Shadows: Awakening Thumbnail

Shadows: Awakening similar games & best alternatives

Shadows: Awakening

PC (Microsoft Windows), Xbox One, PlayStation 4 • 2018

Related articles

Quick resume

Shadows: Awakening is a unique, isometric single-player RPG with real-time tactical combat. You embark on an epic adventure with challenging gameplay, a gripping storyline and enchanting graphics.

Global score

75/100

Genres

Action, Role-playing (RPG), Hack and slash/Beat 'em up

Similar games

    Pros

    • Unique character switching mechanic
    • Engaging story and lore
    • Varied puzzles and environments
    • Good voice acting and soundtrack
    • Solid combat with tactical depth

    Cons

    • Some frustrating puzzles
    • Inventory and ui clunky
    • Backtracking required
    • Combat animations sometimes sluggish
    • Lack of multiplayer or endgame content

    Analysis

    A very typical example of its motivational profile. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Leadership, Survival, Violence, Strategy. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Fantasy, Story. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Competition.

    How to use the graph
    Similar games map

    Each dot is a game. They are arranged from the same motivation profile as in the “Motivations” section below. Closer dots usually mean more similar reasons to play (exploration, competition, relaxation, etc.)—not that one game is “better” than another.

    • Larger dot with a light outline: the game you are viewing.
    • Colour: groups of games with comparable motivation patterns (statistical clusters).
    • Hover a dot to see the game name; click to open its page.
    • Scroll or double-click the chart to zoom out and see more games.

    Why don’t the axes read like a score? This view uses t-SNE: it only keeps who is close to whom. The scales are not “good to bad” or hours played—they separate groups on the map. Read distance between dots, not the axis numbers.

    Motivations

    • Autonomy
      4

      "Players can freely switch between multiple characters and choose skills, gear, and strategies, showing strong control over their actions."

    • Competence
      3

      "Combat requires tactical skill and managing multiple characters; puzzles add cognitive challenge beyond repetitive tasks."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Single-player focus with no multiplayer or ranked modes; players focus on personal progress and story."

    • Continuation
      3

      "Players report long play sessions and replayability due to multiple characters and story branches."

    • Cooperation
      -3

      "Gameplay is single-player with party members controlled by the player, no multiplayer or teamwork with others."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players customize characters’ skills and gear, and combine abilities across multiple characters creatively."

    • Domination
      -4

      "No evidence of exerting control over others; interactions are single-player and story-driven."

    • Escapism
      4

      "Players use the game for immersive story, exploration, and distraction from real life."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily out of interest and enjoyment, no indication of obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting
      3

      "Players experiment with different character combinations, skills, and switching tactics."

    • Exploration
      3

      "Game features multiple realms and varied environments with puzzles encouraging discovery."

    • Expression
      2

      "Some character customization and unique gear appearances allow for personal expression."

    • Fantasy
      5

      "Strong fantasy setting with demons, shadow realms, magic, and mythical creatures."

    • Fellowship
      -4

      "Single-player experience with minimal social connection or community involvement."

    • Growth
      3

      "Players develop skills, level characters, and learn game mechanics progressively."

    • Health
      -4

      "Typical sedentary gameplay with no physical activity or health-related features."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires focused attention and continuous engagement during combat and puzzles."

    • Intimacy
      -4

      "Limited social interaction; relationships are narrative and not emotionally intimate."

    • Leadership
      2

      "Player manages and directs multiple characters, guiding their actions strategically."

    • Progression
      4

      "Character leveling, skill upgrades, and item collection drive player progression."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "Some players find the game relaxing and immersive, though puzzles and combat can be challenging."

    • Sensation
      3

      "Enjoyable visual and auditory effects enhance sensory engagement."

    • Status
      -4

      "No social status or recognition systems; focus is on individual play."

    • Story
      4

      "Strong narrative focus with branching storylines and character-driven quests."

    • Strategy
      4

      "Combat and puzzle solving require planning, skill combinations, and tactical thinking."

    • Thrill
      2

      "Some suspense and challenge in boss fights and puzzles, but overall moderate tension."

    • Value
      3

      "Players report good value for time spent, especially on sale; some feel price is high at full cost."

    • Violence
      3

      "Combat involves fighting enemies with melee, ranged, and magic attacks."

    • Survival
      2

      "Players manage health and resources to survive combat encounters and puzzles."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026