In anticipation of the forthcoming release of "Blades of Greed," Epic Games is offering the initial two installments of the Styx series, "Styx: Master of Shadows" and "Styx: Shards of Darkness," at no cost. This initiative aims to reintroduce players to the stealth-focused adventures of the mischievous goblin protagonist, Styx, and build excitement for the franchise's newest entry.
The original "Styx" games carved a niche in the early 2010s by prioritizing genuine stealth gameplay, a rare commodity at the time. Unlike many contemporary titles, these games emphasized evasion and subterfuge over direct combat, forcing players to master the art of silent movement, cunning distractions, and precise assassinations. Styx, a character known for his sardonic wit, proved to be an unlikely but memorable lead in a genre that had largely faded into the background.
"Styx: Master of Shadows" established the foundational mechanics, presenting players with intricate infiltration missions set in elaborate fantasy landscapes. The game was lauded for its vertical level design, which provided numerous opportunities for creative navigation and strategic enemy avoidance. Its successor, "Styx: Shards of Darkness," further refined these elements, introducing more expansive, non-linear environments and the option for cooperative play, enriching the overall experience.
The upcoming title, "Blades of Greed," promises to elevate the series even further by moving away from segmented levels. Instead, it will feature three vast, open-world fantasy settings, allowing for unprecedented freedom of exploration. New gameplay additions, such as a glider inspired by "Breath of the Wild," and the concept of assembling a crew for elaborate heists from Styx's personal airship, indicate a significant evolution in the franchise's scope and ambition.
While the previous Styx games received acclaim for their commitment to stealth, it's worth noting that Styx himself, despite his central role, can be a somewhat polarizing character due to his constant commentary. Nevertheless, the core gameplay loop of tactical sneaking and cunning maneuvers remains a strong draw. The opportunity to acquire the first two games for free, coupled with a demo for "Blades of Greed," makes it an ideal time for both new and returning players to delve into the unique world of Styx and prepare for his next grand escapade.
