Shadow War Review (voodooCHF)
As a huge fan of Shadow Warrior 2, I was eagerly awaiting Shadow Warrior 3, but what I got was a disappointment. Shadow Warrior 2 was a fantastic blend of fast-paced action, exploration, and chaotic fun with friends through its brilliant co-op multiplayer system. However, Shadow Warrior 3 strips away much of what made the previous game so enjoyable, leaving a game that feels shallow, extremely linear, and painfully short.
The biggest blow is the removal of co-op multiplayer, one of the best features of the previous game. Shadow Warrior 2 allowed you to experience the insanity of the Lo Wang universe with friends, mixing unique builds, weapons, and strategies to take down enemies in a dynamic world. In contrast, Shadow Warrior 3 locks you into a strictly single-player experience, severely limiting its replayability and overall fun factor.
Then there's the issue of linearity. While Shadow Warrior 2 gave players large, semi-open environments to explore, complete with randomized loot and optional objectives, Shadow Warrior 3 forces you down a narrow path from start to finish. The level design is painfully straightforward, with little room for exploration or experimentation. Gone are the varied routes, hidden secrets, or tactical playstyles. You're funneled through arenas where you fight wave after wave of enemies, and that’s it.
And let’s talk about length—this game is absurdly short. In just around 5 hours, you can complete the entire campaign, and that's being generous. There's very little incentive to go back and replay levels since the game lacks any real progression system or customization. It feels like the developers sacrificed depth and longevity for a more streamlined, "flashy" experience, but it just ends up feeling hollow.
Don't get me wrong, the combat in Shadow Warrior 3 is still fun in short bursts. The fast-paced, over-the-top action is entertaining, and the visuals are decent. But when compared to the scope and creativity of Shadow Warrior 2, it's hard not to see this as a huge letdown. What could have been an evolution of the series instead feels like a regression. If you're looking for a meaningful, engaging experience like Shadow Warrior 2 delivered, you're better off skipping this one.
In the end, Shadow Warrior 3 is a flashy, short-lived distraction that pales in comparison to its predecessor. A real missed opportunity.