

To get the best ranking you’ll need to finish the level within the required time limit, raise no alarms, kill no enemies and find all the medallions. To get the best possible ranking on each level, you’ll want to avoid killing anyone, if possible.Įach level has four tracked stats Speed, Alarms, Kills and Medallions. Taking enemies out from the shadows works a treat, but when faced with more than one assailant, Styx only lasts a few seconds. Styx is not a very skilled combatant and can only parry enemy attacks rather than fight head to head. Conversely, if you’d prefer to make a lot of noise and rush, you can, though it’s a lot harder.

Taking things slowly and carefully is the best way to ensure you’re not seen nor heard.

Styx can crouch to move more quietly, become invisible, clone himself and use objects as cover. The tutorial level skims over many of Styx: Shards of Darkness’ features and Styx’s abilities, but it’s mostly self explanatory. Even though many of his pop-culture references are hideously out of date - American Pie, really? - Styx managed to make me chuckle.įundamentally a stealth game, each mission is divided into one or two objectives, usually involving thievery or assassination. Luckily, he falls just short of being Poochie and manages to remain likable and (mostly) amusing. The titular Styx would probably make a joke about how ‘titular’ includes the word ‘tit.’ He’s foul-mouthed, in your face and full of ‘tude.

It was made with care and attention and most of all, to be enjoyed. Playing Styx: Shards of Darkness, I could feel how much the developers put into making it. I was able to enjoy Styx: Shards of Darkness in spite of some clunkiness, some frustrations and the not-quite average visuals. Going in without expectations meant I wasn’t swayed one way or another from the outset. On booting it up, I had almost no knowledge of it or the previous Of Orcs and Men titles which is probably a good thing.
