Shadows of Adam (Switch) Review! - The Game Collection!
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- čas přidán 6. 09. 2024
- Welcome back to The Game Collection!
I've been focusing an awful lot on RPGs made by classic developers. They made the classics I grew up playing, the games that inspired my love for the genre. The games that inspired this series of reviews. But I think it’s time we check out a game that was also inspired by these classics. The developer Something Classic sent me a copy of Shadows of Adam for review, so let's see how they did! Is Shadows of Adam itself a mere shadow cast by the games that came before it? Or does it stand on its own legs as classic all on its own? I am SuperDerek and this is Shadows of Adam!
Shadows of Adam is a turn-based Japanese-style RPG that's available to play on PC and Nintendo Switch. It was developed by Something Classic after a successful Kickstarter campaign, raising over $20,000. Shadows of Adam launched originally in 2017 for PC, and was just ported over this year to the Nintendo Switch, which is the version I played for this review.
The story of Shadows of Adam follows Kellan, son of the hero Orazio and his childhood friend and adopted sister Azrael. Several years ago, Orazio set out on a journey, never to be heard from again, leaving behind his children, and a dark secret. And as the world begins to slip into darkness, the blight afflicting the world spreads and infects the land. Is in this world that our story picks up. Kellan and Azzy go exploring the Tangle, a treacherous and poisonous gnarl of twisted thorns and vines, in search of the source of the blight. Along the way they come across Curtis, a powerful monk who helps the duo out. Upon discovering and defeating a monstrous carnivorous plant, they find a magical tome buried within a tree trunk. It is then that a vision of Orazio appears, pleading to Azrael to help him, before vanishing. With that, our small band of characters go off on a journey to find Orazio, and get to the bottom of that creepy magical tome.
The game gradually leads the player through several towns and dungeons, in search of magical crystals, magical artifacts, and running from an evil prince, hell-bent on capturing Azzy for her sparkling magical abilities. Along the way we uncover the history of magic, the origins of artifacts, and meet several fun and interesting characters along the way.
The overarching story of the game itself isn't where the writing of this game truly shines though. That would be in the dialog. Shadows of Adam is very self-aware, and breaks the 4th wall often. The writing is clever and whimsical enough to keep readers engaged, but never so off-the-rails as to border on parody. Some of the most charming and memorable characters are the pirates obsessed with cleaning, for example. Shadows of Adam walks a fine line, and in doing so tells a story that is accessible to newcomers to the genre that may be appreciated even more by veterans. The writing helped make every character interaction a joy to watch, and loads of fun to voice-act during my twitch streams!
Another area where Shadows of Adam comes into its own is in the gameplay. There are no random encounters in Shadows of Adam which I know will be a huge selling point for some of you out there. Something Classic borrows from the likes of Final Fantasy Mystic Quest by strategically placing enemies at key points within the dungeons to help make sure that you never find yourself needing to grind, as long as you fight the monsters in your way. This provides perfect balance to battling, exploration, and puzzle-solving. The fact that there are some real head-scratchers in the game, and you don't have to worry about random encounters while problem-solving is the way things ought to be more often! Because trust me, the puzzles are hard enough as they are, without the extra distractions!
#ReviewUnit superderekrpgs...
#shadowsofadam #review
You’re one of the coolest dudes to listen to talk about games. Especially when you’re covering lesser known greats like this one!
If you think this guy is cool, let alone one of the coolest, you must be a real dweeb.
Is always good to see a good and short Rpg. I'll add to my giant list of games beat
Yeah! Short and sweet is easy to mark off the backlog! :)
Awww, that's too bad for me that it's a short game. It looks awesome to me otherwise.
Yep, I spent ~30 hours with it doing a competition run including the DLC and such, so if you do that kind of thing the game will be about as long as Chrono Trigger or so. Hopefully if the game does well, Something Classic can try making a longer RPG next time around. I think they're working on an NES style RPG at the moment. :)
We definitely need more short JRPGs imo. Also more sci fi based ones.
Lunar Rhythm fr shortness is underrated.
Every single game in which you can suplex a train is a must, in my book. So thanks for the recommendation, Derek!
I like how you showed a shot of Curtis doing a suplex on the train. It's just like how Sabin can suplex the ghost train in FF6.
I love the Mystic Quest Legend (Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest) look of this game. I may be in the minority, but I actually enjoyed Mystic Quest Legend when I played it, and appreciate that Shadows of Adam has taken the aesthetic of that game.
I've had my eye on this game for awhile, but sadly I have such a huge backlog of games to get through, that it'll probably take awhile for me to get around to playing it.
Thanks for the review. I always appreciate your opinion.
I used to want all my games to be 100+ hours long. Now "20 hour RPG" is honestly a big selling point for me. I definitely can't wait to play this once I get through a bit more of my own personal backlog.
I just bought this game new/sealed for $30 Canadian, and immediately came to CZcams to find a review. So happy to see you did one. Watching now and fingers crossed
Just ordered my Physical, at LimitedRun now , go go go!
Thank you!
I wasn’t aware of this game but you definitely put it on my radar! I’m especially interested in the AP system. Seems like a great new take on traditional systems.
Awesome review!! I’m definitely picking this up, I would have never known about it otherwise, thanks Derek! And I’m glad I’m not the only one who spends way more time than everyone else on an rpg. Haha
You're not the only one. I'm a hopeless completionist. I have to find every treasure, read every bit of dialogue, absorb all the lore, do all the sidequests etc. before I'm through with a game.
1 more added to the backlog. Looks like a great game. Here’s hoping for a physical release someday. 🙂
Just letting you know, Physical release is coming out right now on LimitedRunGames, check it out!
@@biojinz9012 - Yep! I was going to mention that too.
Finally playing through this on your recommendation! Almost done (about 13 hours in) It's such a fun game to play and well balanced. Not too difficult but also offers a bit of a challenge. The ethers being few and far between really forces you to use the Parry type of mechanics to charge your MP back up.
I think it'd be cool if we got more RPGs like this.
Something Classic is currently working on a couple other projects right now, they'll be good to keep an eye on! Also, I think I've got some other indie RPGs I want to talk about over the next year or so! I think after all the fun I've had with Shadows of Adam and Blossom's Tale, I really need to broaden my horizons a bit and dive into the indie scene. :)
@@SuperDerek Nice.
I'd also like to see more classic JRPGs getting a PS4 physical remaster.
Right now, I'm a bit irked that Star Ocean First Departure R is digital only.
I presume if they make Second Evolution R they'll bundle both games physically in 1 package?
@@SuperDerek I've just recently been realizing how strong the indie game scene is as well.
Yeah, best way to start my friday is witha Super Derek game review
Awesome review, thanks for breaking it down for us!! E-Shop sale going on now for only $7.49, definitely picking this one up tonight!!!
Glad it was helpful! Enjoy!
physical copy available in 12 hours on limited run games Derek! ;)
I snagged a Deluxe version! :D
@@SuperDerek nice! I just went for regular, but I got it thanks to your review mate. Love your channel, Keep up the great content ;)
Wish granted, Derek! Limited Run Games are releasing a physical version on Switch and PS4... TOMORROW!
I have this but only played about an hour. I am excited to play this more now!
sounds like an awesome game! I need it physically now so i will buy and play it :D
Trust me! I've been bugging Something Classic about a physical copy ever since I started playing the game! It sounds like they're working with their publisher to look into it, but so far they can't say anything for sure yet.
SuperDerek RPGs that would be badass. Maybe LRG or SRG will pick it up. :)
I just received my physical copy from LRG.
No random battles and train suplexing. 11/10 shut up and take my money.
I usually don't like puzzle based RPGs, and I love me some random battles, so I'm a little worried about it there. But it does look very well polished, so I might just give it a go anyway.
Also, you can apparently suplex a train. Bonus points for an awesome reference.
I fucking love Derek. His reviews are literal comfort food and nowdays with the reviews coming in more slowly, I get even more excited. Merry Christmas to me.
Thanks Joe I appreciate that! I really hope I can squeeze out one more review before the end of the year! Knock on wood! :D
@@SuperDerek ♥️
This look like a Rpg maker game on steroids ( in a good way 😸 )
Thanks for the review, never heard of this game before. Might grab it for the winter sale 👍🤘
Ti Minou
Get ready for countless puzzles
I used to know the devs on an old RPG Maker forum. The music composer made Easy Mac and Channel Changer if you've ever played those.
I was thinking the same thing about how this looks like an RPG maker game. If Derek says it's good, it probably is though. I trust his judgement.
I’ve been looking for something like this one. Thanks!
Gameplay...story... wait YOU CAN SUPLEX A LOCOMOTIVE?! Sign me up!
buy it on steam early on release and its really good rpg actually - i really understand what not a lot of people have a good taste in games, but one of whem is SuperDerek for sure
cuz very high rated Terranigma game, and titles like this really make me sure what i have resonance with this like persons
Short review; "it's Mystic Quest... But better!" Nice addition to the Collection though. I'll be waiting for a physical release (or double-dipping if I get impatient!)
I believe those may be my exact words from the stream a while back! xD
Your wish has been granted.
It's happening! Tomorrow, from Limited Run Games!
Love your reviews so much Derek. This looks great!
Found the channel recently, and I gotta say, I love your videos! You're very laidback, and it's clear to see you're loving what you do. Keep up the great work Derek!
Alright dude, you've convinced me, just bought the game for my Switch now. Hopefully it'll be as fun as it looks!
Awesome! Let me know how it goes! :)
Makes me think of other retro revival games like Ephemeral Tales. Neat!
👀 Well thank you very much!
You haven't broken any record, Derek, I'm sorry to say! 😄😂
I played it upon release on PC, and due to some early technical hiccups had to retrace steps (having to be thorough for review purposes) and clocked up around 40 hours.
Finally decided to play this game. It's great. Thank you for the recommendation.
Deffinitly my kind of rpg. Will be adding this to my list. The Switch LIbrary is something I have not really taken the time to look over so there could be alot of games that slipped under my radar. I am really glad many creators and developers are recognizing the signifiance ot the 16-bit era recently and as a result the 16-bit era is being revived even in the modern generation. I think many are inspired by Octopath traveler because that was a huge sucess.
Love your channel man and my trusted source on JRPG and RPG opinions love your take and agree with you on your approach. I really enjoy your voice and reviews / videos too. My favorite JRPG of all time that made me love the genre and probably my favorite game of all time is The Legends of Dragoon! Would you please also do a review for
Valkyrie Profile soon? I don't see a vid of yours on it yet. I always come to your channel first to find new RPGs/JRPGs to try out next! Thanks!
Thanks very much for this video review, It was really useful and a joy to Watch 💯
The puzzles remind me of golden sun to a point
Its crazy to think about how the ff5 art from 30 years ago easily destroys a game like this, despite the modern tools we have today (even for pixel art). That's talent.
Something Classic really nailed it with this game; great review Derek; I really enjoyed this one
Super review Super Derek! 👍 Just bought the collector's edition.
Rock on! :D
@@SuperDerek Did you end up buying the physical version? I prefer physical over digital.
@@baldpipesmoker1 Sure did! Got the collector's edition too! :)
@@SuperDerek nice!
(Puzzles that demand relocation + random encounters) are a abomination. If the devs understand that, they already have my vote. ; -)
10:39
The best part of any video
D Dub, you know what’s up
Yesss, high production value Derek. We goin' big!
Love the intro. I was getting Rod Serling vibes!
Rigging up the camera to move during my intro was no small feat. I'm glad that the effect paid off! :)
I agree with this completely!
I didn't catch much of this on stream so forgot we were getting a review of it, definitely seems like something I would enjoy so I will add it to my Switch wishlist. And being an indie JRPG this also reminds me that I need to get around to Cosmic Star Heroine one of these days, which I already have on PS4.
Cosmic Star Heroine is pretty decent. I just finished it a few weeks ago, and if you need a quick, old school JRPG style game, I recommend it.
Between your awesome voice acting bits and the fact you can SUPLEX A TRAIN (FFVI style) this game gets a mega-like!
Thanks for the review. Gonna pick this one up
Anyone know if the dlc with new game +, higher cap etc is on the switch?
Yes! This is the "Guild of the Artificers" version of the game and contains New Game +, and DLC and all that jazz. :)
@@SuperDerek sick, so a good value.
Looks like my kind of game
As long as the puzzles aren't frustratingly difficult, then this game looks pretty dope imo
They're manageable. And if you get stuck, apparently the solutions are easy to find on CZcams. I only had to seek help from the chat during my playthrough on I think the very final dungeon from one of the included DLCs. But we eventually solved it together! :)
@@SuperDerek right on bud! Thanks for the video, I may give it a shot then!
looks fun and made with passion i skippe because i have to much game to play, but it's nice to see that games like this are being made. happy holidays ^_^
Keep doing what you do Derek. You rock!
@SuperDerek RPGs LRG just announced they are releasing it physically.
Yep! I just saw, looks like an awesome collectors edition is coming out! :D
This reminds me of the old shining force games.
My favorite OG RPG.
It's on sale now on switch too.... Hmmm.
Even has a similar no random encounters type of deal.
Obviously being more modern, it's done in a far cooler way here.
I’m buying this right now it looks amazing
Enjoy!
Love that intro!
Reminds me a little of my favorite SNES rpg Lufia 2.
The game crashed twice on me in the same town near the beginning of the game and that was enough for me to write it off forever. Stability is a HUGE deal for me and I do not tolerate crashing at all. I cannot recommend this game at all if you have the same hangups on stability as I do.
Lulw
This game sounds awesome. Be sure to post on the weekly update if a physical version is evey released!
Oh you bet I will, man!
Really want this game, great video.
I've always got too many games backed up to play, and I should really get round to playing this one: I kickstarted the damn thing :P
The game was already well into development by the time they started the Kickstarter by the way; they needed money for some other stuff to finish it.
ReloadPsi yo!
@@TylerMire Evening.
It looks like a great game I hope it gets a physical copy Maybe by rare games
Thanks for another great review.
Well thank you for watching! :)
I really want to try this game out, but I've been holding out to see if a physical version gets released
If you're on the fence, maybe put it in your Steam Wishlist. Shadows of Adam goes on sale from time to time, and sometimes you can get it for even cheaper. Then you can buy the physical release if it ever comes to Limited Run Games or something of the sort. Think that's what I'll be doing. :)
Wow, looks like a fun nostalgic game
I hope Limited run games make a physical copy
Me too man! Fingers crossed!
I played (and finished) this game when it first came out in 2017 and felt a bit disappointed. I guess my expectations were really high for it since it looks like a SNES JRPG.
The DLC included with the Switch version makes the game a bit longer, and offers new game plus which might help :)
Great as always. Perhaps run levels a bit higher. Video pretty quiet on phone even with volume all the way up.
Thanks for the feedback John! I'll see if I can turn it up in the next episode! :)
I'm reminded of final fantasy mystic quest but og final fantasy on nes classic I play a lot dispite not knowing where to go I boot it up every now and then
Old intro ftw!!😀
hope for a limited run release or something like that
Hmm. Usually not fond of self-aware games, particularly RPGs. Ah well.
I think Derek misspoke. The game doesn’t break the fourth wall, but it is humorous at times.
It was a nice short play. The game looks really good
The dialog is definitely not for everyone (I didn't like it)
I like Mystic Quest but I didn't care for the encounter system or the AP system. Also I don't think anyone missed the very linear equipment progression from MQ :/
The legendary SUPLEX
Alright so that small clip of your stream was incredible. Where do you stream at? It's not MiXer sp? So i assume twitch. I'll have to go ahead and make an account i suppose
Thank you! Yes I stream over at twitch.tv/superderekrpgs and all of my past streams are on my second channel here on CZcams, called SuperDerek Streams :)
Ok watched this video when it came out got it Friday night and I must say it's fun very fun
Very ff6 feels
Hey Dereck all the puzzles you completed whit no help ?or you look for hep like me lol
I managed to abstain from seeking help for the most part... There was one part in an end-game dungeon where I ended up consulting with the chat, and we ended up figuring it out together. :)
I know graphics don't make the game but this looks straight outta RPG Maker. If it was made during 1990s then fine but in today's era can't they use better pixel art? Just look at characters and art in Breathe of Fire 1 the standard should be at least that good for a modern day RPG imo, even if it was classically inspired. BOF 1 was made 20 yrs ago, there shouldnt be an excuse for lesser defined pixel characters with today's technology imo even if its made by a small dev.
To be honest I'm getting a little sick of games not taking themselves seriously with fourth wall breaks. It was novel back in 2015 once Undertale made it popular but its getting a bit tiresome, because when the characters dont take the story seriously, neither do I.
Still, I might check this one out, though i have a significant backlog I need to address first.
A a the game actually has no 4th wall breaking moments. I think Derek meant the dialogue can be lighthearted at times. It still has a dramatic undercurrent, similar to say FFV. I’m one of the devs btw
Novel in 2015? What??
Mgs had that too during psx era
Older game were full of those (like monkey island etc)
I feel the only good recents 4th wall break was ddlc and pony Island where the breaks werent only a funny quote but a gameplay aspect
@@stylesheetra9411
What i meant was it became really popular for indie games to do it, and I'm referring to the sort of "wink to the camera" 4th wall breaks. 4WB that help disorient the player and add a sense of unease like MGS2 and IMSCARED im perfectly ok with and actively encourage. 4WB where the game practically says "do x because it is a video game" or make a self referential joke grate on me like sandpaper.
@@TylerMire
Ah ok. Sorry for the misunderstanding.
Will definitely check it out sometime!
Hey bro
oh its like Lufia
Which Lufia? Because this one's way better than fortress of doom! xD
Awesome review and channel!
Hit me up, if you want help to make your voice more present.
You lost me at “puzzles are hard enough”. Nope! I wanna support inspired indie developers but I don’t want to snort a bowl of cashew dust.
Buuuuuuuuuuuu
I like the game for the most part but the dialog really holds it back from being great. It’s cringey as hell and doesn’t feel even remotely natural
Looks interesting. Might pick this up after I finish Steins Gate: My Darling’s Embrace.