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Shadows Over Loathing

PlayStation 5, Nintendo Switch, PC (Microsoft Windows), Mac, PlayStation 4 • 2022

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Quick resume

Shadows over Loathing — a slapstick-figure comedy adventure-RPG full of mobsters, monsters, and mysteries.

Global score

96/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Point-and-click, Turn-based strategy (TBS), Puzzle

Pros

  • Humorous and witty writing
  • Engaging puzzles and exploration
  • Strong replayability and content volume
  • Character customization and multiple solutions
  • Excellent music and sound design

Cons

  • Combat can become repetitive and easy
  • Some puzzles are overly cryptic or tedious
  • Progression system criticized as slow or limited
  • Some players find narrative pacing uneven
  • Lack of deep social or cooperative features

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    4

    "Players have freedom in character creation, choices, and multiple solutions to quests, allowing personal decision-making."

  • Competence
    3

    "Combat and puzzles provide skill challenges and feedback, though combat can become repetitive and easy at times."

  • Competition
    -3

    "Focus is on personal exploration and humor rather than competing against others; no mention of PvP or leaderboards."

  • Continuation
    4

    "Players report long playtimes, high replayability, and habitual engagement with the game."

  • Cooperation
    -4

    "Gameplay is primarily single-player with limited cooperative elements; partners are AI-controlled and swappable."

  • Creativity
    4

    "Strong emphasis on creative problem solving, multiple quest solutions, character customization, and humorous item use."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No evidence of exerting control or superiority over others; interactions are humorous and collaborative in tone."

  • Escapism
    5

    "Players use the game for humor, distraction, and immersion in a whimsical, absurd world distinct from reality."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of intrinsic interest and enjoyment; no indications of obligation or pressure."

  • Experimenting
    4

    "Encourages trying different character builds, exploring multiple quest paths, and discovering hidden content."

  • Exploration
    5

    "Large, varied maps with many secrets and side quests encourage curiosity-driven discovery."

  • Expression
    4

    "Character customization includes pronouns, appearance, and inventory items; players express individuality."

  • Fantasy
    5

    "Strongly imaginative setting blending Lovecraftian horror, 1920s noir, and absurdist comedy."

  • Fellowship
    -4

    "Primarily a solo experience with minimal social interaction or community involvement."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop skills through puzzles and combat; some critique on progression system but learning is present."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity involved; typical sedentary gameplay."

  • Idle
    -3

    "Requires focused attention for puzzles and combat; not designed for background or idle play."

  • Intimacy
    -4

    "Limited to surface-level interactions with NPCs and AI partners; no deep emotional connections."

  • Leadership
    -4

    "No player leadership roles; partners are AI and players do not manage groups or direct others."

  • Progression
    3

    "Character leveling, item collection, and upgrades present but some players find progression slow or limited."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Humorous tone and music create enjoyable flow, though some puzzles and combat can cause frustration."

  • Sensation
    3

    "Visual style is simple but effective; music and sound design praised for enhancing atmosphere."

  • Status
    -4

    "No social status or recognition mechanics; focus is on individual experience."

  • Story
    4

    "Engaging narrative with humor and Lovecraftian themes; story is a major appeal."

  • Strategy
    3

    "Combat and puzzles require planning and problem solving, though combat can become repetitive."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Some suspense and challenge in puzzles and story moments, but overall tone is lighthearted."

  • Value
    4

    "Players find the game offers substantial content and replayability for its price."

  • Violence
    1

    "Combat involves fighting enemies but is not emphasized as a core enjoyment; humor softens violence."

  • Survival
    -2

    "Low threat environment; losing combat is not punishing and can sometimes be beneficial."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026