Developer Halberd Studios and publisher Freedom Games are pleased to announce a release date for their upcoming Metroidvania titled 9 Years of Shadows at IGN Fan Fest 2023 and it's not too far out! The game was previously slated to release on November 14, 2022 but has since then been pushed back to sometime in 2023.
9 Years of Shadows is an action adventure Metroidvania set in the cursed world of Europa where you play as a young warrior that refuses to live her life in shadows. Visuals are made from pixel art inspired by 90s anime that is full of color and style. You are accompanied by a healing teddy bear named Apino as you battle against enemies and bosses that stand in your way to rid the curse that plagues Europa. Legendary gods such as Poseidon and Helios will even lend you their elemental powers as you gain new abilities, traversal skills, weapons, and armor.
The game uses music composed by Michiru Yamane from the Castlevania series as well as Norihiko Hibino from the Metal Gear Solid series as a rhythmic mechanic when fighting the enemies and bosses in 9 Years of Shadows. Creative Director of Halber Studios Miguel Hasson explains: “Painting the visuals of this world alongside the melodists behind the soundtracks that defined our younger years has been a surreal and defining experience. We value the positivity and patience from our community and have no words to express our thanks. Hopefully delivering a high-quality Metroidvania will do more than just fine!”
9 Years of Shadows is coming to PC via Steam and Epic Games Store on March 27, 2023 for $19.99 USD with English and Spanish language support. The Nintendo Switch version is coming sometime Q3 of 2023. You can wishlist the game now on Steam to support the developers!
Check out the release date trailer below:
