story is surprisingly engaging for a game about a sarcastic goblin. Styx is a complex character—equal parts selfish and sympathetic. His dry wit and constant complaining make him oddly endearing, and the narrative keeps you hooked as you uncover the mysteries of the tower and Styx’s own past. It’s not a groundbreaking tale, but it’s told well, with plenty of twists and turns to keep you invested.

That said, Styx isn’t without its flaws. The controls can feel a bit clunky at times, especially when you’re trying to make precise movements or climb tricky surfaces. And while the stealth mechanics are solid, the AI can be a bit hit-or-miss. Sometimes guards are hyper-aware, and other times they’ll walk right past you as you’re crouching in plain sight. It’s not game-breaking, but it can be frustrating.

Visually, the game holds up surprisingly well for its age. The environments are detailed and immersive, and the lighting plays a huge role in the gameplay. The sound design is also top-notch, with Styx’s snarky commentary and the ambient noises of the tower adding to the tension.

In the end, Styx: Master of Shadows is a game that knows what it is and embraces it fully. It’s not trying to be the next big AAA title—it’s a niche, challenging stealth experience with a unique protagonist and a dark sense of humor. If you’re a fan of stealth games and don’t mind a bit of trial and error, this one’s worth your time. Just remember: you’re a goblin, not a hero. Act like it.

A great stealth game where you have to pass through guards and other people as quietly as possible. There is also the ability to make clones that will help you see what's ahead. Also, different enemies take away your HP in different ways.

not easy

Styx is a pretty good stealth game, with smooth mechanics and a great art direction. The levels are largely vertical and have multiple paths to complete your objective, you'll also have several options to kill your enemies. The difficulty is unforgiving, so you really have to be stealthy, which is a good point.

Unfortunately, halfway through the game, you may find it repetitive as it recycles its previous levels with new enemies type and challenges. The ending is meh, but the rest of this game is good.

Very cool stealth game with a fantastic story.

bad game ):

8.5/10
Styx is what a pure stealth game is supposed to be.

Game mechanics feel really smooth, you get to use your environment and "think vertically" a lot, there's usually multiple ways to get to your goal so it encourages exploration, most of the time you climb and sneak around enemies. It's hard, once you're caught your chances of surviving are slim and the fighting system is kinda shit to be honest but you're not supposed to encounter the fighting anyways as it's clearly about being stealthy. Best stealth mechanics I've experienced (beating splinter cell and the likes) and the mood is good, I skipped most of the story so couldn't say much about that.

I'd give it an even higher rating but the last mission and especially the last "boss fight" was absolutely ass. the rest is 10/10 though, good job to the devs

Fun

Great stealth game with lots of mechanics and world to explore, you could do 3 or 4 runs on the same level and find a different way to complete it every time. I'm not that far into it but I so far it seems to be a very pleasant experience for people who have patience and love problem solving. The dialog of Styx has a lot of profanity but that's what gives him his charm and makes the game a whole lot more entertaining, since you don't know what he might say next. I would say there might be a bit of a learning curve, but if you play video games like this often then it should not take to long.

(Can't rate yet, But will edit when finished) - Would recommend!!!

i like goblins, i like playing as goblins, i like stealth. This is a good game but it's harder than me looking at trans po rn. Your stealth know how and intuition will be challenged.