Cyber Shadow is the latest indie game trying to harken back to the days of old Nintendo. It has a lot of classic NES games built into and not just ninja games either like Ninja Gaiden and Shadow of the Ninja. It also has a bit of Shatterhand and Metroid vibes to it.

RELATED: The 10 Biggest Nintendo Games Turning 30 In 2021

Basically it was built on the history of video games, but it goes beyond homage. That is to say it is more than a game trying to play on the heartstrings of nostalgia. It can be tricky to master but with practice, and some handy tips, it should become second nature quickly.

10 Not A Metroidvania But….

Cyber Shadow gameplay screenshot

This game is not a Metroidvania but it is not a straight action platformer either. At the end of every level defeating a boss will give Shadow new powers. Sometimes these powers are found in the middle of a level too like the ability to run up walls. These skills give players a reason to go back to older levels to uncover secrets which can be accomplished via a terminal at the beginning of each stage.

9 Make Notes Of Impassible Objects In Levels

Cyber Shadow gameplay screenshot

It might be hard to remember everything that looks like a secret in a level. There are impassible doorways, cliffs, and even objects that can’t break without the right technique. By making a note out of these curiosities, it will save time in the long run. Even if these things don’t turn into anything concrete, notes are always helpful in gaming.

8 Hit The Walls

Cyber Shadow gameplay screenshot

Besides secrets that require certain skills, there are also plenty of treasures awaiting past hidden doorways. A simple strike of the sword may reveal a hidden chamber that contains boosts for HP and SP. Some secrets are obvious like walls with cracks in them but the point is always be on the lookout. The more one finds the stronger one will become which is important for bosses.

7 Be Aware Of Your Moves

Cyber Shadow gameplay screenshot

Unlike a lot of classic Nintendo games that this game is trying to emulate, players are pretty restricted on their moves in the beginning. One cannot strike upward, or even duck. Getting one’s head around these issues can be taxing, but it is important to be aware of Shadow’s move set. The more one knows of his limits the stronger they will become.

6 Bosses Always Have A Weakness

Cyber Shadow gameplay screenshot

To coincide with the advice on moves, it is also important to emphasize that bosses have patterns. Patterns that can be easily read with practice. Some bosses may seem utterly impossible and downright unfair in their powers. However, given enough patience one will always come out on top as the victor. Look for weaknesses. They are always present.

5 Death Isn’t So Bad

Cyber Shadow gameplay screenshot

Even if one dies a lot be it from bosses or just from the treacherous traps in the normal levels, death is not that hindering. Sure, one will always have to restart at the last checkpoint. The further one gets in the game the further apart these save areas will be.

RELATED: The 10 Biggest SNES Games Turning 30 In 2021

So it can be frustrating but it can helpful to know that all progress made before death is kept. For example, if a puzzle is solved that puzzle will remain solved even if the player dies before a save. There are also no extra lives to worry about.

4 Save SP

Cyber Shadow gameplay screenshot

Sometimes SP capsules will litter levels like candy at a Fourth of July parade. Then sometimes they are nowhere to be found. While it may be tempting to use skills requiring SP like the throwing star or upward fireball technique, it is better to hold off until things are desperate.

RELATED: The 10 Biggest PS3 Games Turning 10 In 2021

One never knows if they will need a throwing star to activate a secret switch to get into a hidden chamber for example. That can happen a lot if SP is used carelessly.

3 Don’t Waste Energy Points At Checkpoints

Cyber Shadow gameplay screenshot

Besides capsules, SP can also be regained at checkpoints. That is if that certain function is activated. See, a little into the game those orange energy capsules can be used to activate terminal abilities from healing HP and SP to getting a temporary weapons or boosts like the blade extension. Hold off on activating SP and weapon functions unless it is absolutely crucial but always go for the HP. Funds will dip low fast if one uses all three functions at every stop.

2 Early Enemy Weaknesses

Cyber Shadow gameplay screenshot

There are two early enemies to be wary of. The first are these purple eggs. If stricken they will produce tiny versions of those flying bug creatures and can be hard to hit but can easily hit players. Not touching them is the best strategy. The other enemy to be aware of are the purple soldiers that wear green tanks. They take a lot of damage up front but if one strikes their tank in the back they explode in one hit.

1 Check Out That Amulet

Cyber Shadow gameplay screenshot

This doesn’t really do anything but it is a function that can easily be missed. If one pauses the game into the menu system they will see a gold amulet in the bottom right hand corner. One may think this a style choice, but one can actually go over to it, open it, and reveal a picture from Shadow’s past. It’s the same one from the opening cinematic of the game and gets explained later. It’s a nice piece of hidden interactivity for some extra context.

NEXT: Every Zelda Game That Was Canceled