If there’s one thing video games can do, it’s evoke moments of nostalgia through the pixels on the screen. And Shadow of The Orient, from the studio Spacelab Games, does exactly that. Beyond nostalgia, this title also carries a level of difficulty reminiscent of retro games. While the controls are quite responsive, the levels seem to have been carefully designed to present progressive challenges, making the adventure increasingly demanding.
In this title, the protagonist is a sort of martial arts master—a fusion of Bruce Lee and Liu Kang—wielding flaming fists that allow for attacks from a safe distance. His mission is to defend his homeland, simply called “Orient,” from the onslaught of the mysterious shadow clan. After 200 years of peace, this clan emerges from hiding and kidnaps all the children from the village. Like any good hero, the player jumps straight into action, determined to foil the enemy’s plans and eliminate this threat once and for all.
The story of Shadow of the Orient is simple, while its graphics draw inspiration from classics like Ninja Gaiden, evoking the golden era of 8-bit and 16-bit games. This visual style gives the game a special charm. The campaign is divided into three acts, each with five levels, culminating in an intense boss battle that promises to test the player’s focus and reflexes.
The first chapter serves as a tutorial for the available abilities. From the beginning, the player has access to a double jump and the ability to cling to walls, allowing them to reach higher areas without the need for platforms. One of the most surprising aspects is the verticality of the level design, offering plenty to explore. However, I felt that the game provides few rewards for those who truly dedicate themselves to exploring every corner. There are hidden areas, crates to open, and, of course, children to save. Although these are secondary objectives, the main goal is always to reach the end of the level.
Combat is fast and responsive but also quite simple. The protagonist has agile kung fu skills, but due to the short range of his punches and kicks, it’s easy to take damage from enemies. Throughout the levels, it’s possible to collect weapons and ranged attacks, but these are scarce and run out quickly after just a few uses. While combat is accessible, it can lead to moments of frustration, reflecting that classic retro game difficulty—something that perhaps could have been modernized.
In summary, Shadow of the Orient delivers a satisfying experience for fans of traditional action platformers, blending nostalgic gameplay with modern design elements. While it doesn’t introduce groundbreaking innovations, its challenging levels will put casual players to the test, while dedicated players will feel compelled to complete each level with all objectives achieved.
Video Gameplay
[Note: Review based on the final PC version of the game, kindly provided by JF Games.]
