The Shadows: Awakening - The Chromaton Chronicles DLC is a short DLC that makes a great addition to the beginning of the game. It is not often that you see a story-based DLC that takes place so early in the game. Players who seek out the Chromaton Chronicles side quest are rewarded with an intriguing story and a new playable character.
Shadows: Awakening is an action RPG set in the world of the Heretic Kingdoms. Players take control of a demon and its “puppets” (souls consumed by the demon that become playable characters). Shadows: Awakening offers a unique experience as players explore and fight in both the mortal realm and the shadow realm. This leads to interesting combat strategies where the player can switch between realms at will to dodge attacks or break free from onslaughts of enemies. For a more detailed look at the game as a whole check out Steven Mcgehee’s review here.
The Chromaton Chronicles is the first DLC for Shadows: Awakening. In it, players find themselves exploring the Arcanum Laboratory in Thole. Exploration leads players to more information about mages attempting to create a golem powered by colors.
As you progress through the DLC, it is important to read the documents you pick up. They are the only way you will get the story. I highly recommend that you take the time to read them. The rest of the game tells a lot of story through spoken dialogue, making it that much more important to read as you move through The Chromaton Chronicles.
You will find yourself phasing between realms quite often in order to work through the DLC. The DLC implements clever puzzles that utilize both the mortal and shadow realms. While it is normally a good idea to realm-shift to dodge attacks in combat, that strategy is rendered useless as the enemies in the DLC can attack the player no matter what realm they are in. Keep this in mind before running in to fight the big, bad Chromaton at the end of the DLC.
Those who complete The Chromaton Chronicles are rewarded with a Chromaton Golem puppet to add to their arsenal. This puppet looks awesome and comes with abilities to match. The Golem is quite a formidable foe for such a low-level quest-line. Don’t expect to have such a formidable ally once it becomes your puppet. It will take some time before the Golem becomes as powerful.
Overall, the DLC adds some fantastic story elements to Shadows: Awakening, if you take the time to read the documents within the quest. The story is well written and goes into some depth about what the mages were up to in the Arcanum Laboratory. As well as their ultimate demise.
As with the rest of the game, the graphics are awesome and the sound design is phenomenal. The DLC only costs $4.99 and is completely worth it. Having another member of the party this early in the game helps. Especially as I level up to head toward the recommended level for the Necrophage’s Curse DLC quests. Be sure to keep an eye out for that review.
