We tried the new Spacefarer Games Ltd game, Shimazu. Let’s find out more together
As anticipated, we tested the new title from Spacefarer Games Ltd, Shimazu. You can find it available on Steam but before delving into its features, we would rightly like to introduce you to the masterminds behind it all.
Are you ready to meet Spacefafer Games Ltd? Let’s start right away…
Thriving Spacefarer Games Ltd
Established in 2021 by Jake Stephen Jackson, company director and chief software engineer. They have been working for over a decade in Unity, Visual CSharp and Node JS/HTML5 environment.
Since launching their video game software distribution on partner platforms, such as Steam and Nintendo, they reach a large reach of customers. Their story began with the first commercial title, The Dawning Clocks of Time. Written as a video game novella by company director, Jake Stephen Jackson. By molding that title into a JRPG video game and starting trading as a studio. Thus was born Spacefarer Games Ltd.
Spacefarer Games Ltd, boast two branches to their business: a software development studio, Spacefarer Games Limited and a software publisher for distribution on platforms such as the Nintendo Switch and Valve’s Steam.
They are experts in publishing and know how to get games from development to a large user base very quickly. Starting as an independent development house, they quickly expanded into a holding company as video games started to exceed expectations. They have thus achieved a growth of the customer base and at the same time maintained an excellent focus on quality in the future product line.
The revenge of a Samurai named Shimazu
The story of the game follows Shimazu, a samurai who seeks revenge against an evil demon named Takeda. For the past ten years Takeda has been imprisoned by Shimazu. Takeda, then, kidnapped Shimazu’s son and killed his wife with the help of another demon called Fudo.
Shimazu must take revenge and try to save his son, fighting his way through Takeda’s servants to reach the demon himself. The game requires strategic thinking and memorization with an emphasis on avoiding traps, pitfalls and taking down strong warriors blocking our path.
The fast pace of Shimazu
Shimazu is a 2D side-scrolling action game that combines hack-and-slash combat with precision platforming elements. The game develops in a progression of three worlds composed of numerous levels and boss fights, for a total of 45. The difficulty is progressive and keeps the player hooked thanks to a speed runner experience that will challenge him for hours with rewarding game mechanics.
The more we advance, the strategic thinking require more and more articulation, in the use of skills and weapons. Shimazu, who wields a katana and has access to various special abilities. They are all upgradable through the use of coins and diamonds collected in the various levels, let’s see them together:
- Dash (Ken Jutsu): Usable in close combat and can eliminate the target in one attempt. Cannot be used for long range attacks
- Disappearing (Henso Jutsu): The ability to remain invisible around your enemies. Attack them without them knowing where the attack is coming from
- Shuriken (Shuriken Jutsu): This can’t knock them out on the first try. You have to repeat it one or two more times but it’s usable to attack enemies from a long distance
- Meditation: Passively increases Shimazu’s maximum lives and shield duration
- Checkpoints: Checkpoints aren’t movable. You will have the option to place a new checkpoint at the same location as you are. This will appear after you pass the levels for a while
Furthermore, the game features a variety of enemy types including demons and other supernatural creatures that the player needs to defeat in order to progress. With critical hits it is possible that some of these give a diamond or shields as a (very welcome) reward.
Combat is fast-paced and requires the player to time their attacks and carefully dodge enemies to last long.
The art style in Shimazu
The game features a unique art style that blends traditional Japanese art with modern design elements. The game’s environments are highly detailed and feature a variety of environments, including forests, temples, and caves. The character designs are also highly stylized, with fine proportions and intricate detailing.
The colors used do not tire the player visually, thus prolonging the hours of play. They also make possible traps placed on the ground clearly visible, for example, thanks to the contrast between the background and the ground. The right balance makes the gaming experience pleasant.
Game Requirements and Compatibility
Shimazu is optimized to be played on Steam Deck! In any case, the game works best with a game controller and mouse. Also, keyboard control is supported.
System Requirements (Windows):
Minimum:
Operating System: Windows 10 or higher
Processor: Intel Dual Core or higher
Memory: 4GB RAM
Video Card: Intel HD / NVIDIA GeForce / AMD Radeon
DirectX: Version 10
Memory: 1 GB of available space
Sound Card: Yes
Additional Notes: Optimal Gameplay with Combined Controller and Mouse
Recommended:
Operating System: Windows 10 or higher
Processor: Intel Core i7 3.4Ghz (8th Gen) / AMD RYZEN Series 5 or higher
Memory: 4GB RAM
Video Card: NVIDIA RTX series or higher 4GB VRAM / AMD RYZEN 4GB
DirectX: Version 12
Memory: 2 GB of available space
Sound Card: Yes
Additional Notes: Optimal Gameplay with Combined Controller and Mouse
SteamOS + Linux
Minimum:
Operating System: SteamOS/Ubuntu
Processor: Steam Deck Hardware / Intel Core i3
Memory: 2GB RAM
Video Card: Intel HD / NVIDIA GeForce / AMD Radeon
Memory: 1 GB of available space
Sound Card: Yes
Additional Notes: Requires Controller (on Steam Deck / Touch Screen) and mouse if on Linux
Recommended:
Operating System: SteamOS/Ubuntu
Processor: Steam Deck Hardware / Intel Core i3
Memory: 2GB RAM
Video Card: Intel HD / NVIDIA GeForce / AMD Radeon
Memory: 2 GB of available space
Sound Card: Yes
Additional Notes: Requires Controller (on Steam Deck / Touch Screen) and Mouse if on Linux
A little help wouldn’t hurt
Shimazu features challenging combat. What some have noticed is that the difficulty of the game can be challenging, possibly discouraging from continuing the challenge. There is no need to blame, this is also the game, to test one’s reflexes and strategies. If you are interested in the game, we encourage you to try it lightly. Have you been struggling with a level for too long and don’t want to give up the game? You can increase the amount of gold to 500 and gems to 250 in each new level and game session! All this is possible by buying the DLC (at a fraction of the price) once, getting these fantastic bonuses. You will upgrade Shimazu faster than before and pass difficult points easier than before.
This DLC adds an increase per level and game session of gems and gold dropped by enemies and for completing levels. There is no limit to how often these rewards are awarded, so you can easily accumulate the gold and gems needed to upgrade Shimazu’s abilities.
Now there are no more excuses not to try this frantic race for revenge!
We remind you that Shimazu and its DLC are available on the Steam platform. If you love to challenge yourself with this videogame genre, we advise you to run and get a copy! Comment with us what you think of this side-scrolling title. Have you already tried it? Will you try it?
Shimazu and her revenge await you… don’t make him wait too long!
Happy Game everyone!
