This cute, well-designed and relaxing little gem takes playing with light and shadows to the next level. Its gameplay is based on the cooperation between a little girl that’s afraid of light, and her shadow twin who helps her in her journey through magical, a little surrealistic and beautifully drawn environments. [02/2021, p.42]
If Shady Part of Me’s narrative was a little less vague, the story would probably have greater stakes than are evident. None of that compromises the high standards of design and the entertaining challenge of the game itself, though, and the visual diversity of each act ensures that the black-and-white aesthetic never seems the least bit drab.
A Shady Part of Me is short and could be completed in an evening or two, so it’s much easier to digest what’s on offer before the simplicity of it wears you out. Overall, I would love to have seen more complexity in my time with it, or simply deeper twists on an already crowded genre. If not mechanically then emotionally. LIMBO and INSIDE were standouts not only because of the mechanics but the world-building and tension as well. Likewise, Braid was an homage that never squandered on difficulty. I hope that what comes next from this studio is a bit more daring than what came before it, as A Shady Part of Me inspires confidence.
Without ever revolutionizing the genre and endowed with less inspired passages, this puzzle and platform game, able to test the most lively minds, merges content and form to transcribe a duality that is both playful and visual.
SummaryOvercome emotional struggles across a touching narrative filled with twists and surprises. Embark on a dream-like journey, with breathtaking artistic direction and the enthralling voice of Hannah Murray (Game of Thrones, Skins).