Shadows of the Damned, an action-adventure road trip through hell, has been remastered at last! Get ready for a story about rock, love, and just a little bit of demon slaying.
At the heart of the gameplay is the responsive and satisfying shooting mechanics. The "Hot Boner" revolver, controlled by Garcia's companion Johnson, allows players to quickly and accurately take down a variety of demonic foes. The game incorporates light and dark mechanics, where certain enemies weaken when exposed to light, encouraging players to strategically use light sources during combat.
Beyond the combat, the game features platforming and environmental exploration. Players must navigate through dimly lit and hazardous areas, utilizing Garcia's agile movement and the ability to conjure light to illuminate the path ahead. The levels blend linear paths with optional side areas, incentivizing players to thoroughly explore the Underworld and uncover hidden collectibles and secrets.
Interspersed throughout the levels are light-based puzzles that players must solve to progress. These puzzles involve manipulating the environment using the light and dark mechanics, such as activating switches or clearing obstacles. While not overly complex, these puzzles add a layer of depth to the gameplay and help to break up the action-focused combat.
As players progress, they can unlock and upgrade various weapons and abilities, including enhancing the firepower and special abilities of the Hot Boner, as well as acquiring new skills and consumables to aid in combat and exploration. This upgrade system provides a sense of progression and encourages players to engage with the game's systems in depth.