When talking about the history of the Middle Ages, the people of this period is often described as the era of ignorance, superstition, oppression and barbarism. However, these same people often forget that the Middle Ages, just as the time of Gothic art and architecture, the birth of the university and the awakening of philosophical thought. Besides the intriguing historical stories that we read from various historical sources, this dynamic era left behind some interesting fantasy elements, including green dwarf creatures – goblins.

It was Styx – misanthrope these mythological types – the protagonist of the new sequel of the same name of the series while you’re running his silent assistant. Moreover, Styx is aware that a new adventure is not intended for one adventurer and there will be an opportunity to take advantage of the way that every mistake, without blinking, attributed to you. I would not have any problems with the redemption of his sins that little arrogant creature is not so often ignored my instructions, but instead to catch the edge of a cliff or fence plunged into the abyss. Obviously that’s just me, but not in it because I’m the one who is not able to use the controller. However, as far as Styx offense went away, this stinking goblin quickly we became one of my favorite digital characters.

In contrast, the mere adventure in which I was sent was not overly interesting. Fighting Green plague – as they called goblins, or monster which devastated large empire – drove my friend in the dark areas of the village Thoben. But greed that burns in every goblin is outweighed his will for self-preservation and took him on a journey of revenge. In this way we have gained some new friends none of them were leaving the boundaries of ethical egoism. None of these acquaintances was not sufficiently interesting to be with him on friendly terms, and in particular we were refused their performance and uniform tonality of voice. Consequently, Styx and I have mostly kept aside selfish thinking only of your goal.

„For all Styxs problems in his life only player who controls it is guilty.“

Our objective is actually met from the main missions, several side quests and collect items scattered. This is, unfortunately, led to another disagreement between Styx and my policy. The Styx was in a hurry to execute the task which brought him to a certain place while I sought to explore a little location. In this connection, at the end of each level would threaten our system constraints, which gave a certain number of skill points are due to the discovery of certain items to the same and later taken away because of the time spent on their search.

To put it simply, if I was in a location kept for more than half an hour would have deprived me of the experience, and if in the same area solved the side missions and collectibles gathered all received would this extra points. The game kind of makes you Speedrun through content while you make the other wants to explore her secrets.

Another thing that bothered our common progress is a high rate of mortality enemies. At first, Styx might seem ruthless, but do not be fooled. Styx you not exactly a master of combat. In fact, not even an amateur on this point. The only thing that little loudmouth know is, to bring a rusty counter attack and only if you are fast enough and precise. The fight is just not his style. Therefore, in order to resolve the enemy we had to reach a compromise that gave the resulting deadly traps and attacks from behind.

„Styx at first seems ruthlessly, but do not be fooled – he’s not exactly a master of combat.“

On top of hated people who were threatening our existence, we ran into a huge insects and strange plants, elves with us is the goddess Lyssril wanted to its will and elves who make us smell the scent faster than Zagorac brandy. Fortunately, no enemy is not completed quality military training, and many of them were and far-sighted. A good part of the warriors would remained silent on the movements that took place just two meters in front of them while the rest of the same anomalies seen through the wall. But the most unfortunate part of the opposing team were poor devils who would sing about anything, even if it was the air, and helplessly danced to some strange rhythms.

If you happen to find in the pincer, Styx would drink a little liquid amber to become invisible, and sometimes the same beverage consumed to create clones that would later sacrificed for the greater good. All in all, the poor quality of military education enemy AI and pacifist philosophy Styx are a good way to catch extra points for new skills.

They Styx acquires in their hiding places, and those of stealth and perception through alchemy go back to the cloning and murder. In collaboration with crafting elements they spice up the game by various level access to a number of different ways. In other words, Styx: Shards of Darkness play the way you want – whether it pacifist or without mercy – as long as it is not in Rambo style. Of course, you can play that way, however, you will not go far.

„Styx: Shards of Darkness play the way you want – whether it pacifist or without mercy – as long as it is not in Rambo style.“

If the Styxs society is not enough, or you simply wished to interact with another human being in the goblin world, Cyanide Studio has prepared a cooperative mode for up to two players. Do not expect anything revolutionary here; missions are the same ones that you have already passed in the single-player campaign. Perhaps I just have to warn you prepare in terrible debt load.

I have already mentioned that the voice acting tragicomedy of the game, and the same fate befell the design side. However, the graphics in some areas can be really nice – especially in the open air, in some it is just average with delayed loading of textures, while the third is missing half court while watching how the enemy is walking floor below you.

Taken as a whole, Styx: Shards of Darkness is by all criteria only an average game that pure oblivion saves fun protagonist and constantly breaking the fourth wall. Nevertheless, this game was an interesting experience of my gaming career.