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Shardlight

Mac, PC (Microsoft Windows), Linux • 2016

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Quick resume

A post-apocalyptic adventure game from the publisher that brought you Primordia, Gemini Rue and Technobabylon! A young woman stricken with a deadly plague searches for a cure in a hostile world.

Global score

90/100

Genres

Adventure, Indie, Role-playing (RPG), Point-and-click

Pros

  • Engaging post-apocalyptic story
  • Strong voice acting
  • Atmospheric pixel art and music
  • Logical puzzles
  • Multiple endings

Cons

  • Linear gameplay
  • Somewhat easy puzzles
  • Low resolution graphics
  • Lack of character customization
  • Ending feels rushed to some players

Motivations

  • Autonomy
    3

    "Players control Amy and make key decisions affecting the story and endings, though the game is mostly linear."

  • Competence
    2

    "Puzzles are logical and mostly straightforward with some challenge, providing moderate skill engagement."

  • Competition
    -5

    "No evidence of competitive elements; focus is on single-player story experience."

  • Continuation
    3

    "Players report engaging story and atmosphere encouraging completion and replay for multiple endings."

  • Cooperation
    -5

    "Single-player experience with no multiplayer or cooperative gameplay."

  • Creativity
    2

    "Players explore a richly detailed world with some narrative choices and puzzle solving, but limited creation or modification."

  • Domination
    -5

    "No social dominance or power over others; interactions are narrative-driven and equal."

  • Escapism
    4

    "Post-apocalyptic setting and immersive story provide strong escape from real life."

  • Expectation
    -4

    "Players engage voluntarily out of interest in story and genre, not obligation."

  • Experimenting
    1

    "Some narrative choices and puzzle solving encourage experimentation, but overall gameplay is guided."

  • Exploration
    2

    "Players explore multiple distinct locations in a post-apocalyptic world, though within a linear path."

  • Expression
    -3

    "Limited character customization or visual expression; focus is on narrative and fixed art style."

  • Fantasy
    3

    "Fictional post-apocalyptic world with some supernatural elements like the Reaper character."

  • Fellowship
    -5

    "No social or community features; single-player narrative focus."

  • Growth
    3

    "Players develop understanding of story and characters; some learning through puzzle solving."

  • Health
    -5

    "No physical activity or health-related gameplay."

  • Idle
    -4

    "Requires focused attention to progress story and solve puzzles."

  • Intimacy
    1

    "Some emotional connection to characters and story, but no social relationship building."

  • Leadership
    -5

    "No leadership or group management; player follows narrative path."

  • Progression
    2

    "Progression through story and puzzle completion with multiple endings; limited item collection."

  • Relaxation
    3

    "Atmospheric music and story provide immersive and somewhat relaxing experience despite dark themes."

  • Sensation
    2

    "Pixel art and soundtrack provide sensory stimulation appropriate to the genre."

  • Status
    -5

    "No social recognition or status systems present."

  • Story
    5

    "Strong narrative focus with engaging characters, multiple endings, and immersive worldbuilding."

  • Strategy
    1

    "Some puzzle solving requires logic and planning, but overall straightforward gameplay."

  • Thrill
    2

    "Tense post-apocalyptic atmosphere and moral dilemmas provide moderate suspense."

  • Value
    3

    "Players report good value for price, especially on sale, with 6-10 hours of gameplay."

  • Violence
    1

    "Some violent themes and scenes present, but gameplay focuses on puzzle and story rather than combat."

  • Survival
    3

    "Story centers on surviving disease and oppressive regime, with resource scarcity and danger."

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    Last update: 06/03/2026