Shadowman
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Product information
Computer Platform | Sega Dreamcast |
---|---|
ASIN | B00002SWF8 |
Release date | November 30, 1999 |
Customer Reviews |
3.0 out of 5 stars |
Best Sellers Rank | #113,191 in Video Games (See Top 100 in Video Games) #118 in Sega Dreamcast Games |
Package Dimensions | 5.4 x 5 x 0.2 inches; 1.6 ounces |
Type of item | Video Game |
Rated | Mature |
Is Discontinued By Manufacturer | No |
Item Weight | 1.6 ounces |
Manufacturer | Acclaim Studios |
Date First Available | August 18, 2006 |
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Product Description
Product description
Disc(s) only. Ships in generic case. Disc(s) are professoinally cleaned. Guaranteed functional or replacement.
Review
Since their inception into the realm of gaming, Shadow Man's many incarnations have suffered from boatloads of gameplay-related and graphical issues that have kept the games from truly doing the designers' expansive ideas justice. Though the Dreamcast version hits much closer to the mythical mark, several annoying issues remain, most undoubtedly due to a bad case of port-sickness. The Dreamcast's healthy innards made an easy task of handling the frame rates and resolutions, two of Shadow Man's previous incarnations' uglier issues. The Dreamcast version runs at a brisk, fluid rate, and every element in the game is notably clearer and superbly defined. The game's environments use small, tight color palettes that do very much to carry the game's mood and tone. Even considering the rather small amount of color used in any given area, it's not at all difficult to distinguish elements and objects from the environments, due to a superb job of lighting and shadow placement. My only complaint, as far as graphics go, is the actual level of detail that went into each model; while by no means an eyesore, their poly counts are rather small considering the platform. This results in some very funny-looking (and not to mention out-of-tone) characters when viewed up close. The in-game movies are almost laughable, given the blocky nature of the models and the spastic, marionette-like animation. The problem isn't so apparent when communing with nonbipedal creatures (Jaunty, the undead dwarf/snake, most notably), as their forms and motions don't really have any real-world analogues. Shadow Man's soundtrack and effects, on the other hand, are artfully executed. The rich, synthesized soundtrack seems seamlessly interwoven with ambient moans and screams. As you approach enemies, they let out inhuman shrieks, then begin to eerily howl and cry as you disintegrate them. The only thing wrong, and the factor that prevents the title from earning a higher mark, is the fact that there is often a poor transition between audio tracks, which momentarily pauses the action while the new track begins. This is very annoying, especially during busy action sequences. Shadow Man's environments are the factors that most made me mourn the game's issues, as the environments are truly a joy to traverse and explore. In addition to the corporeal world, Mike LeRoi has to traverse Deadside as his otherworldly alter ego, Shadow Man (a la Soul Reaver), to halt the apocalypse. Deadside, the spirit world according to the game's mythos, is a stark and daunting place. The landscape is scorched and blighted, its denizens are soul-hungry and vicious, and its sheer size is aptly intimidating. Unlike most adventure games, most of the world is open to exploration from the get-go, with certain areas "locked" until Shadow Man is able to harness enough power to proceed. The world is insanely huge, and there are sights to see and secrets to be uncovered in nearly every corner. The nature of the game requires you to backtrack like mad, as many individual areas are only accessible after certain items are found or abilities and powers are gained. Traversing Deadside means much jumping, shimmying, swimming, and plain old ass-hauling. A myriad of standard adventure elements are worked into the levels' designs, so you can expect to deal with the requisite amount of switch-hitting, level-pulling, and item-hounding to successfully proceed through your quest. To effectively deal with threats from this world and the next world, Mike LeRoi, aka Shadow Man, is armed to the teeth. Aside from a sizable real-world arsenal to stave off earthly threats such as alligators and hound dogs, you have a host of voodoo-powered weapons at your disposal, including "asson," a flame-spewing wand, and "baton," a soul-piercing rod. Mike/Shadow Man is also ambidextrous, meaning weapons and items can be mapped to both his right and left hands. While this feature is somewhat useful in terms of variety of assault, it's seldom possible to shoot both weapons at once, often leaving you with the feeling that the feature is largely useless. The game also has a lock-on feature that lets you target the nearest enemy and circle around it as you blast away. This is accomplished with the use of a single button, basically making it the preferred mode of combat. Overall, the controls aren't as responsive as you might like, given the game's platform elements - often, you'll find yourself stumbling onto a platform after a poorly timed and measured jump or vainly attempting to grab on to a ledge that you should be able to reach. But it must be noted that the responsiveness is much improved from the game's previous incarnations. Shadow Man for the Dreamcast is truly the only console version of the game that isn't a chore to play. While many of the elements are subpar in terms of what the platform can easily dish out, Shadow Man does have its merits. If you're one to enjoy a tangible atmosphere replete with intelligent references and somewhat disturbing themes, then this is something you should definitely check out. Granted, of course, that you're OK with ignoring some rather annoying issues.--Miguel Lopez--Copyright © 1998 GameSpot Inc. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission of GameSpot is prohibited. -- GameSpot Review
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Learn more how customers reviews work on AmazonCustomers say
Customers like the graphics and storyline of the video game. They mention that it has a great mature storyline, and that it makes great sense at the end. Opinions are mixed on the quality.
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Customers appreciate the graphics of the game. They say the DC version has the smoothest graphics of any of the console releases.
"...7. The DC version has the smoothest graphics of any of the console releases, topped only (and barely) by the PC version...." Read more
"...this game on the playstation 1 and believe me the graphics on the dreamcast version are better...." Read more
"...The graphics are really good and is the best looking version out of the N64,PS1 and PC.The music and sound effects are really good and will scare..." Read more
Customers find the storyline of the video game to be mature and involving. They also say the game is dark and the story makes great sense at the end.
"...2. The Story. It is very involving, and makes great sense at the end, and I promise that you will not see the plot twist coming...." Read more
"...The tone of the game is really dark and the story is okay in my opinion and a very good game to play on Halloween or during that season...." Read more
"...long game 70 to 80 hours with very complex levels and has a great mature story line...." Read more
Customers are mixed about the quality of the video game. Some mention it's incredible, a very good game to play on Halloween, and one of the best horror games. However, others say that it takes a while to get into and the load times are sometimes terrible.
"...really dark and the story is okay in my opinion and a very good game to play on Halloween or during that season...." Read more
"This game is awesome!! and is one of the best horror games .It takes a while to get in to,but once you do,you will love playing this game...." Read more
"This game is incredible...." Read more
"...Just.... bear with it.4. Load times are sometimes terrible.5. The bosses are way too easy...So there you have it...." Read more
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It's great. I would recommend finding the online guide by Randy Murtha when you get stuck, he is way more helpful than the actual strategy guide book (which I own). You're a voodoo-zombie guy by night, and by day just your average guy. Well, kinda. But I'll leave the story up to you to discover.
There are all sorts of things to pick up, and plenty of doors that you'll have to return to later on in the story. There are plenty of weapons and items to make the game an interesting play, and it is nearly non-linear. For the most part, you can beat the game in a different order of events every time. EXAMPLE: There are 5 serial killers, and you can fight them in any order you would like.
PROS:
1. The Music. Tim Haywood was great in creating a great dark atmosphere through his use of music. One room doesn't even have music (Dollar Bill's Room; Asylum Playrooms) but creeps you out using simply backmasked laughing.
2. The Story. It is very involving, and makes great sense at the end, and I promise that you will not see the plot twist coming. However, there are some things that I would have liked to see changed, like Mike being naive enough to follow Luke through the engine block...
3. Deep, deep backtracking. You'll have to go back to the very first level later on once it is dark over LiveSide, to grab the 8 Dark Souls in Louisiana. This adds to a feeling of completion.
4. You'll get your money's worth out of the game, it takes about 40-50 hours to beat the first time through if you don't use a guide of some sort.
5. The controls are easy to use, and work as well as they can with the clunky and poorly designed Dreamcast controller.
6. The Dreamcast version has a few things that the ps1 and N64 versions do not. For one, there is an extra theater room in the Cathedral of Pain that only exists on the PC and DC versions. It also allows you to review all of the cutscenes from the game as you unlock them by watching them. Also, the cheats (missing from the TERRIBLE PS1 version) can be very funny, but really add no strategic advantage. Also, on the ps1 version, the Lava Pit in the middle of the room that leads to the 5 Schisms in the Cathedral of pain is NOT there, and the DC version includes it.
7. The DC version has the smoothest graphics of any of the console releases, topped only (and barely) by the PC version.
The pro list goes on. I will drop it here.
CONS.
1. Poor detail graphics. The hands look like potatoes holding guns. BUT REMEMBER the time the game began to be developed.
2. Some people may become irritated by how hard it is to find where you're going the first time through, and will probably be upset by the amount of back-tracking and the fact that every level, to complete FULLY, can take a few hours a pop.
3. The voice acting is good, but at the same time corny. Just.... bear with it.
4. Load times are sometimes terrible.
5. The bosses are way too easy...
So there you have it. For the TRUE Shadow Man experience, try either DC or PC. Then N64. NEVER TOUCH THE PLAYSTATION VERSION. IT SUCKS HARD.
And if you think this game's bosses are hard to beat, just stop trying, because you obviously cant play games. The challenge lies in navigation- like the third Gad temple. Killer level.