Towaga: Among Shadows

As a whole, Towaga: Among Shadows is a unique and interesting 2D action game. It’s easy to pick up and play, yet it feels challenging despite its simple premise. It’s also one of the most unique looking and beautifully designed, visually, indie game.

Towaga: Among Shadows admittedly looks fantastic, but it just isn’t enough to pull it out from the realms of mediocrity.

Ultimately, I’m grateful I own Towaga: Among Shadows. Honestly, the game came into my life at precisely a sorely needed time. For real. Unfortunately, the gulf between the three other Modes and local Multiplayer is made painfully clear comparatively. Something to consider. Not recommended for more than one player. On the other hand, I’m fond of the compelling albeit repetitive game play, splendid visuals, and treasure trove of in-game unlockables Towaga: Beyond Shadows offers players. Admittedly, I do speculate that the total individualized mileage may probably vary. Hopefully this ported game that was once a Kickstarter project will resonate with others as well!

Towaga: Among Shadows is beautiful to look at, but doesn't back up its appearance with an interesting enough experience to keep players entertained.

It might be short and simple but that doesn't stop it from being plenty entertaining and gorgeous to look at. If the idea of blasting shadow creatures with an energy beam while standing in place sounds like a good time to you, you'll probably find enough to like here.

Towaga Among Shadows is something of a case of missed potential. What story it has is obtuse and hidden away in lore that no one will bother using their shards for. There’s some beautiful animation and smoothly made gameplay. It’s by no means a badly made game. For a little while the two battle modes will seem fun and offer a bit of challenge. But give it a few hours, and the odd design choices, lack of variety and a story that has little to no impact, and those good mechanics crumble under the weight of things that just could have been done better. It becomes stale, and no amount of survival mode score-chasing will entice me back.

This is one of those titles where I'm a bit torn on how to feel about it...