Shadow Bug

Release Date: April 4, 2016

Arcade, platformers, 2D, indie games, singleplayer

7.8

OpenCritic

93%

Steam

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A mobile platform game from an independent Finish studio Muro, which evolved from a simple but successful project initiated by a few Alto University students. In Shadow Bug, we assume the role of a militant worm armed with two swords. The protagonist's job is to clear the forest of the hostile bugs and other opponents.

Plot
Mechanics
Technical aspects

Shadow Bug is a platform game placing a huge emphasis on action elements, released on mobile devices using the Apple iOS operating system. The title is the debut production of an independent, Finish studio called Muro. The game evolved from a simple project of students from Aalto University, which after receiving a number of honors, motivated the young developers to further expand their project.

Plot

Plot of Shadow Bug is kind of penurious, being only a pretext for the proper gameplay. We assume the role of a ninja-like worm, who is armed with two lethal swords. He faces the forces of evil, which have seized his home-forest.

Mechanics

The game combines typical platform game elements with an innovative way of fighting, based on the functionalities of touch screens. During the gameplay, our task is to traverse successive levels, which are filled by heaps of varied enemies. Also, in order to avoid a large number of traps, we will have to strain our brain cells. The characteristic feature of the game is that the hero cannot jump; he can move left or right only, sometimes pushing various objects. But we only have to touch the encountered enemy, in order for the protagonist to jump, and dispose of potential threat with the grace of a ninja warrior.

Finishing each stage is rewarded with an adequate number of stars (from one to three), similarly to other mobile games. The achieved result depends on many elements, such as playtime or the amount of gathered gleaming balls. You can always repeat the chosen stage, in order to improve the achieved result.

Technical aspects

Shadow Bug, released on mobile devices using the Apple iOS operating system, is characterized by an original graphical layer, similar to productions like Badland. This means that during the game we are accompanied by colorful, hand drawn backgrounds, but the whole foreground is black.

Last updated on April 22, 2016

Videos and Screens

[0:34] Shadow Bug launch trailer

7.8

OpenCritic Rating

Game is Recomended by 71% of Critics. There are 15 Critic Reviews.

OpenCritic

Switching Worlds: 7.5 / 10 by Hooshan Torabi

Shadow Bug is a fun, arcadey platformer which is very simple to pick up. The level design is decent. Some enemies and ideas keep it fresh along the way. That's good, because the game isn't that long.

Full Review

Geeks Under Grace: 7.5 / 10 by Josh Brant

Shadow Bug is a clever platformer that delivers in providing a short and exhilarating experience. While the controls may never feel just right, at its price point, Shadow Bug is a title that anyone who likes playing fun games should enjoy.

Full Review

Sick Critic: 7.5 / 10

Shadow Bug is a rich indie game with some rather creative ideas and some great level design, a surprisingly well-executed narrative and style, a constant barrage of challenges to keep you on your toes, and a unique gameplay premise that takes advantage of the Nintendo Switch’s unique abilities on a fun, but still challenging scale.

Full Review

93%