The newest Shiren adventure has followed in the footsteps of its predecessor and has been ported to PC, and players can partake in its many adventures as of today, December 11.
I was presented with the chance to take another look at The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island on PC, which I gladly accepted. I really liked the game when I played it on the Switch earlier this year, but I had to use my son’s console to play it, so it was nice to have it on a device that I actually own.
Given its Switch origins, the Steam Deck feels like the perfect way to play. Naturally, it tangled up my button presses somewhat at first, although you can swap out your inputs and I recommend you do so. Unless, of course, you prefer the Nintendo control scheme in which case you do you, my friend. You do you.
Returning to Shiren after several months revealed one major problem. I suck at it due to my poor impulse control. It may look like a cutesy little game coming over from a family-friendly console, but make no mistake, Shiren the Wanderer is a tough nut to crack.
At the heart of this new-generation Shiren game is a revival system whereby your fellow players can rescue you, you can rescue other players, or you can rescue yourself by re-treading your former self’s footsteps. These are novel ways of keeping you in your run, and it fosters a greater connection with your character, especially if you opt to rescue yourself.
There’s decent variety in terms of the dungeons, and the game has post-launch content from the Switch built in. There’s paid-for DLC, too, if you’re the sort who wants it all.
I think the only disappointing thing about it is the lack of proper support for my ultra-widescreen monitor, but that feels like a “first world problem” if ever I’ve had one. For more on that, and everything else you need to know about the game, you can read the full, updated review of Shiren the Wanderer: The Mystery Dungeon of Serpentcoil Island by clicking on this massive link!
