Embrace the shadows, master the heights, and redefine stealth in a world of greed.

Styx's Journey: A Return to the Shadows with Enhanced Mechanics

After a nine-year hiatus, Cyanide Studio brings back its infamous goblin, Styx, in an adventure that significantly expands on the series' core concepts. While the protagonist's abrasive nature might be a point of contention for some, the game's robust stealth gameplay and innovative level design shine through, offering a deeply satisfying experience for fans and newcomers alike. This installment introduces a semi-open world structure, moving beyond the linear level design of previous titles, yet cleverly preserving the intricate, mission-based feel.

Navigating the Expansive and Vertical World of Blades of Greed

The game features three expansive maps, each boasting an extraordinary degree of verticality that rivals even the most labyrinthine environments in gaming. What makes these maps particularly engaging is the integration of Metroidvania-style progression. Instead of immediate access to all areas, players unlock new traversal abilities throughout the story, such as a hookshot for ascending new heights and a parachute for gliding across wind currents. These upgrades not only facilitate faster navigation but also encourage revisiting previously explored regions to uncover new paths and secrets, enriching the exploration aspect of the game.

Mastering the Art of Stealth: Abilities and Strategic Choices

Beyond traversal, Styx's arsenal includes a range of optional abilities that cater to various playstyles. While the temporary invisibility cloak remains a staple, players can also delve into powers like enemy possession, creating clones, or manipulating time. These abilities, coupled with a rudimentary RPG-lite system, allow for strategic depth. The game predominantly emphasizes stealth, urging players to avoid direct confrontation, as Styx, being a small goblin, is vulnerable in open combat. However, the option for more aggressive tactics exists for those who prefer a bolder approach.

A Visually Stunning World: From The Wall to Turquoise Dawn

“Blades of Greed” is a visually impressive game, even on moderate graphical settings. The article praises the intricate design of locations like 'The Wall,' a multi-tiered city built within massive viaduct arches, and 'Turquoise Dawn,' a lush, swampy region once home to orcs. The game also features a nostalgic return to the ruins of Akenash, destroyed in the original Styx game. These environments are not just backdrops but integral parts of the stealth mechanics, with complex layouts offering multiple avenues for infiltration and escape.

Dynamic Encounters and Environmental Challenges

The game's design facilitates highly dynamic stealth scenarios. When detected, players can swiftly adapt by utilizing the environment: climbing chimneys, rappelling down ropes, or leaping through windows to outmaneuver foes. This fluidity transforms near-detection into exhilarating moments of improvisation. The enemy variety extends beyond human guards to include creatures with heightened senses, explosive ferals, and hazardous plant life, adding layers of complexity to stealth encounters and demanding diverse strategies.

Quest for Quartz: A Narrative Driven by Exploration

The central plot revolves around Styx's mission to collect Quartz, powerful blue crystals being exploited by the villainous Inquisitors. While the primary objective often involves finding these crystals across the maps, Cyanide Studio has ensured that each search is a unique narrative. The levels are meticulously crafted with puzzles and obstacles that make every Quartz hunt a self-contained stealth challenge, reinforcing the idea that the semi-open world complements rather than fundamentally alters the series' mission-driven structure.

Minor Glitches Amidst Polished Gameplay

Despite its strengths, the game is not without its minor technical issues. The reviewer notes instances of environmental puzzles not aligning with the immediate narrative progression, and occasional bugs with item interaction or level geometry. Performance on an RTX 3060 laptop showed some frame drops in busy interior areas, though stability was generally maintained. These issues, however, did not significantly detract from the overall positive experience, especially for players accustomed to the genre's demanding nature.

The Evolution of Styx: Beyond Misanthropy

By the conclusion of “Blades of Greed,” the reviewer found a surprising shift in their perception of Styx. The game integrates Styx with a diverse cast of fellow adventurers, moving away from his previous solitary and cynical demeanor. This change contributes to a broader tonal palette, invoking the essence of classic 1980s dark fantasy films like “The Dark Crystal” or “Return to Oz.” The game successfully refines the character of Styx, finally realizing the developers' long-term vision for him, making for a truly evolved and compelling protagonist.