As I delve into ‘Ereban – Shadow Legacy’, the loading screen fades into a captivating display of the Ereban people’s lore, painting a vivid backdrop of the universe’s tumultuous history, shaped by the relentless power wars. Baby Robot Games masterfully sets the stage, immersing me in a steampunk-infused realm nestled within an anime-inspired environment. In this strategic stealth experience, discretion reigns supreme over brute force.

You will play as the character Ayana, one of the dwindling Ereban survivors as she finds herself entangled in the sinister corporation of Helis, a shadowy corporate entity with nefarious designs. Thinking she is helping to find her lost civilisation with their help, she is in fact working for the dark side as the story plays out.

In the heart of Ereban – Shadow Legacy, Ayana’s arsenal is as unique as it is indispensable. Her mastery of stealth empowers her to seamlessly meld into the shadows with matter manipulation, rendering her nearly invisible to the enemies and robots of the world. Simplified by clicking the right mouse button, Ayana transforms into a living shadow, traversing the map unnoticed by her robot adversaries.

The delicate balance of her abilities however, becomes strikingly apparent when exposed to light which causes her ability to stop rapidly, forcing players to strategise their movements with utmost care as it is based on a stamina system. As you work through the testing area of Helis training grounds, initially, you will learn all the basic skills before they push you out on your first mission.

This is essentially the game’s tutorial system ensuring you have mastered the basic skills of the game and how to interact with the world you are about to be thrown into.

As you work your way through the maps, you will find a variety of resources that can be used to upgrade Ayana’s lethal and non-lethal skills via a basic skill tree. There is enough to make you think about what is important in your game place from distraction tools, scanning of enemies and longer shadow/stamina times, while most are useful, a lot seem there to fill the gaps.

The game has no increased levels of difficulty, but you can finish the maps in different ways and gain different medals and awards, giving the game longevity so that you can keep coming back and trying again.

Ereban’s vibrant landscapes pulse with life as NPCs bustle about, engaging in their own conversations and routines, further drawing you in with the sounds of the world around you. Their presence not only enriches the immersive world but also serves as a poignant reminder of Ayana’s solitary struggle against overwhelming odds.

The sprawling missions offer a sense of freedom seldom found in stealth adventures, inviting players to chart their own path to victory. Opting for a silent approach or engaging in confrontation with the robot guards, the game’s open-ended design ensures each playthrough is a distinct journey, ripe with opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Baby Robot Games has crafted a true gem, a testament to the mastery of the stealth genre. Instead of succumbing to the temptation to cram in every conceivable feature, the game remains steadfast in its dedication to delivering a focused and coherent experience. For lovers of stealth gameplay and strategic thinking, Ereban – Shadow Legacy stands as a shining beacon, beckoning players to immerse themselves into the dark empire that is Helis.

Written by: Mikey B