What is Shadow Trick?
Shadow Trick is a puzzle platformer developed by Neutronized and released in 2024. Players guide a wizard exploring a stone fortress packed with roaming minions and traps. The central mechanic revolves around shadow transformation, allowing the character to slip between physical terrain and a shadow state to bypass obstacles. The game runs directly in any modern desktop or mobile web browser with nothing to install.
Key features
- Shadow Swap: Transform into a silhouette to phase past hazards and reach hidden paths across castle rooms.
- Precision Platforming: Navigate jump sequences, spikes, and castle minions standing in your way.
- Moon Collectibles: Locate glowing Moons hidden throughout each level to achieve complete mastery.
- Boss Encounters: Confront large guardians waiting in specialized chambers across the stronghold.
- Retro Presentation: Features detailed 16-bit pixel artwork paired with melodic music tracks.
- Cross-Platform Play: Accessible on computers, tablets, and mobile devices in landscape orientation.
How to play
- Start a level and survey the room to identify patrolling minions and dangerous hazards.
- Walk and jump across stone platforms to reach safe ground.
- Activate shadow mode to phase through barriers or avoid incoming enemy attacks.
- Collect the hidden Moon in the area before heading toward the exit door.
- Reach the portal to clear the stage and proceed to the next castle chamber.
Controls
| Action | Keyboard |
|---|---|
| Move Left | A or Left arrow |
| Move Right | D or Right arrow |
| Jump | W or Up arrow |
| Shadow Mode | E, Spacebar, or Enter |
| Pause | P or Escape |
Shadow transformation mechanics
The core puzzle element in Shadow Trick is timing your transition between physical form and shadow form. In physical form, the wizard collides normally with standard platforms and enemies. Activating shadow mode alters how the character interacts with castle architecture, letting you slip past specific obstacles that would otherwise block progress.
Tips and strategy
- Observe enemy patrol paths: Castle minions follow set walking patterns, so wait for a safe gap before moving forward.
- Time your shadow form carefully: Switching states mid-motion helps you slip through tight gaps without touching spikes.
- Search every corridor for Moons: Many Moons require taking alternate paths or executing precise jumps off high ledges.
- Use pause when planning tricky jumps: Pressing P or Escape gives you time to study upcoming hazards without risking a collision.
Similar games
If you enjoy the precision movement and puzzle mechanics in this title, check out these related platformers:
- Icy Purple Head 2: A physics-based platform puzzler where you toggle between sticky and slippery states to navigate obstacle courses.
- Cuboy Adventure: A classic skill-testing platform game with quick obstacles and timing challenges.
- G-Switch 3: A high-speed runner focused on gravity manipulation across intricate tracks.
Developer and history
Shadow Trick was created by Neutronized, an indie studio known for retro-styled arcade and platform titles, and released on October 29, 2024. The developer has produced numerous popular web and mobile games including Yokai Dungeon, Slime Laboratory, Mimelet, Picnic Penguin, Dyna Boy, and Double Panda.
