Shmadow

Indie· Action· Bullet Hell· Twin Stick Shooter

Released Nov 2015

Inspired by “shmups” and shadows, Shmadow is a modern twin-stick side-scroller that nods to retro arcade gameplay. Use your light to blast through your enemies, unlock new powers, and defeat bosses before the darkness extinguishes you.

81% positive · 199 reviews

Done

All announced content has been released

Medium confidence

Done

All announced content has been released

Medium confidence

Where to buy

Steam Updated 12 Oct 2026 $1.99

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Evaluation

Shmadow launched on November 3, 2015 as a complete arcade-style twin-stick shooter. After launch, Extrokold Games shipped several feature updates: Update 1.1 "Even Darker" on November 25, 2015 (two new bosses, new power-ups, rebalancing), Update 1.2 "Apex" on January 18, 2016 (a new Boss Mode game mode), Update 1.2.5 "Power Overwhelming" on February 4, 2016 (balance adjustments and leaderboard reset), and Update 1.3 "The Edge of Night" on March 24, 2016 (a new Switch mode and a new music track). The March 24, 2016 post mentioned further tweaks and a controller input revamp coming "in the next week," but no follow-up post ever appeared — and no additional updates have been released since. There are no unreleased DLC entries, no announced future content, and no developer communications of any kind after March 24, 2016. The game appears to have concluded its post-launch update cycle at that point and has been a finished product since then.

Evidence

Update 1.3 shipped a new game mode (Switch) and a new music track. Post mentions additional tweaks and a controller input revamp coming 'in the next week,' but no subsequent update was ever released. This is the last developer communication on record.

news post · Mar 24, 2016 source ambiguous

high

Update 1.2 added Boss Mode game mode; developer stated they were 'shooting for the end of March' for the next content update, which was then delivered as Update 1.3.

news post · Jan 18, 2016 source content shipped

medium

Media

Details

Developer

Extrokold Games

Publisher

Extrokold Games

Achievements

Platform

Windows, macOS, Linux

Controller

full support

Steam Deck

Verified

Players

Single-player · Multiplayer

Indie Action Bullet Hell Twin Stick Shooter Shoot 'Em Up Great Soundtrack Shooter Difficult 4 Player Local Local Co-Op

About this game

Inspired by “shmups" and shadows, Shmadow is a modern twin-stick side-scroller that nods to retro arcade gameplay. Use your light to blast through hidden enemies, unlock new powers, and rack up a high score before the darkness takes over. Upon destruction, bosses drop power-ups that correspond to their defenses. These power-ups, used in combination with your customized starting ability, will help you fight the next threat that comes your way. Destroying bosses, dodging bullets, and the element of darkness create an action-packed experience that will put your speed, skill, and strategic thinking to the test!