“Ereban: Shadow Legacy” emerges as a captivating third-person stealth platformer, immersing players into a futuristic dystopian world where they embody Ayana, the last of her kind, on a quest to reunite with her people and unravel the truth shrouded in darkness. This narrative-driven adventure grants players the freedom to approach challenges aggressively or passively, emphasizing player choice in navigating the shadows of Ereban.
In an interview with Game Rant, creative director Alex Márquez delves into the game’s thematic elements of light versus dark and the intricate use of shadows. Ayana’s shadow powers, such as Shadow Merge and Shadow Jump, play a pivotal role in gameplay mechanics, requiring a meticulous implementation of a “1:1 shadow detection system” to ensure players can seamlessly interact with shadows and light sources. Each object’s shadow serves as a strategic element in level design, offering players diverse paths to traverse.
The juxtaposition of light and dark extends beyond gameplay mechanics, shaping the narrative dynamic between Ayana and her adversaries, the SYMULANTS of Helios. Márquez elucidates on the nuanced portrayal of morality, eschewing simplistic dichotomies of good versus evil in favor of a morally gray narrative landscape. Ereban: Shadow Legacy explores the complexity of conflicts, emphasizing the interdependence of light and shadow in shaping the world.
Despite the studio’s ambition to incorporate a more intricate skill tree and mechanics, resource constraints led to the simplification of gameplay elements. Ideas such as evolving Shadow Powers and chaining executions were sidelined in favor of streamlining the player experience. Nonetheless, the seamless integration of shadow mechanics enhances the sense of empowerment in navigating Ereban’s shadows, aligning with the game’s thematic depth.
While reception to Ereban: Shadow Legacy varies, with some critiques on pacing and difficulty, the game offers an accessible entry point for newcomers to the stealth genre. With a clear goal, comprehensible lore, and a determined protagonist in Ayana, Ereban: Shadow Legacy provides an engaging experience for players seeking a lighter, yet immersive, gameplay experience.
“Ereban: Shadow Legacy” is now available on PC, inviting players to embark on a journey through shadows and uncover the mysteries of its dystopian world.