Play Shadowkarl Online

Shadowkarl is one of those SNES games that slipped under the radar—which is a shame, because it’s got this weird, dark energy that pulls you in. You play as Karl (or maybe his shadow? The game never really explains it), hacking through gothic nightmares with a sword that somehow feels both weighty and lightning-fast. The controls are so smooth you’d swear it came out years later.

The art’s all moody blues and deep blacks, like someone took a Castlevania palette and dipped it in ink. And the music? Those synthy, mournful tracks burrow into your brain—I still hum them sometimes when I’m doing dishes.

It’s tough, sure, but in that satisfying way where every death feels like your fault, not the game’s. If you’ve got a soft spot for forgotten 16-bit gems, this one’s worth booting up on a rainy night. Just don’t blame me when you get stuck on that floating eyeboss for an hour.