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Shadows: Awakening is an isometric action RPG built around a clever hook: one demon-like avatar can switch between the Devourer and the souls of heroes it has consumed, while shifting between mortal and Shadow realms. That gives combat and puzzles a distinct tactical angle, but critics also point to repetition, pacing, and inventory friction. The result is a positive-to-mixed reception rather than an unqualified recommendation.
What kind of game is Shadows: Awakening?
Steam describes Shadows: Awakening as a single-player isometric RPG with real-time tactical combat. Its story premise centers on the Devourer, a demon that consumes the souls of long-dead heroes. Games Farm developed the game, Kalypso Media published it, and it released on August 31, 2018. Steam store page.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
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Shadows: Awakening - PC | $29.95 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
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Shadows Awakening (PS4) | $32.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
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Shadows Awakening (PS4) (Renewed) | $31.31 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
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GMT Games in The Shadows | $45.92 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
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Unstable Games Casting Shadows Board Game - Fantasy Strategy Game | $25.00 | Buy on Amazon |
What makes its combat and world distinctive?
Instead of controlling a conventional party of characters separately, players can instantly switch between the Devourer and the heroes it has absorbed. The characters bring different abilities, making the switch useful for adapting to a fight rather than merely changing who is on screen. The mortal and Shadow realms add another layer: reviewers describe them as factors in both encounters and puzzles. Metacritic PC user reviews.
That combination is the game’s clearest appeal for players who want an action RPG with more than a straightforward attack-and-loot loop. Reviewers praised the unusual party mechanic, combat, and character design. It is a different structure from an action RPG centered on one hero and a fixed skill build, though the available review evidence does not establish a direct comparison with Diablo in campaign length, build depth, or replayability.
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- Extensive gameplay - 40+ hours for a single play through, but with substantial options for Replay ability
- Two worlds - seamlessly Switch between the shadow realm and the Mortal plane and witness a gripping storyline in a world Full of myths, destinies and legendary creatures
- Real-Time tactical combat - combine the skills of your various characters to maximize the effects of your devastating skills and spells
- Unique party system - multiple characters in One demon, each retaining their own personalities. Internal dialogues, Rivalries and communication between the characters
- Plethora of different characters - choose from 3 heroes, each with their own stories, personal quests and dialogues. Consume the SOULS of 15 playable characters, each with their own unique skill sets
What do reviewers say about its weaknesses?
The main reservation is follow-through: the core systems are more distinctive than the tasks built around them. PC critics cited repetitive quests and puzzles, limited motivation over the long term, and inventory friction. One reviewer also judged the default difficulty potentially too easy for experienced action-RPG players. These are reviewer assessments, not results from independent testing.
PS4 critic excerpts likewise recognized the game’s entertaining twist on the action-RPG format while mentioning repetition and load times. That evidence does not establish current performance across platforms or show that one version runs better than another.
Rank #2
- A Tale of Two Worlds seamlessly switch between the Shadow Realm and the mortal plane
- Unique Party System multiple characters in one demon
- Skills and Characters 3 heroes, each with their own personal storylines, quests and dialogues
- Consume the souls of 14 playable characters, each with their own unique skillsets
- Combine the skills of your characters to maximize the effects of your skills and spells.Complex puzzles are scattered throughout the game.Expanded crafting and looting system will let you use rewards to configure the adventurer.Fully Voiced All dialogues are fully narrated, including actors like Tom Baker
How well was Shadows: Awakening reviewed?
Metacritic’s displayed critic aggregates varied by platform. Each score reflects a different set of reviews, so the small numerical gaps should not be read as a definitive platform ranking.
| Platform | Critic aggregate | Review sample |
|---|---|---|
| PC | 77/100 | 10 reviews: five positive, five mixed, none negative |
| PS4 | 72/100 | 14 reviews |
| Xbox One | 69/100 | 6 reviews |
These are Metacritic snapshots observed in 2026 and may change as pages update. The Metacritic platform overview shows the platform aggregates; its PC critic page gives the PC score and review breakdown.
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- A Tale of Two Worlds seamlessly switch between the Shadow Realm and the mortal plane
- Unique Party System multiple characters in one demon
- Skills and Characters 3 heroes, each with their own personal storylines, quests and dialogues
- Consume the souls of 14 playable characters, each with their own unique skillsets
- Combine the skills of your characters to maximize the effects of your skills and spells.Complex puzzles are scattered throughout the game.Expanded crafting and looting system will let you use rewards to configure the adventurer.Fully Voiced All dialogues are fully narrated, including actors like Tom Baker
What do players think?
Player ratings are mixed-to-positive, but Steam and Metacritic use different rating systems and draw from different groups. In a 2026 snapshot, Steam displayed 75% positive from 1,539 all-time reviews and 73% positive from 15 recent reviews. Metacritic’s PC user page displayed 6.9/10 from 54 ratings: 29 positive, 16 mixed, and 9 negative. These mutable snapshots are not a single comparable poll or a measure of all players. Steam; Metacritic PC user reviews.
Is Shadows: Awakening worth playing?
It is most appealing if you value character-switching combat, multiple abilities within one avatar, and a setting where two realms influence play. The review record is less encouraging for players who need consistently fresh quests and puzzles, a strong long-term progression pull, or frictionless inventory management. Its reception supports a cautious recommendation for fans of tactical twists on the isometric action RPG, not a claim that it is a must-play or the best choice on any particular platform.
Rank #4
Which platform is best for Shadows: Awakening?
The available evidence does not establish a platform winner. Metacritic’s aggregates differ, but each is based on a small, separate critic sample; the available PS4 excerpts mention load times without providing a comparable technical assessment of PC and Xbox One. Choose based on your preferred system and controls, and check the current storefront listing for availability in your region. The game’s platform-specific scores are historical review snapshots, not current performance tests.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Fast-Paced Strategy Board Game: Engage in 30-60 minute turn-based gameplay with this 2‐4 players Casting Shadows board game, great for competitive and strategic fun for teens and adults ages 12 and up.
- Transformable Character Mechanics: Collect spells and companions while mastering shadow form transformations for unique gameplay and strategic depth each session.
- Designed for Immersive Play: Features illustrated tiles, character cards, and custom resource dice that enhance the world-building and make each playthrough visually engaging.
- Highly Giftable Fantasy Game: A fun choice for birthdays, holidays, or gatherings with friends, ideal for players who enjoy strategic battles, magical themes, and tabletop adventures.
- Expand Your Game Collection: Discover new abilities and gameplay paths with the Ice Storm and Molten Rock expansions for even more magical battles.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
