Recent reviews by mixalios

Like crack cocaine for us space nerds.

What to say first about this amazing game? This is some of the most fun I've ever had playing an FPS game - that's what Shadow Warrior is from start to finish: pure fun.

You play as Lo Wang, an assassin sent on a seemingly menial task, until things get completely out of hand with a full blown demonic invasion. Lo Wang and the witty and insightful deuteragonist Hoji, are a delight to listen and their personalities complement each other's perfectly, constantly exchanging light hearted, hilarious quips and wisecracks, but also being serious when circumstances demand. They are a match made in heaven - or hell, in this case. You can't help but chuckle when you listen to them. The story is inspired by old Asian legends and is surprisingly good. It doesn't make much sense at first but things get tied together rather nicely towards the end.

The combat (which you'll be doing a LOT of) is extremely satisfying and gory. The hectic, always-mobile nature of the fights will keep you to the edge of your seat, especially in the endgame chaotic battles. The gradual introduction of new enemies and weapons keep things interesting. Use variety in your kills and you'll be rewarded extra Karma points, which give you access to a detailed skill tree that you can customize according to your playstyle. This encouragement to use variety lends an almost cinematic quality to some fights, reminiscent of Hong Kong cinema. There are plenty of cool weapons to select from, which can be upgraded with modifications you can buy throughout the game with such over the top options as to add a grenade launcher to your flamethrower, among others.

The levels are beautifully designed, with varying locales each gorgeous in its own right. The scenery is so nice that you can't help but think at times that you're looking at a postcard - albeit one with pools of blood and dead bodies littered about. It is not always obvious where to go and you might get lost at times, but try to get to the "glowing" door and you'll be alright. Secrets are creatively hidden, and there are references to the old Shadow Warrior and other titles scattered all over the place.

Last but not least - I did not encounter a single bug during my playthrough, a tell tale sign of a very well polished game.

There are flaws however, although these are more of minor gripes than actual glaring flaws. The one that vexed me the most was that the most dangerous enemies in the entire game are the stairs. That's right: if you dash when at the top of most stairs in the game, you will plunge to your death. Lo Wang can survive being shot and slashed, but a 2 meter drop will either kill him instantly or leave his life hanging by a thread. Another thing was that the rating system at the end of each battle is unpredictable at times, giving you 2/5 stars even if you are quick, accurate, and use variety, and at other times rewarding you with 5/5 stars for no discernable reason (as far as I can tell). The loading times between levels often take quite a while as well.

All in all however, fantastic game. I really hope Flying Wild Hog makes a sequel to this.