Gaming has seen more variations of goblins than is worth counting, but developer Cyanide Studio has effectively managed to take a tired troped out character and turn it into something unique. Typically when it comes to goblins, they serve as little more than early-game sword fodder, but Styx is an entirely different breed. The developers have acknowledged the traditional limitations that come with goblins, namely their strength capabilities in a one-on-one combat situation.
As such, Styx takes on a more indirect approach to taking down enemies and regularly provides a distinct amount of snark, wit, and just enough fourth wall breakage while doing so. Styx: Shards of Darkness looks to build on its predecessor in just about every way from its more advanced engine allowing for increased level verticality, and larger bestiary and an all-new story told through cutscenes that highlight Styx's personality.
The video above also reveals co-op gameplay, a first for the series. You and a friend can tackle a level together, allowing for some very smooth double assassination action, provided you are in sync of course. The co-op gameplay brings its own challenges along with it too since, as the developers say, having two players presents twice the number of opportunities to raise the alarm.
Styx: Shards of Darkness releases on March 14th, 2017 for PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and PC.
