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Shadow Blade: Reload

Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux, Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2015

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Quick resume

Shadow Blade is an action-platformer set in a visually striking world where the ancient teachings of ninjas and samurai clash upon a modern landscape. Sprint through stages littered with traps, slaying enemies along your path without hesitation as Kuro, the blade of shadow!

Global score

87/100

Genres

Action, Indie, Platform

Pros

  • Tight and responsive controls
  • Fast-paced, fluid platforming
  • Well-designed levels with replay value
  • Level editor and community content
  • Engaging ninja theme and visuals

Cons

  • Some bugs and glitches reported
  • Short main story campaign
  • Limited combat depth
  • Lack of stealth element despite ninja theme
  • Technical issues with cutscene codecs

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom to choose their own pace, routes, and approach to levels, including speedrunning and exploration of collectibles."

  • Competence
    4

    "The game offers challenging platforming and combat mechanics that require skill mastery and precise execution, especially on higher difficulties."

  • Competition
    3

    "Presence of leaderboards, scoring, and speedrunning incentives encourage comparison with others."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report habitual play, replaying levels for better scores and engaging with level editor content."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Game is primarily single-player with no cooperative multiplayer elements."

  • Creativity
    3

    "Includes a level editor allowing players to create and share custom levels, though currently basic."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are individual and balanced."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Players use the game as a fast-paced, immersive distraction with engaging ninja action and comic-style storytelling."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily for fun and challenge, with no indication of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    3

    "Players explore different routes, speedrunning techniques, and level editor features."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Levels contain hidden collectibles and alternate paths encouraging discovery."

  • Expression
    -2

    "Limited character customization; mostly standardized presentation with some player-created levels."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Ninja theme with comic book style narrative and stylized action, though grounded in platforming mechanics."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction beyond sharing levels."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills and mastery over mechanics and level challenges."

  • Health
    -5

    "Typical sedentary gaming experience with no physical activity elements."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during play sessions."

  • Intimacy
    -5

    "No evidence of close social relationships or emotional sharing."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management features present."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through levels and difficulties with collectibles and challenges, but no character upgrades."

  • Relaxation
    2

    "Some players find flow and satisfaction in mastering levels, though game can be tense and challenging."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Enjoyable visual style, animations, sound effects, and music contribute to sensory engagement."

  • Status
    2

    "Leaderboards and achievements provide some social recognition."

  • Story
    1

    "Simple comic book style narrative present but not a major focus."

  • Strategy
    2

    "Requires planning routes, timing attacks, and problem solving in platforming challenges."

  • Thrill
    3

    "Fast-paced gameplay and speedrunning provide excitement and tension."

  • Value
    3

    "Good value especially when on sale; offers hours of gameplay and replayability."

  • Violence
    3

    "Combat involves killing enemies with sword and shuriken, with satisfying kill animations."

  • Survival
    2

    "One-hit deaths and traps require careful navigation and avoidance to survive."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026