9 Years of Shadows (Nintendo Switch) Nintendo Key - EU

Harness the power

Fight to restore lovely colors to a hand-crafted world of gloom and learn about Europa and her ghostly companion Apino. Halberd Studios' 9 Years of Shadows is a side-scrolling Metroidvania. Travel with Europa, a heroic warrior seeking to enter the mechanical giant Talos and stop the corruption within before it consumes the planet in darkness. Battle corrupted animals, meet intriguing musicians, and learn the truth behind the curse that deprived the land of all color.

Many people have attempted to explore the twisted depths of Talos, a dormant citadel where numerous civilizations have settled over the millennia. And, after losing everything she cared about, Europa has nothing to stop her from attempting what others could not. As a noble fighter who refuses to be bound by the curse, she must penetrate the castle, discover the source of the pollution, and finally restore the color.

Features:

• A Ghostly Companion - However, this adventure is not for Europa to face alone. In her most desperate hour, Europa encounters Apino, a cute magical bear with the ability to heal, cleanse the corruption and protect his allies. While exploring the castle, Apino can shoot powerful projectiles at enemies, open locked doors and shield Europa from ranged attacks.

• Elemental Vessel - Enhance your battle prowess by acquiring elemental armors. Master the might of lightning, water, earth and fire to defeat a vast assortment of enemies. Use the elements to your advantage to travel the map dynamically, surprise bosses while you change armors on the fly and perform strong combos. Obtain special abilities to swim against waterfalls, travel underground tunnels or glide through warm air currents to access hidden locations and uncover their secrets.

• Heal with Music - Meet enigmatic composers that will aid you in your mission. With the special appearance of Michiru Yamane and Norihiko Hibino, both as NPCs and composers of several tracks tuned to 432hz, a soothing frequency used in what’s known as healing music. And there is more to music than meets the eye. Hidden bosses with musical attack patterns lurk in the shadows ready to strike. In fact, music is the binding thread that brings gameplay and storytelling together; from collecting musical notes, to performing a healing lullaby to restore your health, music is all but the soul of the game.