Stella: into the Shadow (2025)

no, boring point and click adventure with ai sprites, ai cutscenes, and seems like a ai prompted plot. you should go do something better with your time

The game is fully AI-generated, and I mean that not as a pejorative, but simply as a heads-up on what to expect. This is only a brief prologue, and although the renders are sleek as heck, the character models share eerily similar facial features, especially the women. It’s free, so it's alright.

I don't mind the AI, it fact I think it's well done. But the game is boring.

RenPy. Art and animations are pretty good (loooove that neon glow), but writing/plot/"gameplay" super cliche and boring.

Stella: into the Shadow is a narrative-driven mystery that blends visual novel storytelling with investigation, relationship building, puzzles, and light role-playing elements. Developed and published by Shadow games, it follows Stella after the sudden disappearance of her best friend, Samantha. What starts as a personal search quickly develops into a darker investigation involving suspicious individuals, concealed motives, nightlife, and secrets buried beneath the surface of Blackwood. The game is clearly designed for players who enjoy following dialogue, examining character relationships, and making decisions rather than relying on combat or complex mechanical systems. Blackwood plays an important role in establishing the atmosphere. Its cafés, streets, alleys, and nightlife create an urban environment where ordinary locations can conceal something considerably more sinister. A major point of interest is the mysterious Shadow nightclub, a place that Stella cannot simply enter whenever she wishes. She has to investigate the city, uncover clues, and overcome puzzles before gaining access. This provides the story with a tangible objective while gradually exposing Stella to the more…

Sooo good! I'm hooked! Can't wait for the next chapter! Atmosphere is phenomenal! Music is spot on! Story is gripping! Well done!