Lords of Exile
Lords of Exile
Game
Game2021
Cyber Shadow
Developer Aarne "MekaSkull" Hunziker
Cyber Shadow is a side-scrolling action-platform game developed by Finnish indie studio Mechanical Head Studios and published by Yacht Club Games. Using an 8-bit aesthetic, the game follows a cybernetic ninja named Shadow who sets out to rescue his clan in a world overrun by machines. The game is mostly developed by Aarne Hunziker, who is the sole member of Mechanical Head Studios. It was first shown at PAX East… From Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
272 reactions from 3 sources (Steam reviews, Bluesky, Mastodon) · newest Oct 26, 2026 · last updated Nov 5, 2026 · How this works
Audience score
86
LovedLoved
161 positive · 26 negative
95% range 80–90%
| Source | + | − | = |
|---|---|---|---|
| Steam reviews | 161 | 26 | 0 |
| Bluesky * | 37 | 2 | 44 |
| Mastodon * | 0 | 0 | 2 |
* shown, not counted in the score (label accuracy below our 85% bar or not yet audited).
Steam's own rating
Very Positive
692 of 803 reviews positive (all languages, per Valve)
What players are saying
86% recommend · 161 yes, 26 no
Counted from the reviewers’ own thumbs up/down on the 187 English Steam reviews we collected, not by the AI. Valve’s all-language rating: Very Positive (1,305 of 1,564 positive).
Players praise the game's retro aesthetic, music, and tight controls, calling it a standout NES-style action platformer. [1][2][3] Many note the high difficulty, with some finding it rewarding and others feeling it becomes cheap or tedious. [4][5][6] Some reviewers criticize the lack of a map, janky parry mechanics, and difficulty spikes that hurt the experience. [7][8][9]
Liked
Representative posts
- [5]
Cyber Shadow is an initially very enjoyable retro side-scrolling hack and slash platformer that unfortunately grows tiresome as it goes on. There's a purity to its action that is refreshing if you're bored with Souls-like levelling up being put into the mix, as it concentrates on being a test of your reflexes, but it takes this to an infuriating degree. Particularly in the level design, where a lack of saves in the …
- [1]
Thoroughly awesome game. I found particularly impressive how it transitions from a slower paced, attention-testing platforming style to a more reflex intensive one as you acquire new upgrades; those, speaking of which, integrate into your repertoire in a way that felt very natural. Thematically, it has no business being so incredibly tasteful. Probably my favorite aesthetic across any of its retro cousins. The …
- [2]
This game isn't for everyone. If you don't like hard games, give this one a pass, because I don't want to see another bad review of this game just because you're bad at it. If you don't mind a game where precise timing is absolutely required to beat it, you might want to give this a try. If you enjoy very difficult games, this is for you. Not only does it have excellent platforming and combat, but it has one of my …
- [3]
I love it I'm really enjoying Cyber Shadow all over again, originally played it on the Switch. Among NES-likes, it's definitely one of my personal favourites. From its surprisingly captivating story to its engaging gameplay mechanics and intricate world design, Cyber Shadow sets a high standard for contemporary retro games. It demonstrates a deep understanding that the essence of a modern NES game isn't just about …
- [4]
So, this game is still getting a thumbs up for the sake of respect and the fact that I did enjoy the game....well, I'm stuck on Chapter 8 and will tell ya this game become even more unforgiving and brutal....I mean I am seriously trying to enjoy myself, I do not hate myself, that much, do go through this. Was there seriously a problem with making a simple mode? (not easy but the punishing difficulty spikes is very …
Summarised from 34 of the 266 public posts collected about this game; every point cites the posts behind it ([n] opens the post) and the split is counted from the posts’ own ratings. Updated Oct 12, 2026. How summaries are made
RottenBot@rottenbot · automated account
Players who liked Cyber Shadow talk about excellent pixel art and music evoke classic NES games; those who didn't talk about high difficulty can feel cheap or unfair at times. Which matters more to you?
Critics, per Wikipedia
All versions of Cyber Shadow have received "generally favorable reviews", according to review aggregator Metacritic. Fellow review aggregator OpenCritic assessed that the game received strong approval, being recommended by 84% of critics. IGN summed up their 8/10 review by saying "Cyber Shadow's excellent gameplay, level design, variety, and music make it a great modernization of the classic Ninja Gaiden formula." According to Nintendo (which runs the Nintendo eShop), Cyber Shadow was one of the 15 best-selling indie games of 2021 on the Nintendo Switch.
From the “Reception” section of Wikipedia, CC BY-SA 4.0. Critic context only — not part of the audience score.
Reactions
60 of 272 · most liked firstCyber Shadow is an initially very enjoyable retro side-scrolling hack and slash platformer that unfortunately grows tiresome as it goes on. There's a purity to its action that is refreshing if you're bored with Souls-like levelling up being put into the mix, as it concentrates on being a test of your reflexes, but it takes this to an infuriating degree. Particularly in the level design, where a lack of saves in the easier beginning stages wasn't so tedious, but by the time it really ramps up…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →So, this game is still getting a thumbs up for the sake of respect and the fact that I did enjoy the game....well, I'm stuck on Chapter 8 and will tell ya this game become even more unforgiving and brutal....I mean I am seriously trying to enjoy myself, I do not hate myself, that much, do go through this. Was there seriously a problem with making a simple mode? (not easy but the punishing difficulty spikes is very breaking and expresses how much tolerance an individual has)....Well I am…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Finally got to playing Cyber-Shadow! Really, really liked it, did pretty good on my first playthrough. 🥷 I actually got to see a sneak peek of this in a very early state from the dev himself around... 2011? It's really cool to see how it formed into a proper game. :3 Lots of thoughts about this.
positive · AI labelView post →Cyber Shadow Switch Does it play offline? Yes Does it require a download? No Only encountered a crash after leaving the game in Sleep Mode for an extensive amount of time. Runs flawlessly otherwise. Big THX to @superraregames.bsky.social for this review copy!
neutral · AI labelView post →A conflicting array of design elements and annoying difficulty spikes Cyber Shadow is a game that I wanted to enjoy, but I found the more I played, the more annoyed I was at how the game was designed. I LOVE metroidvania style games. The ability progression, along with the fun way you can unlock upgrades by smartly backtracking and noting areas/items you can't interact with yet is something I find very cathartic. Cyber Shadow attempts to integrate a few of these elements, but it does so…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Great art and animation. Very tight and good platforming controls that get blemished in the end. The game feels and plays better when you start out with no powers than it does when you get all the powers. The parry input is jank and you get hit sometimes even if you parry the bullet. The special move inputs make platforming and fighting sloppy. A Metroidvania game with no map expect select places where there is a teleporter. What started out as a lot of fun got tedious and annoying at the…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I'm someone who enjoys a hard game, but this game feels cheap hard, not fun hard -- and it's not even super hard! It's just the kind of game that isn't compelling enough to make sticking with it worth the irritation. Most of the difficulty comes from instant-kill pits and spikes, and from enemies that attack from odd angles that don't align with your strikes, so deaths often feel like they're due to bad luck or to your character's limitations rather than you own mistakes. Invincibility frames…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Heyo Friendo! Hanging out on Twitch today playing one of my favorite indie titles, Cyber Shadow. Fun little side scroller, vibes a retro, game looks great and plays even better. Hope to see you in there! www.twitch.tv/thrillhouseg...
positive · AI labelView post →Cyber Shadow is fantastic and has everything a good ninja game should. I can't recommend it enough.
positive · AI labelView post →A specific genre of game I like to play is platformer with too many enemies and it takes dozens of plays to get through a stage or a boss. :P I got Cyber Shadow from Yacht Club Games this week and have been playing it little by little after work! youtu.be/AAjkJJiWTps?...
neutral · AI labelView post →When the going is tough, put on the soundtrack to the video game, Cyber Shadow. Then you'll probably be able to do it. www.youtube.com/watch?v=2-kb...
positive · AI labelView post →I bought this after beating The Messenger and watching a YouTube video saying this was a natural follow-up to that game. But don’t be fooled: this is much, much harder and often unfair. I’m not the most skillful player, so challenges like “beat it in under 3 hours” or “no-hit run” are far out of my league. The checkpoints are very far apart, making you replay some harder and unfair sections dozens of times. “Unfair,” in this case, means enemies are strategically positioned to block your…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Thoroughly awesome game. I found particularly impressive how it transitions from a slower paced, attention-testing platforming style to a more reflex intensive one as you acquire new upgrades; those, speaking of which, integrate into your repertoire in a way that felt very natural. Thematically, it has no business being so incredibly tasteful. Probably my favorite aesthetic across any of its retro cousins. The narrative, simple as it is, was enjoyable. Sign me up for more. e: After reading…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game sucks. It embraces the worst parts of Retro platformers. Annoying knockback and limited moveset make this game insufferable.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is not for everyone in due to it difficulty and enemy positioning, but I can tell you that is one of the best games that I ever played in those years, I won't tell any spoilers of it so just play by yourself. Also the music and gameplay of this are wonderfull! 8/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Do yourself a favor and bind a turbo attack button. Steam controller settings -> pick a button -> cogwheel next to that button -> "Settings" -> Hold to Repeat Thank me later.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Excellent game that lives up to Yacht Club's reputation.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Classic NES Ninja Gaiden vibes. Some challenging boss fights and interesting upgrades for your Ninja. Good controls with a somewhat linear stage progression. Standard story with interesting stage layouts and dark/gloomy pixel art. I died many times trying to get through some areas, but still had fun. Wait for this to go on sale if you decide to pick it up.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →“What the-” -Adversary at every occasion Cyber Shadow sure is a game that not only goes for the aesthetics of the title that inspired it but also the game feel, and since you’ve already seen this thumb down you know that is not always praise. X-Factor Lovely retro aesthetic, from pixel-art to music to even the over the top ultra-masculine or silly character design from the 80s. Ninjas are cool, robots are cool, robot ninjas are cool squared, kickass music helps too. It’s very clear what…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game isn't for everyone. If you don't like hard games, give this one a pass, because I don't want to see another bad review of this game just because you're bad at it. If you don't mind a game where precise timing is absolutely required to beat it, you might want to give this a try. If you enjoy very difficult games, this is for you. Not only does it have excellent platforming and combat, but it has one of my personal top ten soundtracks in any video game. The story is also very good. This…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I died 448 times to beat the game
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Sucks. Play the Messenger instead....
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It’s one of the better NES-style throwback games I’ve played. Having said that, I'd rate my enjoyment 'just above average', but that's not the games fault and more to do with my preference of genre. I get a lot more out of something more exploratory like a metroidvania. When taking damage you get knocked back a little bit (not as harshly as in Castlevania 1). You can change your trajectory while jumping. It takes around 6-7 hours to beat. The first half of the game can feel a bit…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I love it I'm really enjoying Cyber Shadow all over again, originally played it on the Switch. Among NES-likes, it's definitely one of my personal favourites. From its surprisingly captivating story to its engaging gameplay mechanics and intricate world design, Cyber Shadow sets a high standard for contemporary retro games. It demonstrates a deep understanding that the essence of a modern NES game isn't just about replicating the past but about elevating it to modern standards, and doing what…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I don't think Cyber Shadow hit its mark with me. There are unique concepts in here alongside stunning retro graphics. But, in the end the moment to moment gameplay and sometimes confusing platforming environments kept it feeling like a drag so much so that I dropped it.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Stream is🔴LIVE with Cyber Shadow! Robot Ninjas? What is this, a Kojima game? Come hang! #VTuber #pngtuber #vsky twitch.tv/entropey
neutral · AI labelView post →This game is absolutely incredible, for a specific type of person. It's brief, my playtime totaled 6 hours and that was moving pretty slow, exploring stages, and some time with the game paused doing other things. That's a huge plus in my book, as much as I love an epic in scope game like cyberpunk, red dead, spider man, getting a complete experience in just a day or two will always be my preference. It’s kind of impossible to talk about this and not mention The Messenger, which isn’t…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game has everything going for it and, amazingly, manages to be completely un-fun.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →fun! starts a bit slow, but once you build up powers it feels right. enemies like to cheap shot you though, so keep yar arse on a swivel !
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Looks like The Messenger or Ninja Gaiden or Cyber Shadow. The Messenger is really awesome and if you haven't played it yet you should. So yeah what I am trying to say is this game looks really cool
neutral · AI labelView post →Cyber Shadow is a modern indie homage to the golden age of 8-bit action platformers, but it goes far beyond simple imitation. Developed almost entirely by Aarne “MekaSkull” Hunziker and released under the guidance of Yacht Club Games, the studio behind Shovel Knight, it captures the razor-sharp precision and intense pacing of classic ninja games while weaving in contemporary design polish. At first glance, its pixelated cyberpunk aesthetic draws clear inspiration from titles such as Ninja…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Good side-scrolling game. Feels like Megaman but you play with Zero cause you can't shoot much, you rather use a sword and melee attacks. The normal mode finishing is relatively easy but still a bit challenging and fun. I don't find it having a nice replay factor, but it's also satisfying finishing it only once. Again one of those "skip the BS and let's get started playing" kind of game, so I very much recommend it.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This is the best retro Ninja Gaiden style game I've played. The gameplay progression is great and the music is AMAZING. Hands down my favorite one among the others such as The Messenger, etc. Highly recommended!!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Couple new games (new physical at least) showed up over the last couple days. Under Defeat is a rerelease of a 360/ps3 helicopter shmup. Cyber Shadow is an NES inspired Ninja Gaiden style game. Old school style, but unlimited respawns at checkpoints. Really good so far. #blutoid
positive · AI labelView post →This is a great game. I just beat it after about 6-7 hours on Normal mode and really had a lot of fun. If like you like old school platform action games like Shinobi, this game is for you. The levels range from fun and fast to extremely meticulous and downright devious. The level designer will go out of their way to make enemies attack you from angles that are hard for you to react to without certain abilities and some of the later abilities require some practice to use properly…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Excellent game, high difficulty, with rather refreshing spikes in the middle and the end. Definitely one for action platformer fans.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →[Streamathon Day 5 Cont.] Decided to fold King of Cards, and now we're moving to @yachtclubgames.bsky.social published Cyber Shadow! One of the first, and not the last, published game! #VTuber #VSky #CyberShadow #ActionGame www.twitch.tv/emiko_choroi
neutral · AI labelView post →Solid retro action platformer. Fairly linear with some minor exploration but good progression with giving you abilities as you go so it doesn't get stale, but there's not a lot of replayability other than to get feats and achievements you may have missed, but good overall. Controls are pretty good for everything except the downright weird parry mechanics, but you don't NEED to parry anything anyway. It was a bit short, finished in 6 hours on first playthrough and finished 100%…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I still think about Cyber Shadow, its gameplay and soundtrack worked in perfect harmony and I consider it the best 2D ninja game out there (and getting the Platinum trophy was HARD but super fun!). I still get goosebumps from the 2020 Story trailer. #playstation @yachtclubgames.bsky.social
positive · AI labelView post →Fun game! Reminds me a bit of The Messenger, but with a more serious tone. Can't go wrong with a motorcycle action segment in your game either!
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →One of the best platformers I've ever played. Excellent music, excellent movement, excellent levels, excellent story, excellent everything. A steal at any price.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's... ok I guess if all you're looking for in a game is a shoot of nostalgia. I don't. I was there in the 90's, lots of things sucked in games from the 90's, I except developers to improve on them when they are producing new retro-styles one. Why can't the player duck? It makes dodging a lot of hazards unnecessarily tedious. And why do I have to press UP+Main attack to use the secondary weapon? I've got ten bezillion buttons on my gamepad from 2025. It's not like it's a major problem but why…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Been playing this game back and forth with The Messenger. Highly recommend!!!!! Both are very interesting takes on the classic ninja side-scroller.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is very reminiscent of old NES games, especially Ninja Gaiden. It has good graphics and good music. As for cons: -No croutch that makes earlier stages very annoying. -Lack of precision, unlike its good inspirations, this game doesn't always respond properly to your inputs. -Attempt to mimic 2 buttons from NES. I would understand if the 2-button system was consistent throughout the whole game, but in chapter 6 you get Dash that uses RB on a controller which makes the absence of…
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Cyber Shadow is a good game. Not a great game, just a good game. It has a lot of ways that it inflates its difficulty that are really annoying, very Mega Man 1 style. But besides that gripe that really only affects the second half of the game, the art direction, music, etc., is absolutely phenomenal. I recommend.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Fearh an Hungah or something, I don't know, I haven't played the game. You think there's an in universe pokemon version of r/chonkers? Poor Mecha Fairy, being barely noticed in that fairly niche game that is Cyber Shadow. Some cosplay clothes Paul bought from two lesbians. He likes them.
neutral · AI labelView post →This is the Ninja Gaiden of Dark Souls, I mean this is the Dark Souls of Ninja Gaiden, I mea-
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Very Fun & very addictive Metroidvania in the style of Ninja Gaiden. 10/10
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →This game is sick! A must buy for retro sidescroller fans. Movement feels so good once you get all the upgrades and chain dash through entire levels.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →I get it, retro and all, trust me, I was there in the arcades playing these games. But there's a reason we've moved away from many bad elements of gameplay. You could have easily made this game just as retro with the ability to attack while crouching so you don't take impossible to escape damage, or without the need to fall from any platform when hit.
negative · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It's not often I aim for all the achievements/feats/challenges in a game, but this one was really satisfying to do. Goddamn, Cyber Shadow rules.
positive · AI labelView post →Cyber Shadow is such a funny game because I'd argue the first chunk of the game is harder, from not having air strike and parry. Then it gets a little easier, before cranking up again at the end. I'm just posting this because I'm salty about fucking up an attempt at the live forever feat.
positive · AI labelView post →Very cool game, a nice tribute to the Ninja Gaiden games on NES, but much more accessible.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →There are quite a few games paying homage to the 8-bits era of Ninja Gaiden nowadays. Cyber Shadow is one of the better ones. With its tight gameplay, beautiful pixel art and cut-scenes, and a brilliant chiptune soundtrack that's actually pleasant to listen to, it offers a rewarding experience for players who enjoy retro aesthetics, intense platforming and tight combat. The game is structured in chapters that one can revisit to find more secrets after unlocking new powers, adding a slight…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →If you liked the NES Ninja Gaiden then you will like this. There is the classic difficulty but with checkpoints so you dont have to redo the whole level. There are difficult spans with intentionally hard enemy patterns like Ninja Gaiden. The checkpoints allow for temporary upgrades to assist with difficult sections if you dont like the "get good" mentality but are only there to slightly help. Good game and worth the price.
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →WE LIVE! New game clearing! Time to start off Cyber Shadow :3 www.twitch.tv/aelita1234
neutral · AI labelView post →Amazing game, with a unfun parry. Everything about the game is fun, and fair. It is hard but never unfair (maybe sometimes unfun, at very specific places). Everything about this game is fun, the bosses, stages, and music. Minos the parry, wish it had a optional exclusive buttom. It feels untuitive to Tap the direction buttom to stop a projectile, even less multiple, even less in rare cases where you need to parry and jump. Gorgeous game, amazing gameplay, strong recomend if you like hard…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →It does sound like they were spreading themselves a bit thin though, working on a big 3D project, Mina, and another game simultaneously. Seems part of the impact is also that SK: Dig, SK:Pocket Dungeon, and Cyber Shadow were not successful enough to keep funding how many projects they took on.
neutral · AI labelView post →If you're a fan of Retro platformers (For me megaman X was huge growing up) then this game serves to play the same while being bite sized and losing the unfair design flaws some older games had. Levels are short, the challenge is very compact. The hours come from how many times you'll have to retry a difficult section, not from the total length of the game itself. As far as difficulty goes the game is moderately challenging throughout most of it but there's specific sections that are really…
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →Cyber Shadow: One of the most amazing 2D Ninja games ever made a bit of a mix with a metroid, but focused on stage-by-stage action. Great bosses, great gameplay, music, visuals, everything. Loved the story, the cutscenes with beautiful pixel art. The powerups you gain are pretty cool building up to intense ninja gameplay Also, I would recommend hunting some of the achievements, some of the challenges are pretty fun to attempt 10/10 makes you feel like a true (robot) ninja
positive · reviewer's own thumbsView post →
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