Shadowborn icon
Shadowborn iOS App Review: Fast-Paced Dark Fantasy RPG Analysis

by VIVA GAMES S.L.

Shadowborn delivers fast-paced arcade RPG action with vibrant dark fantasy visuals. Designed for mobile gamers seeking quick sessions or deeper quests, it offers three character classes with distinct abilities and responsive combat mechanics.

Detailed Review

Shadowborn presents itself as a mobile-first action RPG that combines arcade-style gameplay with dark fantasy aesthetics. Developed by VIVA GAMES S.L., the app occupies a niche between casual mobile games and more complex RPGs, offering streamlined mechanics while maintaining depth through character progression and loot systems. The game's market positioning appeals to players seeking Diablo-inspired action optimized for touchscreen devices. The core gameplay revolves around three character classes—including the popular sorcerer—each with unique skill trees and combat styles. Players engage in real-time combat against enemy groups and boss encounters across vibrantly rendered environments. Movement mechanics feature seamless navigation through isometric landscapes, with the addition of mount traversal enhancing exploration efficiency. The inventory system supports equipment management and character customization, though lacks automatic organization features according to user feedback. User experience demonstrates polished visual presentation with saturated color palettes and smooth 60fps performance, though some users express desire for 120fps support. The touch interface provides intuitive movement controls through virtual joysticks, while spell casting employs tap-to-target mechanics that some find imprecise in crowded combat scenarios. Real-world usage patterns show strong engagement for both short sessions (5-10 minutes) and extended play periods, with progression systems designed to reward frequent play. User feedback trends indicate widespread appreciation for the game's pacing and visual style, though consistent concerns emerge regarding targeting mechanics. George@89 (August 5, 2025) notes difficulty with spell casting during group combat due to absent lock-on functionality, while MundaysC (July 12, 2025) echoes this sentiment while praising prompt bug resolution. BoogieDancer9187 (September 2, 2025) highlights the successful homage to classic ARPGs and mount system implementation, though requests controller support and greater enemy variety. The application demonstrates notable strengths in visual presentation, responsive combat, and satisfying progression loops, though faces limitations in targeting precision and content depth post-completion. Ideal use cases include mobile gamers seeking quick action sessions with progression carryover, fantasy RPG enthusiasts wanting accessible dungeon crawling, and players appreciating visual polish without demanding hardware requirements. The development team shows responsiveness to feedback through rapid bug fixes, suggesting potential for addressing current limitations in future updates.

Key Features

  • Three distinct character classes including sorcerer with customizable spell trees and unique combat approaches for varied gameplay
  • Mount traversal system enabling faster landscape navigation and enhanced exploration efficiency during quests
  • Vibrant isometric environments with rich color saturation and detailed dark fantasy aesthetic visual presentation
  • Arcade-style combat loops featuring real-time action against enemy groups and boss encounters with loot rewards
  • Progression system with equipment management, skill upgrades, and character customization supporting long-term engagement
  • Mobile-optimized controls using virtual joystick movement and tap-based targeting designed for touchscreen interfaces

Why Users Love It

Polished visual presentation
Satisfying progression systems

Perfect for: Mobile gamers seeking fast-paced dark fantasy action with progression depth

User Reviews

MundaysC
Jul 12, 2025

The story and gameplay are decent for a mobile game. First play through I chose a sorcerer. Good spell choices, aiming interface leaves something to be desired. With it being on a mobile platform the lack of ability to lock on to targets makes casting more difficult. The major bug I found has already been mentioned in previous reviews. "Quest items" are not indestructible. For example, there is a secret in one of the levels where two eyes must be placed within a stone face. Without knowing better, I placed the first eye I'd found only to realize you needed both to "finish" the secret. Upon closing out of the menu, the quest items disappears (statue ate it or whatever) and thus far I haven't found a way to "re-do" those areas on this character. Even with the reset horn, the quest items do not reappear. Other than those two issues, decent game I would recommend to RPG lovers. Interesting Story - Bugs Need Fixed! The story and gameplay are decent for a mobile game. First play through I chose a sorcerer. Good spell choices, aiming interface leaves something to be desired. With it being on a mobile platform the lack of ability to lock on to targets makes casting more difficult. The major bug I found has already been mentioned in previous reviews. "Quest items" are not indestructible. For example, there is a secret in one of the levels where two eyes must be placed within a stone face. Without knowing better, I placed the first eye I'd found only to realize you needed both to "finish" the secret. Upon closing out of the menu, the quest items disappears (statue ate it or whatever) and thus far I haven't found a way to "re-do" those areas on this character. Even with the reset horn, the quest items do not reappear. Other than those two issues, decent game I would recommend to RPG lovers.

BoogieDancer9187
Sep 2, 2025

Obvious homage to Diablo I/II, but faster paced, and that’s all good things. The addition of horses is genius. I can’t find much of anything to complain about. Besides more content, just needs controller support, auto-arrange inventory, and more enemy variety. Amazing start Obvious homage to Diablo I/II, but faster paced, and that’s all good things. The addition of horses is genius. I can’t find much of anything to complain about. Besides more content, just needs controller support, auto-arrange inventory, and more enemy variety.

George@89
Aug 6, 2025

love the game, hoping for 120fps than 60fps but graphics are pretty decent, can’t wait for more skins for the sorcerer. only issue i have is with the aiming system. casting spells during boss fights or fights with groups of enemies can be difficult cause you can’t lock on to targets. you just fire off fire balls in a direction where enemies are & hope you hit one. really hope with the next update they add an “auto lock” feature for targeting enemies easier. Can’t wait for the next update!! love the game, hoping for 120fps than 60fps but graphics are pretty decent, can’t wait for more skins for the sorcerer. only issue i have is with the aiming system. casting spells during boss fights or fights with groups of enemies can be difficult cause you can’t lock on to targets. you just fire off fire balls in a direction where enemies are & hope you hit one. really hope with the next update they add an “auto lock” feature for targeting enemies easier.

Shamus6969
Jul 15, 2025

I really enjoy this game. I hope the next version will come soon as I have already completed all quests on all three classes. A few bugs but that’s to be expected. Great job!! I will definitely consider purchases after the next updates. Update please. I really enjoy this game. I hope the next version will come soon as I have already completed all quests on all three classes. A few bugs but that’s to be expected. Great job!! I will definitely consider purchases after the next updates.

Mattamt
Jul 8, 2025

Wow wow wow love the game is pricey but love the game Shadowborn Wow wow wow love the game is pricey but love the game

App Details

Developer

VIVA GAMES S.L.

Platform

ios

Rating

4.6

Last Updated

9/7/2025