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Lost In Shadow: It's like Prince of Persia meets ICO |OT|

S

sfried

Member
lostinshadowgaf.png


lost_in_shadow_frontcover_large.jpg

EU name: A Shadow's Tale JPN name: Tower of Shadow

Wikipedia entry

Platform: Wii
Release Date: January 4th, 2010 in other words Out Now
ESRB Rating: E10+ for Animated Blood, Mild Fantasy Violence
Genre: Platformer, 2D Prince-of-Persia-like
Developer: Hudson Soft
Publisher: Hudson Entertainment
Control method: Wii Remote and Nunchuck, No motion controls required
Perspective: Shadow-casted 2.5D

Official Press:
Lost in Shadow is a unique and innovative platforming game that brings clever puzzles, sword combat, and stunning atmosphere into a robust world full of light, shadows, and danger. The player controls a Shadow Boy as he must manipulate the Shadows of the world around him to reach the top of a mysterious tower and reclaim his lost body.
Click to expand...

Screenshots:
lost-in-shadow-20101004115349401.jpg

lost-in-shadow-20100709001549421.jpg

lost-in-shadow-20100811041155388.jpg


Trailer:
Youtube video showing basic gameplay without spoiling much.

Gameplay:
Your standard platforms controls: A to jump, Control Stick to to move and duck. B to manipulate objects or swing sword. Like the old Prince of Persia games, you catch and can hang on the edges of platforms as well as drop down from them. Dropping from tall heights will damage you.
lostinshadowaction.png

lostinshadowhealthbar.png

Your health is represented above as a bar and also as weight. As you collect memories (in for form of shimering drop-like entities), your weight increases which apparently also increases your max health. While finding all the memories in the level isn't crucial to completing a stage, it does shed some light on the story.

The bar below the weight numbers represents your experience. When you defeat monsters or collect memories, your experience slowly increases. Everytime this bar fills, you level up.

Speaking of light, your Spangle acts as your avatar/pointer on screen that can manipulate objects in the foreground, thereby affecting the background. Pointing at objects with the Spangle while holding the manipulate button (B) causes certain scenery to become interactive. When the Spangle "snaps", pressing B again will interact with that object. Now where have I seen of this kind of gameplay mechanic before...
lostinshadowmonitoreyes.png

(Above: The Spangle on the top right of the screen in the form of a sillhouette fairy. To the left: Collected Monitor Eyes)

In the game, you must collect little doodads called Monitor Eyes to proceed. Not to worry, as there are only three per level, and they're not that difficult to collect. Doing so allows you to pass through the Shadow Wall which blocks the next area.

There are also flipside areas called the Shadow World (No, this is not some 4Kids version of death), which are basically like those area in Super Mario Sunshine with the insane platform challenges, only in 2D and less diabolical. The pic above with the Spangle shows what the gates to these areas look like.

There are plenty of other concepts introduced throughout the whole game. I would suggest playing it for yourself as some of these concepts are quite cleaver and do make use of the whole "shadow" concept...

Reviews:
GAF:
Worst OT ever?
Click to expand...
Destructoid:
"there’s something to be said about shrewd level design wrapped in an alluring artistic style that nods towards some of gaming’s greats."
Click to expand...
Kotaku: Best Game of E3 2010 - Best Mechanic
"Transitioning back and forth between the laws of a world made of shadows to the laws of the world on which those shadows are cast is a mind-bending delight."
Click to expand...
MTV:
"It's a wonderfully simplistic game, with complex elements, blended together expertly creating a title that Wii owners should feel privileged to have as an exclusive."
Click to expand...

In-Depth Reviews:
Destructoid: 7/10
GameSpot: 7.5
IGN: 7.5
GiantBomb: 3/5
GameTrailers: 5.5

Promotional Artwork: (Thanks fernoca!)
69kqpx.jpg

zu4miq.jpg

More artwork can be found in Lost in Shadow's Official Facebook Page

Verdict:
Another underrated hit...for 2011!
 
D

DrAndonuts

Member
I played the demo at Best Buy and enjoyed it, but not $40 worth. Most opinions I've heard say that it should have been shorter and downloadable. I'll wait until $25 or less, there's too much coming out from now until March.
 
N

nincompoop

Banned
Great game *hugs both copies I own*

DrAndonuts said:
I played the demo at Best Buy and enjoyed it, but not $40 worth. Most opinions I've heard say that it should have been shorter and downloadable. I'll wait until $25 or less, there's too much coming out from now until March.
Click to expand...
its 2D so it haz 2 b a dwnloadable amirite? hurrr
 
S

sfried

Member
LiK said:
OP needs more info.
Click to expand...
Have you ever played ANY of the 2D Prince of Persia games (the first one and the second one called "The Shadow and the Flame")?

It's like that, except they ease you into the combat situations so it isn't so frustrating.

Edit: Yeah, I'm new to this OT thing. Is there a template I should follow?
 
S

sfried

Member
aerts1js said:
I've never played any of the older prince of persia games... what is this game about? I'm so confused.
Click to expand...
Platformer played entirely on the shadow of objects. Backgrounds can be manipulated to change where you can jump too, and times you can even alter the light source to skew to where you tant to land on. The protagonist is some boy's shadow who has somehow been separated from his body.

There is some basic swordplay involved to defeat monsters but it is not the focus of the game. There are parts which will force you to beat monsters to proceed, however.
 
V

Volcynika

Member
Don't really see the ICO similarities, other than the fact you're a boy or whatever.

I beat the game, it's a bit rough on the edges, but overall not that bad.
 
L

LiK

Member
sfried said:
Have you ever played ANY of the 2D Prince of Persia games (the first one and the second one called "The Shadow and the Flame")?

It's like that, except they ease you into the combat situations so it isn't so frustrating.

Edit: Yeah, I'm new to this OT thing. Is there a template I should follow?
Click to expand...

You should make or get someone to make a banner. Post basic gameplay info, price, regions, character descriptions (if any) and also provide screenshots and links to gameplay footage (if available). Check out other OTs if you need a guide.
 
M

Mejilan

Running off of Custom Firmware
The game's actually surprisingly playable with some very compelling gameplay gimmicks and mechanics. And it seems to keep on stacking more as you progress. I'm not very far, but the game so far easily surpasses my admittedly tempered expectations. I went into more detail in the Best Buy demo thread, but am too lazy to look it up and post it here. ;p
 
V

Volcynika

Member
Also I was almost misled to do something I didn't need to, but you don't need to collect all the memories to progress through the game at all. So don't feel you have to do that. All it does is (spoiler tagging just in case, but not plot related)
you can use a special weapon in a second playthrough
 
C

cooljeanius

Member
sfried said:
Edit: Yeah, I'm new to this OT thing. Is there a template I should follow?
Click to expand...
From the FAQ:
FAQ said:
Mega(Official) Thread Etiquette:


Do's for game specific megathreads:
- Create a thread for a game 1 week before it comes out.
- Include lots of relevant information to help people learn about the game. Not necessary, but a nice gesture would be to update the thread with links to answers to commonly asked questions.
- Ask questions relevant to the game in official threads

Don'ts for game specific megathreads:
- Do not create a megathread months in advance.
- Create a thread and never update the first post
- Post a thread with no information in the first post(Lock worthy)
Click to expand...
Just a sec, I'll edit in my personal template once I go dig it up...

Edit: Here's my personal template for OTs, feel free to use it if you want, or modify it, or just completely ignore it, or whatever:

Boxart (Google Images is your friend)

Basic Information:

Platform: (in this case it would be Wii)
Bundled Materials? (if yes, list what they are)
Release Date: (pretty simple, just list it)
ESRB Rating: (I just put the rating and basic descriptors here, and then put the full ratings description in a lower section)
Genre: (This can be subjective sometimes, give what you think it is)
Developer: (find on Wikipedia)
Publisher: (usually listed with the developer)
Control method: (For Wii games, whether or not it has motion controls can make or break a game for some people)
Perspective: (you know, how it's viewed: there's 2D, 2.5D, 3D, and then sidescrolling, overhead, third person, first person, etc)
Multiplayer? (if yes, list how many players and if it's local or online)
Casual or Core? (this is subjective, give what you think it is; bridge is an option)

Official Press Release: (I just quote it, it probably isn't necessary though)

Wikipedia Article: (I just quote the body of its text; the stuff in the inbox is useful for the rest of the OP)

Full ESRB Ratings Description: (I just quote the whole thing from the ESRB website; this can be useful for people who are considering buying for their kids)

Screenshots: (As with the boxart, Google Images is your friend)

Reviews: (browse Metacritic and choose a selection of reviews that you think represent a good spectrum of the opinions on it)

Personal Impressions: (what you think personally after having played however much you've played so far)
 
L

Ledsen

Member
sfried said:
Have you ever played ANY of the 2D Prince of Persia games (the first one and the second one called "The Shadow and the Flame")?

It's like that, except they ease you into the combat situations so it isn't so frustrating.

Edit: Yeah, I'm new to this OT thing. Is there a template I should follow?
Click to expand...

Just put the cover art, release date, some screens, link to a video or two and a little basic info about the gameplay. Most OPs go overboard anyway with huge banners that should really be text-only, etc.
 
R

RedSwirl

Junior Member
Just started this today. Has anyone else? The puzzle platforming is on-point but I have no idea why they saw fit to try to turn this into an action RPG as well (you level up and all that). Right now I'm stuck at a pretty shitty forced combat segment. If nobody tells me it get's better I'll probably send this back to GameFly and go finish 999.
 
J

jett

D-Member
This game is way too repetitive. I only played a few hours but man I got fed up with it real quick.
 
Haunted

Haunted

Member
Probably the Wii game that would benefit the most from cleaner visuals.

Really want to see some Dolphin shots of this, now that I think of it.


Had some clever ideas/puzzles and I liked the combat (being based on timing and distance, mostly). It tries to keep it fresh throughout by intrducing new elements at regular intervals, but the pacing between those seems a bit off. Also a shame that the most interesting and complex mechanic only comes in at the very end and subsequently ends up severely underused.
 
Z

zigg

Member
Well, hey there other thread. I kind of felt like our BB thread was an unofficial official thread.

The game is definitely really cool in a lot of ways, but I definitely feel like its pacing is off. After a promising introduction to all the shadow tricks, it drags for a bit, ramps up to awesome, then takes you through some backtracking again, and finally takes you through some bits that were quite good, but would probably have been a lot better in an earlier context.

I plan on writing my review next week, but that's where I stand right now.

It is $40, by the way.
 
B

bard

Member
It's decent fun, I say. I'm about 3/4 of the way through, but there's nothing terribly original about it other than "hey, you're a shadow! look at the way light bends!". Activate the platform, climb on top, defeat a spider, repeat.

Fun fact: this game has locked up on me on five different occasions. Completely freezes the Wii so you have to do a manual shutdown. I have the newest firmware and no homebrew stuff, so why this happens is beyond me.

Also:
...a unique and innovative platforming game that brings clever puzzles, sword combat, and stunning atmosphere
Click to expand...
Only the last part of that is really true, to be fair. :)
 
R

Retro

Member
Any videos? The screenshots are ok, but I kind of want to see it in action.

Saw the OP when it was still bare bones, so great job on the OT improvement, Sfried.
 
S

sfried

Member
Retro said:
Any videos? The screenshots are ok, but I kind of want to see it in action.

Saw the OP when it was still bare bones, so great job on the OT improvement, Sfried.
Click to expand...
Added a link to the official trailer which should show some basic gameplay elements.
 
S

sfried

Member
Drkirby said:
Damn, it is finally coming out? How long ago was it announced again? 2007?
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It's already out. As in now. And I think it was announced...2009? But yes, I believe you could be right.
 
T

The Technomancer

card-carrying scientician
sfried said:
I've added a pic of the US box art.
Click to expand...
Starting to look like a real |OT| now

Yeah, I said it before, it was between this and Ghost Trick, and GT won for now. But I'll be getting this eventually.
 
B

Boney

Banned
The_Technomancer said:
Starting to look like a real |OT| now

Yeah, I said it before, it was between this and Ghost Trick, and GT won for now. But I'll be getting this eventually.
Click to expand...
Of course Ghost Trick should've won. You chose wisely.
 
A

AMUSIX

Member
Does anyone know if this has a good attract screen? I'd be happy to have it running in the store, but in order to do that, a game has to have a running attract (not just sit on a title screen, but go to a trailer or something) and the game cannot bring up a "lost connection to controller" message if the controller is turned off.

If it passes these two requirements, I'm putting it up. If I put it up, it sells...hell, we've had Incredible Hulk running for the past week, and we've sold a number of them.
 
S

sfried

Member
AMUSIX said:
Does anyone know if this has a good attract screen? I'd be happy to have it running in the store, but in order to do that, a game has to have a running attract (not just sit on a title screen, but go to a trailer or something) and the game cannot bring up a "lost connection to controller" message if the controller is turned off.

If it passes these two requirements, I'm putting it up. If I put it up, it sells...hell, we've had Incredible Hulk running for the past week, and we've sold a number of them.
Click to expand...
The intro FMV plays, then goes back to the simplistic title screen. I believe its minimalist presentation along with the FMV should entice people to check it out.

Edit: Looks like it meets your requirements, since I haven't moved the Wii remote for 10 straight minuites and the thing was still on.
 
Z

zigg

Member
bard said:
Fun fact: this game has locked up on me on five different occasions. Completely freezes the Wii so you have to do a manual shutdown. I have the newest firmware and no homebrew stuff, so why this happens is beyond me.
Click to expand...

Okay, that's pretty bizarre. I haven't had a single issue and I beat it at >90% completion. DRE perhaps?

Boney said:
Of course Ghost Trick should've won. You chose wisely.
Click to expand...

I had put LiS above GT for my E3 picks, but GT is easily my Game of the E3 2010 Release Calendar Year. Or something. Yes. But I still do like LiS and am happy to have played it. (I keep feeling like I need to say this because I am down on it in some ways, heh.)

AMUSIX said:
Does anyone know if this has a good attract screen? I'd be happy to have it running in the store, but in order to do that, a game has to have a running attract (not just sit on a title screen, but go to a trailer or something) and the game cannot bring up a "lost connection to controller" message if the controller is turned off.
Click to expand...

There is actually a Wii demo disc available which is, I'm pretty sure, the same one BB has been using for their in-store demos. It's basically the whole initial section of the game, Well Yard through 9F. If you have anyone you talk to at Hudson, see if you can get one... if you don't, PM me, I might be able to help.

I have one that I got last year (Hudson sends these out to press typically for previews), but at the moment it's making the rounds locally.
 
M

Mega Man's Electric Sheep

Member
Well, I beat it. Around 90% complete in 14 hours. The moment I finished, I took it out of my Wii because I'm not touching it again. I rarely say this, but it was just too long. It dragged on and ON, with several points it seemed like it was reaching a climax only to drag on further. The shadow related gameplay stuff was cool throughout, but the switch flipping and box pushing stuff was a yawn. I will say the highlight of the game for me was the sewer. It just seemed to be the best level design and challenge. I recommend the game to anyone who likes old school Prince of Persia style games, because it is fun and plays well.....just don't slog through it too fast like I did or you'll get burned out :)
 
R

Ratrat

Member
Never played any of the 2D Pop's but this DOES look like ICO. Wish I could play it...wish I could have my wii back already.
 
B

Boerseun

Banned
I bought the PAL version when it released back in November. I love this game. I am several hours into it. The only reason I havn't finished yet is because I'm currently spending three months in Germany and couldn't bring my Wii with.

A Shadow's Tale (i.e. Lost in Shadow) is in my opinion a polished title that works on every level. Yes, the graphics aren't great, but they are functional and still look good. Controls are perfect.

I think Ico meets Prince of Persia (the original) is a fair comparison. The game just keeps surprising the longer you play it, and is definitely worthy of some awards. I would love a sequel. Hopefully someone from Hudson is paying attention to this.
 
L

Lily

Member
Love this game. I'm about 48% done and looking forward to the rest of the game. The controls are simple and so are your objectives in the game - collect the three symbols and exit the level.

The story us simple but to be honest, I do not care about that. Sometimes a game doesn't need a big story for you to get hooked into it.

The graphics are fine, at least they are not just brown and grey like we are used to all the time this gen. Sound is basic nothing special.

It shares similarities with ICO but not enough to call it a rip off.

Really like this game, going to finish up in the next week and might give further thoughts afterwards
 
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