What is Shadow Fight (SF): Its Sequels and Characteristics
A series of fighting games, Shadow Fight, has gained massive popularity since its launch in 2011 by a Russian developer, Nekki. The games are played on mobile devices and PC and combine elements of traditional fighting games with RPG elements. It allows players to create and customize their characters, equip them with various weapons and armour, and engage in hand-to-hand combat with other players. In Shadow Fight, players use multiple punches, kicks, and other martial arts moves to defeat their opponents and progress through the game.
Shadow Fight Features
So, what features make Shadow Fight so appealing to users?
One of the critical features of Shadow Fight is the ability to customize and upgrade your character. Players can choose from a wide range of weapons and armour, each with unique stats and skills. As players progress through the game, they can earn in-game currency or purchase items with real money to further improve their character’s stats and abilities.
In addition to the primary story mode, Shadow Fight offers various gameplay modes, including multiplayer modes and special events. The multiplayer modes allow players to compete against each other online, while the special events provide unique challenges and rewards. The series is known for its sleek and stylized graphics, which give the game a unique look and feel. The characters are designed with a high level of detail, and the backgrounds and environments are well-designed and visually appealing.
Shadow Fight Sequels
Shadow Fight 1 (SF1)
Shadow Fight’s (SF1) original version was developed for the Facebook-based community on February 12, 2011. The game was famous for its online battles using long-range weapons and combat tools. It additionally uses unarmed fighting and is available in seven languages. In the game, players used to control a martial artist who fights against various opponents using a variety of punches, kicks, and other moves.
The game features realistic physics and detailed character models and allows players to customize their character’s appearance and equipment. Shadow Fight 1 included a single-player campaign mode and multiplayer modes for players to compete against each other online. The game generally received positive reviews from players and critics and had been downloaded millions of times worldwide.
SF1 was terminated!
In August 2017, Nekki announced discontinuing the website, and on September 29, 2017, the game was completely shut down and no longer in-game transactions accepted. Players of SF1 received a farewell gift of 900,000 rubies.
Shadow Fight 2 (SF2)
How is Shadow 2 unique?
Shadow Fight 2 was released in 2014 for PCs, consoles, andrid and iOS devices. It is highly story-driven compared to Shadow Fight 1. In the game, players control a character known as the “Shadow,” who must defeat various enemies and bosses to progress through the story. The game features a wide range of martial arts techniques, weapons, and equipment players can use to defeat opponents. Players can also customize their character’s appearance and abilities by earning in-game currency or purchasing items with real money. SF2 has received generally positive reviews for its challenging gameplay and detailed graphics.
The game has multiple acts where players advance by participating in wars against AI-controlled opponents. These acts feature a series of battles that take place in different locations.
The player character must defeat opponents in each act to progress to the next act. As the player progresses through the game, the opponents become increasingly more challenging to defeat. In addition to the main story mode, Shadow Fight 2 includes several other modes, such as survival mode, tournament mode, and online multiplayer mode.
Shadow Fight 3 (SF3)
SF3 is also famous as an Action-RPG fighting game. The game was released in Canada on July 17, 2017, and worldwide on November 16, 2017. Unlike SF1 and SF2, fighters are not represented as silhouettes but as three-dimensional characters with a gauge-building ability during combat. Through these abilities, they enter a “Shadow Form” to utilize their abilities based on gear and faction.
The gameplay in SF3 involves fighting against other characters using various martial arts techniques and weapons. Players can customize their character’s appearance and abilities and progress through the game by defeating increasingly difficult opponents. The game also features a multiplayer mode, allowing players to compete against each other online.
Shadow Fight 2 (SF2) Special Edition
Just after the launch of Shadow Fight 3, the developer also launched Shadow Fight 2- Special Edition on August 17, 2017. It is an expanded version of the original SF2 game that includes the original game’s content and additional content, such as new weapons, armor, and stages.
How is SF2-Special edition different from SF2?
Here are two significant differences between these two versions:
- SF2- Special Edition includes the original game’s content, including the actual weapons, armour, stages, and additional content. Players who purchase the SF2- Special Edition will have access to all the content from the original game and the other content from the start.
- Another difference is that the SF2- Special Edition may also include updates or improvements to the gameplay mechanics or other aspects of the game. These updates could include balance changes, new features, or bug fixes that improve the gameplay experience.
Shadow Fight 4 (SF4): Arena
Launched on November 3, 2020, SF4 Arena has gained worldwide fame. Here, three players form a team against an opponent’s team to play and defeat each other. These heroes (players) have unique capabilities which can be leveled up. That is why they must carefully counteract enemies and win the battle. The game has been downloaded over 500 million times to date. The concept of Shadow Fight 4: Arena is based on “player vs. player” gameplay. The characters and location somehow connect with the storyline of SF3.
The game has five modes: ranked, AI, VS Friend, Events, and stories. The ranked mode consists of real-time fights where players are matched based on opponents’ dojo (level). AI mode is used when players do not have access to another player; hence, they can practice against AI characters to strengthen their skills.
In vs. Friends mode, players can play against their friends through the hosting and joining option. Each player uses Fight Code to invite and battle with others. In events mode, players can form a team of 3 characters; for every character, there is a random perk. Players use in-game currency to play and get huge rewards after winning all five fights. In stories mode, players explore new locations with enriched tips if they beat incredibly hard bosses. They receive a ‘star’ after winning all the rounds.
Shadow Fight Shades
Shadow Fight Shades is yet not released, but it seems the next sequence of Shadow Fight 2.
Shadow Fight Pros and Cons
| Pros | Cons |
| Shadow Fight has detailed character models and smooth, fluid animations. | Some players may find the controls to be a bit clunky. |
| You can customize your character with weapons, armor, and other gear to suit your playstyle. | Shadow Fight can be challenging, especially as you progress through the game and face more formidable opponents. |
| Shadow Fight has a large move set and combo system, allowing for a lot of depth and strategy in combat. | In-app purchases are available, which some players may find necessary to enjoy the game entirely. |
| The developers are actively adding new content to the game, including new weapons, equipment, and modes. | Shadow Fight can be time-consuming, as you’ll need to train your character and grind for better gear and equipment. |
Final Words
Overall, Shadow Fight is a delightful and engaging game that offers a good balance of action, strategy, and customization. The graphics and gameplay are smooth and enjoyable, and the RPG elements add depth to the game. Shadow Fight is worth checking whether you’re a seasoned fighting game veteran or a newcomer to the genre.
