Shadow Man: 2econd Coming

"Completely Addicted"

Summary:

If you were a fan of Shadow Man on N64, or you like a great, immersive adventure in the style of Tomb Raider but with a darker, more surreal environment, this is a great game.

I give Shadow Man 2 an 8--Minor problems with frame rates, load times, and minor control issues subtract from what I want to say is a 9. These issues aside DON'T hurt what's still a really fun game to play.

What's Great:

Fast-paced adventuring through diverse environments. There's just something about the Shadow Man package, that I think either hooks people of doesn't. I'm definitely hooked.

The game's a little slow at first, but some might call that simply a tutorial. You spend some time moving around, getting a feel for the character, and you're comfortable with your abilities when it's time to really use them.

Before you know it, you're scaling walls, swimming with alligators, and blasting away at thugs--having a good time.

If you're someone who needs a thick, Tom Clancy plot to feel the game, you won't get it here. This game's about adventure, pure and simple-- NOT stupid violence, nor a soap opera of characters.

Shadow Man 2 is a long adventure that compels you to get from one objective to the next-- not to simply survive a level (Maximo) or dissect every little facet (MGS2) to extend your gameplay.

What Sucks:

Really, I just wish the frame rate was better. It's not as smooth as I expect 2002 PS2 games to be. A smooth frame rate and consistent environment textures would make this game incredible.

LOAD TIMES. While not too bad, the load times are just a bit too long. Again, not what I demand from a 2002 PS2 game.

I also don't like the inventory system too much. Too many levels of button pressing to go through to change a weapon, etc.

Buy or Rent:

Buy--So you won't get someone else's peanut-butter smeared finger prints all over the disc, and thus in your PS2, thus breaking it.

Seriously, don't most places take games back these days? Spend one hour playing, and you'll wish you'd rented it. Spend 2 hours, and you're glad you bought it.

Bottom Line:

Give Shadow Man 2 two hours of your attention, and there's no turning back. The casual gamer might get too frustrated with the little things wrong with the game, while the veteran should find enough here to make it worth the price.

If you liked Shadow Man, it's an easy decision. GET IT.

If you didn't like Shadow Man, or are not so sure, look at the pretty picture on the back of the box, and make an educated decision. You only live once, and isn't that fifty bucks burning a hole in your pocket?

Reviewer's Score: 8/10, Originally Posted: 03/10/02, Updated 03/10/02