Best Shadow-Dropped Games

In today’s world of nonstop coverage, leaks, and online retailers accidentally dropping preorder links, surprises have become increasingly rare. What’s even more challenging is keeping a video game’s multi-year development under wraps from eager gamers. Now imagine not only keeping a game secret but also releasing it the same day it’s announced. It’s a bold move.

Usually, games spend months, if not years, building hype with trailers, press releases, magazine features, and anything else that can create buzz. Cyberpunk 2077 was released eight years after it was announced! But not these games. This list celebrates the best surprise-launch titles that skipped the wait and were immediately available the second players became aware of their existence.

10

Entwined (2014)

Ready, Set, Play!

Entwined

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Released

June 9, 2014

Developer(s)

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PixelOpus

Publisher(s)

Sony Interactive Entertainment

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One of the first to do it, Entwined was announced and dropped at the same time during (arguably the last truly great) E3 in 2014 at the PlayStation Press Conference. Competing with the likes of Bloodborne, No Man’s Sky, The Last of Us, and Uncharted 4, Entwined still managed to shock attendees with the news that this rhythm game was available on the PlayStation Store as soon as the presentation concluded.

However, once the dust settled and the hype wore off, players had mixed feelings about the game. It wasn’t all bad, as many critics praised it for its artistic direction, relaxing atmosphere, and unique dual-stick gameplay.

9

Ninja Gaiden 2 Black (2025)

Back In Black

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Released

January 23, 2025

Developer(s)

Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.

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Publisher(s)

Koei Tecmo Games Co., Ltd.

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In 2023, Microsoft released its answer to Nintendo Direct and Sony’s State of Play in the form of the Xbox Developer Direct. These livestream events aim to better connect with fans showcasing upcoming first-party content and special third-party titles.

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In 2025, alongside the announcement of Ninja Gaiden 4, Xbox shadow-dropped Ninja Gaiden 2 Black. This surprise remaster of the 2008 Xbox 360 classic was a great moment for fans of the long-dormant series. It was also a clever marketing tactic, as it effectively satiates players while they wait for the launch of the newer, more tantalizing fourth installment in the Ninja Gaiden series.

8

Fallout Shelter (2015)

Two Drops For The Price Of One

While there were always rumblings of a Fallout game for iOS behind the scenes, it didn’t become a reality until Fallout Shelter was announced and released during Bethesda’s E3 2015.

The game became an instant smash hit, generating $5.1 million for Bethesda in its first two weeks — an impressive feat for a free-to-play construction and management simulator that initially received lackluster reviews. The game was even shadow-dropped again in 2018 on the PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch platforms during E3 2018.

7

Super Kirby Clash (2019)

Clash Of Kirbys

Super Kirby Clash

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Released

September 4, 2019

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Publisher(s)

Nintendo

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During the 2019 Nintendo Direct, Switch fans received a quadruple dose of Kirby with Super Kirby Clash. This free-to-start spin-off game was announced and released on the same day, which is why it’s on this list.

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There’s a lot to unpack with this game. It’s actually a sequel to Team Kirby Clash Deluxe, which itself is an expanded version of a minigame from Kirby: Planet Robobot called Team Kirby Clash — not to even get into the fact that it uses the same engine as Kirby Star Allies. Nonetheless, the game received somewhat favorable reviews and satisfied the hunger of Kirby fans around the world.

6

Unravel Two (2018)

Shadow Drop & Roll

EA wanted a piece of that sweet shadow-drop pie and made it happen with Unravel Two, the delightful sequel to 2016’s Unravel. Developed by Swedish company Coldwood Interactive, the puzzle-platformer and family-friendly co-op (now that’s a lot of hyphens) surprised fans with a simultaneous announcement and release at E3 2018.

8:32

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The game improved upon everything its predecessor set out to do. Charming art direction? Check. Inventive puzzle design? You bet! Improved platforming? Stop asking questions and go play the game already!

5

The Murder Of Sonic The Hedgehog (2023)

Shadow Drop The Hedgehog

It’s a bold choice to release an unannounced game on April Fool’s Day, and it’s an even bolder choice to release a parody game called The Murder of Sonic the Hedgehog. But that’s exactly what Sega’s social media team did.

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This incredibly endearing visual novel is a point-and-click adventure clearly inspired by the Ace Attorney series and Victorian murder mystery parties. What’s even funnier is that a game that started as a loving prank became one of the most highly praised Sonic the Hedgehog games. Bravo to Sega’s marketing department!

4

Tetris 99 (2019)

Everything Fell Right Into Place

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Released

February 13, 2019

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Developer(s)

Arika

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Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

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Strong

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Nintendo decided to bless fans — particularly Nintendo Switch Online subscribers — with the surprise release of Tetris 99 during its 2019 Nintendo Direct presentation. Tetris has, of course, existed since the 1980s. So what made this shadow drop interesting? Japanese developer Arika had adapted this much-loved puzzle game into a battle royale multiplayer game.

At first, fans were baffled by this decision, but they soon warmed to the game’s unique charms. Even the man behind the original, Alexey Pajitnov, sang its praise, saying, “I love the game. That’s one of the best games of Tetris of the last year. I really like what was done.”

3

Hi-Fi Rush (2023)

Rushed Out The Door

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Released

January 25, 2023

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OpenCritic Rating

Mighty

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Tango Gameworks, the developer of Hi-Fi Rush, intended to surprise fans at the 2023 Xbox and Bethesda Developer Direct with a surprise launch of the game. However, pesky leakers took the wind out of their sails by posting the title and logo online the day before.

But for those not terminally online, the game still came as a welcome surprise. The rhythm-based action game was brimming with personality and confidence, dazzling players and critics alike. Not to mention, it filled the gap left by Jet Set Radio.

2

Apex Legends (2019)

Out Of The Blue!

Apex Legends is no doubt one of the most famous surprise drops of all time. The game was announced and released on the same day during the peak of battle royale mania. It became an instant hit for developer Respawn Entertainment, reaching millions of players in the first few days.

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Respawn’s director of brand marketing, Arturo Castro, drew inspiration from an unexpected source — Beyoncé. As a brand-new IP, they wanted to create buzz, and what better way to do so than by copying Queen B, who shadow-dropped her self-titled album without warning in the middle of the night to great success.

1

Metroid Prime Remastered (2023)

Back Once Again For The Renegade Remaster

Systems

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Released

February 8, 2023

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Publisher(s)

Nintendo

OpenCritic Rating

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Mighty

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After Metroid fans received the much-needed release of Metroid Dread, they were treated to the absolute gift that is Metroid Prime Remastered. Although it was an open secret in the industry, no one knew when or in what form the game would be released. Then came the 2023 Nintendo Direct. While some fans were disappointed they didn’t get a port of the Metroid Prime Trilogy, those concerns were quickly put to rest when the game was immediately available on the eShop following its announcement.

Metroid Prime Remastered is undoubtedly one of the most celebrated remasters of recent years. Just look at its review scores — unsurprising, given that the original game is still considered a masterpiece to this day.

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9 Best Games Made With The Shortest Development Time

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Games like Crash Bandicoot Warped and Majora’s Mask may have sections about fighting time, but these games were made with barely any time at all.