Looking back: Shadow Warrior (PC) (Shadow Warrior (PC))

Member Name: thole09

Product:	Shadow Warrior (PC)
Date:	30/03/09 (36 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Gameplay, Graphics

Disadvantages: Obsolete?

Shadow Warrior is a first person shooting game released to the personal computer in 1997 by GT Interactive. It follows closely on the success on its predecessor in chronology "Duke Nukem 3D" but makes vast improvements on the aforementioned title. At the time of release, its retail cost was $39.95 USD and had system requirements of at least a Pentium I computer, 16 MB RAM, 60 MB free hard disk space, a "SoundBlaster compatible" sound card and a VGA graphics controller capable of 256 colours. The game also required MS-DOS to execute. I have tested it as working on Microsoft Windows XP using the command prompt but there is no audio. For full compatibility on modern computers, it is recommended that the user plays using a DOS emulation program such as "DOSBox". There are two modes of play in single and multiplayer, with multiplayer requiring either a direct network connection, modem to modem connection or matchmaking through an Internet service such as the now defunct Total Entertainment Network.

The story is based on the player's main character, Lo Wang, rebelling against his former employer who is a powerful businessman in Japan. The said businessman was to overthrow Japan using his wealth and perceived power but realizes that without Lo Wang serving as his bodyguard he would be met with a tremendous obstacle. In response, Lo Wang is met with an onslaught of henchmen and other creatures who he must battle and save the country.

Shadow Warrior was built using the "Build game engine", which is the same used in Duke Nukem 3D and other popular titles in the first person shooter genre. Shadow Warrior was remarkably improved over Duke Nukem 3D with its sense of interactivity. Besides the typical shoot-em-up scenes which Lo Wang finds himself in, there is a vast amount of puzzles and other objects which must be engaged with for further progression within the game; for example Lo Wang will find himself at a point where he must guide a model car, similar to ScaleTrax, around a race course to unlock a key. Gameplay handles similarly to other titles in the genre and makes no remarkable difference in this department. The game itself, however, is known for its violent content and detailed drawings of blood and gore. The game did not receive an age rating in the United Kingdom but was listed as "MA 17" by ESRB in the United States. Gameplay is not overly difficult and one is able to select a mode of difficulty ranging from easy to very hard to further simplify the process.

Due to its later release date, graphics come across as being very well drawn and still remain pleasant to look at even under today's computing conditions. There does appear to be an element of pixelated graphics throughout gameplay but this flaw is not overly obvious as the player could remain mesmerized in awe or thought with regards to what is to be done at certain stage of play. Audio, likewise, is of a higher standard and features numerous taunts and cues from Lo Wang throughout play to immerse the player further within the title.

It is likely that Shadow Warrior would remain a viable addition to a player's collection today. It is a game I frequently enjoy but may suggest it as not quite as entertaining in today's more multiplayer geared environment. A great title nonetheless.

Summary: Thumbs up