In the early 2010s, the gaming landscape was notably sparse when it came to stealth titles, with Cyanide Studios’ Styx emerging as a singular figure in this niche. Styx, a goblin with a penchant for mischief and mayhem, captured the attention of players, albeit briefly, before the resurgence of the Hitman franchise overshadowed his escapades.
Fast forward to February, and Styx is set to make a triumphant return with a new installment, Blades of Greed. To mark this occasion, Epic Games is offering both of the previous titles, Styx: Master of Shadows and Styx: Shards of Darkness, for free on Steam, allowing newcomers to experience the goblin’s stealthy antics without any cost.
Rediscovering Styx
Both games are celebrated for their commitment to stealth mechanics, where direct confrontation is not only discouraged but often leads to Styx’s swift demise. Instead, players are encouraged to embrace evasion, cunning, and the art of backstabbing to navigate through a series of elaborate missions set in visually stunning fantasy realms.
The original, Master of Shadows, established a solid foundation for the series, showcasing Styx’s infiltration skills across intricately designed environments that invite vertical exploration. Its sequel, Shards of Darkness, expanded upon this formula, enhancing the gameplay experience with improved nonlinear exploration and cooperative play options.
While neither title can be classified as a masterpiece, they offer a satisfying experience for fans of the genre. Styx’s incessant chatter may not be to everyone’s taste, but the games are fundamentally sound and, at no cost, present a worthwhile opportunity to delve into the goblin’s world.
As anticipation builds for Blades of Greed, players can look forward to a more expansive gameplay experience. The upcoming title promises to replace the segmented levels of its predecessors with three vast fantasy environments, allowing for a more leisurely exploration style. New gameplay mechanics, such as a glider reminiscent of those found in Breath of the Wild, will further enrich the experience.
Moreover, Styx will take on a more proactive role in Blades of Greed, assembling a motley crew of characters to execute elaborate heists from the comfort of his personal airship. Scheduled for release on February 19, the game provides ample time for players to engage with the earlier titles, with a demo available on Steam to offer a glimpse into the evolution of Styx’s adventures.
