9 Years of Shadows: A Metroidvania Crafted with Care

Introduction

If you’ve spent years exploring Metroidvanias—from Hollow Knight’s intricate caverns to Axiom Verge’s offbeat mysteries—then 9 Years of Shadows should pique your interest. Originally released on PC and Switch, this indie title lands on PlayStation and Xbox on July 31, 2025. It isn’t content to lean solely on retro aesthetics; instead, it combines ambitious pixel art, a dynamic elemental armor system, and a soundtrack by genre veterans to carve out its own identity.

Quick Specs

• Developer: Halberd Studios
• Publisher: JanduSoft
• Release Date: July 31, 2025
• Genres: Metroidvania, Action, Adventure
• Platforms: PS5, PS4, Xbox Series X|S, Xbox One

Visual and Audio Design

Where many indie titles rely on pixel nostalgia, 9 Years of Shadows uses painterly backgrounds, animated details, and a bold color palette to breathe life into every scene. The world of Talos—an enormous, machine-like fortress—feels more like a living organism than a static map.

On the audio front, the game scores points with Michiru Yamane (Castlevania: Symphony of the Night) and Norihiko Hibino (Metal Gear Solid 2/3). Their compositions don’t merely accompany the action; they’re woven into puzzles and emotional moments, underscoring key narrative beats and heightening immersion.

Gameplay Mechanics

At its core, the game follows classic Metroidvania formulas: an interconnected map, unlockable abilities, and hidden passages that reward exploration. The twist comes from its elemental armor system. Players can switch between fire, water, earth, and other forms on the fly, each granting unique offensive and defensive options. This real-time adaptation pushes you to read enemy patterns and environmental hazards, adding tactical depth to standard platforming and combat.

Traversal feels crisp and responsive. New abilities don’t just open shortcuts—they encourage backtracking to uncover previously inaccessible secrets. Boss encounters, while familiar in structure, often force you to experiment with armor types to exploit vulnerabilities, keeping battles engaging.

Story and Worldbuilding

The narrative unfolds gradually through environmental storytelling and terse dialogue. While it doesn’t revolutionize Metroidvania lore, it establishes an intriguing mystery around Talos and its ancient inhabitants. Some players may crave more character-driven moments, but those who enjoy piecing together lore from background details will find enough here to stay invested.

Potential Drawbacks

• Repetition: Certain combat arenas and enemy patterns may feel familiar to series veterans.
• Story Pacing: The plot’s gradual reveal might test the patience of players seeking a more cinematic narrative.
• Difficulty Spikes: A few sections can be unforgiving if you haven’t fully explored your armor options.

Conclusion

9 Years of Shadows doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it delivers a polished, thoughtful take on the Metroidvania formula. Its standout soundtrack, striking visuals, and the real‐time elemental armor system combine to offer both comfort and novelty. For players weary of one-note pixel platformers, this release on PlayStation and Xbox could be the engaging adventure you’ve been waiting for.