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Shadwen similar games & best alternatives

Shadwen

PC (Microsoft Windows), PlayStation 4, Mac, Linux • 2016

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Quick resume

Shadwen is a 3rd person stealth-action game where the only rule is to remain unseen. Stay hidden - or the ruthless guards will kill you on sight!

Global score

77/100

Genres

Action, Adventure, Platform

Similar games

    Pros

    • Innovative time control and rewind mechanics
    • Multiple playstyles (stealth or lethal)
    • Engaging stealth and puzzle gameplay
    • Atmospheric medieval setting
    • Companion ai adds gameplay depth

    Cons

    • Repetitive level design and gameplay
    • Limited ai sophistication
    • Short game length
    • Some frustrating companion ai behavior
    • Minimal story depth

    Analysis

    Less representative of its motivational profile, with noticeable differences. Motivations that often define this kind of title include Cooperation, Fellowship, Intimacy, Leadership. Here, the score leans higher than usual among comparable games on Leadership. It leans lower than usual among comparable games on Competition, Continuation.

    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 have freedom to choose stealth or lethal approach, multiple ways to solve levels, and control time flow and rewind."

    • Competence
      3

      "Requires skillful use of stealth, timing, and environmental manipulation; some AI limitations reduce challenge."

    • Competition
      -4

      "Focuses on personal playstyle and self-set goals; no evidence of competitive modes or leaderboards."

    • Continuation
      1

      "Short game with some replay value for achievements and different endings; some find it repetitive."

    • Cooperation
      2

      "Player must guide and protect AI companion Lily, requiring coordination between player and AI."

    • Creativity
      3

      "Players creatively use grappling hook, physics objects, and crafted gadgets to distract or kill guards."

    • Domination
      -3

      "Interactions emphasize shared experience with companion; no evidence of dominating others or trash talk."

    • Escapism
      3

      "Immersive medieval stealth world with atmospheric design offers escape from reality."

    • Expectation
      -4

      "Players engage voluntarily for enjoyment and challenge; no indication of obligation or pressure."

    • Experimenting
      4

      "Time control and rewind encourage experimentation with different approaches and tactics."

    • Exploration
      1

      "Levels are linear but allow some exploration of verticality and alternate paths."

    • Expression
      1

      "Limited character customization; some expression through playstyle choices and gadget crafting."

    • Fantasy
      3

      "Medieval fantasy setting with assassin and escort narrative, some unrealistic elements like time control."

    • Fellowship
      2

      "Sense of companionship with AI character Lily; limited multiplayer or community interaction."

    • Growth
      2

      "Players develop stealth skills and learn level layouts; crafting adds minor progression."

    • Health
      -4

      "Sedentary gameplay with no physical activity; requires sustained sitting and manual control."

    • Idle
      -3

      "Requires continuous attention and precise timing; no background or casual play indicated."

    • Intimacy
      2

      "Emotional connection developed with AI companion through story and gameplay."

    • Leadership
      3

      "Player leads and protects AI companion, making strategic decisions to ensure her safety."

    • Progression
      2

      "Collecting blueprints and crafting gadgets provides incremental progression; levels unlock sequentially."

    • Relaxation
      2

      "Time stop mechanic allows calm planning; some players find gameplay relaxing, others repetitive."

    • Sensation
      2

      "Atmospheric visuals and sound provide sensory enjoyment; physics-based interactions add fun."

    • Status
      -4

      "No social recognition or ranking systems; focus is on individual experience."

    • Story
      1

      "Simple narrative with multiple endings; story mostly conveyed through loading screen dialogues."

    • Strategy
      4

      "Strong emphasis on planning routes, distracting guards, and timing actions using time control."

    • Thrill
      1

      "Some suspense in stealth and escort mechanics; overall low risk due to rewind and time stop."

    • Value
      3

      "Good value especially on sale; short but enjoyable with replayability for achievements."

    • Violence
      2

      "Players can choose lethal or non-lethal approaches; killing guards is a core mechanic."

    • Survival
      1

      "Avoiding detection and managing guard patrols is key; no resource management or threats beyond guards."

    Where to buy

    Come talk about it on Discord!

    Last update: 29/04/2026