Shadow Warrior’s 2013 reboot was an amazing game that succeeded for so many others had failed. It took a 90’s FPS game based around pushing the envelope, similar to Duke Nukem, and mad a game for the modern era that not only kept the spirit of the game alive, but was a great game as well. Now the sequel has come with much hype behind it, and I have to say it doesn’t live up to the hype…..it far surpasses it.
Shadow Warrior 2 continues the series tradition of taking what other companies have tried, and actually succeeding where they failed. The game is now partially procedurally generated, so no two playthroughs will be the same, and there is a story reason for that as well. A good way to describe this game would be DOOM 2016 meets the Diablo series, and that isn’t a bad thing. The game is still a hybrid FPS/Hack N Slash game but now you acquire more loot and gear like a rougelike. Skill Upgrades, Item Modifications and Upgrades and more are a big part of this game, and learning how everything works is actually rather fun.
The single player campaign is around 12 hours ( more if you try and get every secret), and you can replay it in co-op mode with up to four players. Things change a bit in co-op mode, such as enemies taking more damage for example. Given that the game gives you the chance to go in with melee attacks or long range guns or close range guns, co-op might work better if every player picks one style they use as their role and sticks to it. The co-op mode really does add to the replayability of the game and I much prefer it instead of a competitive shooter mode that some other games have.
Visually the game is stunning, with a lot of detail put into the animations and textures, as well as character and enemy designs. While some characters and enemies do start looking similar to each other at times, there is still enough variety to keep things fresh. The game’s areas are huge and may seem empty, but do not let that fool you. There are many secrets to find and things to do. Just wondering for a while will lead you to something, so I encourage you to do that.
Shadow Warrior 2 retains the over the top nature of the first game. I would say it repeatedly crosses the line, but in truth, there really are not anymore lines it can cross. Nothing is off limits for the game, but it doesn’t just go all out offensive in a way that comes off as juvenile. Rather, the game seems more aware of itself and its writing. The writing, while spouting out some ridiculous things, is very well written and the characters are organic. You have Lo Wang who is a loudmouth and annoying to many, and the other characters are often frustrated with him. There is a lot of humor in the interactions he has with everyone. The throwbacks to the original game are welcome and a treat for old school fans. I would be remiss if I didn’t mention the amazing soundtrack in the game. With songs by people like Stan Bush and more, the game has amazing music that really helps get you into the game and get things done. Shadow Warrior has one of the best soundtracks in modern gaming and also one of the most fun. It is just that awesome and a great way of using music.
If there is one fault I have with the game, it is that there could be a bit more variety in everything. Not to say that the game is short on content, because it isn’t. Rather, it just feels like you move through it all a little too quickly. I have no doubt more content will find its way into the game eventually, and my issues are minor at best. If you have a decent PC, I highly recommend checking this out. This is an FPS that knows what it wants and what it should be. I highly recommend it.