"Shadowgrounds" received mixed but generally positive reviews, holding a MobyGames rank of 73, Metacritic score of 74, and a GameRankings rank of 75.60%. While the game was generally praised for its successful recreation of classic top down shooter gameplay, it was criticized as being somewhat repetitive as well as being sometimes overly difficult, especially due to its lack of a standard saving system. The game's plot was criticized for being too simplistic or not presented well enough to hold one's interest.