Publisher 663 Games and developer Shadowlight Sanctuary have released a new gameplay trailer for their upcoming narrative-driven detective RPG, Kill the Shadow. Set for release for the PC in late 2024, the game transports players to a post-war, divided city brought to life through a combination 3D environments and 2D pixel art characters (from my first impressions, a good fusion of the two for a darker grittier world).
Players take on the role of Detective Ah’Guang, tasked with investigating a series of mysterious murders using various skills such as eloquence, intelligence, the ability to rewind time, or even violence. The decisions players make will shape the course of the investigation and determine whether justice or personal motivations prevail.
The latest trailer showcases the gritty streets of Darkwater, highlighting how Ah’Guang uses his powers of deduction and persuasion to solve bizarre murder cases. It also offers a glimpse of a deeper mystery involving the sinister ‘Shadow’ that clings to the detective’s back. You can also get a sample of the game’s experience by downloading a free playable demo on Steam.
The game promises a suspenseful narrative as players investigate various murders in different areas of Darkwater, from the missing Master Ruan at the temple fair to dismembered limbs found in the sewers. The aim is for players to uncover lost memories and unravel the truth behind the city’s division a decade ago, ultimately confronting the mastermind behind these events, whether by force, judgment, or… kiss!
Promoted features of Kill the Shadow include:
Hints and Evidence – Freely choose how you enhance your abilities—strength, spirit, charm—and select your own methods to investigate cases—psychological warfare? Bribery? Or simply beating your suspects? Deduction System: Collect, analyze, and connect related clues to create your own unique investigation path
Seeing the Past – “The Shadow”, a strange creature attached to you that reads memories and reconstructs the traces of the deceased “Don’t worry, Ah’Guang, we’re just using each other. You use me to find the culprit, and I, well, I love tasting those bizarre stories, hahaha!”, says the Shadow.
The Ways of the World – Meet various characters in the city: the energetic girl with a camera, the elegant Mrs. Ruan, the rumoured goddess who can cast spells, and the elderly fish-selling lady. Discover the stories behind them. Encounter characters like the self-righteous Captain Wang, Lao Citou’s son Xiao Citou, the foul-mouthed Little Rascal, and the deceased Master Ruan. Earn the hearts of your favourite characters by completing certain events!
Retro and Neon – The combination of 3D environments and 2D pixel art characters creates a unique artistic style with a striking contrast between modern and retro aesthetics. Explore a variety of diverse and freely explorable scenes: the dilapidated steel forest factory, the muddy shipwreck dock built on water, the Zhulong Walled City blending the fictional traditional Ma Island and Imperial culture, and the bustling old city district.
