Info about Shadow Warrior 3: Definitive Edition: Official game description: Digital Deluxe Edition ====================== Spice up your experience with the Digital Deluxe Edition. Shadow Warrior 3 Digital Deluxe Edition includes: * Shadow Warrior 3 base game. * Digital Shadow Warrior 3 OST. * Exclusive 'Dragonblood' weapon skins for your trusted SMG "Sidekicks" and the Dragontail katana * Official digital artbook. About the Game ============== Experience the Definitive Edition of Shadow Warrior 3, an ultraviolent blend of fast-paced gunplay, razor-sharp melee combat, and a spectacular free-running movement through a mythical Japanese realm. Test your skills in Survival Mode, New Game Plus, and Hardcore Mode, and WATCH OUT FOR THAT DRAGON! Fallen corporate shogun Lo Wang and his former nemesis Orochi Zilla return in Shadow Warrior 3, the latest entry in the gore-soaked, wisecracking FPS series. Embark on an improbable mission to recapture an ancient dragon Lo Wang unwittingly unleashed from its eternal prison, tearing your way through a fractured land infested with demons using a dynamic arsenal of blades and bullets. NEW FEATURES include; NEW GAME PLUS, bringing with it additional challenges, weapons skins, and rewards; SURVIVAL MODE, allowing you to put your skills to the test against waves of incoming enemies, a new HERO MODE game modifier offering an even greater challenge; CHAPTER SELECT for rapid replayability; and finally, HARDCORE DIFFICULTY - the most intensely punishing version of Shadow Warrior yet! Bring a Katana to a Gunfight ---------------------------- Conduct a symphony of death with each encounter by mixing overwhelming firepower with devastatingly precise katana strikes as you dash in and around the demonic hordes. Fancy Footwork -------------- Flow between nimble movement techniques, including air dashes, wall running, and double jumps, and the fancy new grappling hook busts your combat and movement options wide open in every battle. Execute Then Annihilate ----------------------- Execute spectacular finishing moves to claim a piece of your conquered foe and unleash its powers back on the horde in a burst of unstoppable fury and powerful magic. Dynamic Combat Arenas --------------------- Each environment is lined with hazardous structures and devices that can be activated to add another layer of creative choice to the offensive strategy. Neo Feudal Japan ---------------- Trek across a mythic Asian land infused with the magic and technology of ancient samurai, now overrun by the demonic yokai from Japanese folklore. Funny Business -------------- Brace for expertly delivered one-liners from Lo Wang, pointed banter with Zilla, and an intense thrill ride of absurd predicaments on the way to turning doomsday into a new day. Step up your Lo-Wang game! -------------------------- Survival Mode is a completely new game mode allowing you to play in 3 new battle arenas providing hours of new gameplay! 3 new weapon skins will be up for grabs for those who can complete the challenge! Survival Mode becomes available after finishing the game! Relive magical moments! ----------------------- The Chapter Select menu lets you go back and collect missing upgrade points and relive some of your favorite moments that defined your adventure with Lo-Wang in whichever order your heart desires! Give Lo-Wang’s mojo some additional pazzazz! -------------------------------------------- New Game Plus gives you a new way to play the game. Enjoy additional challenges, rewards, and skins to give Lo-Wang that much-needed confidence boost! GO VULGAR, OR GO HOME! ---------------------- The new Hardcore Difficulty lets you experience the most intensely punishing version of Shadow Warrior yet! Not for the faint-hearted. LOSE A LIFE, LOSE A SAVE ------------------------ Put your skills to the test in the brand-new Hero Mode, a challenging modifier allowing you to play with a limited number of lives and earn more of them by performing spectacular Finishers. Run out, and your progress is lost forever. Release date: 1 Mar, 2022 Categories: First-Person Shooter, Real-time Combat, First-Person Melee Combat, Parkour Gameplay, Arena Shooter, Linear Progression, Gore-focused Combat, Survival - Hardware Profile: No data Feature extractions: - Community Price: No data - Playtime Metrics: No data - Time-to-fun: No data - Player Archetypes: No data Below are summaries of things people say about the game per category. Each point is assigned a weight that represents how often it is mentioned across all reviews. What players like: - Fast-paced, satisfying combat (weight 0.76): The game delivers fast-paced, gory, and satisfying combat reminiscent of Doom Eternal. Players enjoy dynamic movement, diverse enemies, and impactful weapons, encouraging aggressive, creative playstyles. This is a core strength consistently praised. - Excellent and fitting soundtrack (weight 0.51): The game features an excellent and well-suited soundtrack that complements the action and atmosphere. Reviewers noted that the music enhances the overall experience, with intense tracks during combat and more relaxing tunes during quieter moments. - Visually stunning, improved graphics (weight 0.35): The game features impressive and vibrant graphics, with beautiful environments, detailed designs, and high-quality cutscenes. Many reviewers noted significant graphical improvements compared to previous entries in the series, enhancing the overall visual experience. - Short, focused, and well-paced (weight 0.34): The game's short length and linear structure are seen as positive aspects, preventing the experience from becoming repetitive or tedious. Reviewers appreciate the focused gameplay and concise design, which avoids unnecessary filler or grinding. - Signature humor and witty dialogue (weight 0.24): The game retains its signature humor, featuring witty dialogue, silly jokes, and Lo Wang's characteristic one-liners. This lighthearted and often absurd humor is a key element of the series' identity and contributes to an enjoyable experience for many players. - Fluid movement and satisfying finishers (weight 0.14): The game incorporates satisfying finishing moves and fluid parkour mechanics, including a grappling hook, wall-running, and dashing. These elements add depth to both combat and traversal, allowing for creative and engaging gameplay. - Enjoyable and fun overall (weight 0.12): Many reviewers simply stated that they enjoyed the game, finding it entertaining and fun to play. These points lack specific details, so the importance is reduced. - Varied and well-crafted levels (weight 0.05): The game features varied and well-crafted level design, with diverse environments and an arcade-style feel. The levels incorporate platforming elements and encourage aerial combat, adding to the overall dynamism of the gameplay. - Hoji's return is welcomed (weight 0.05): The return of the character Hoji is a positive aspect for many reviewers, adding to the game's humor and story. The dynamic between Lo Wang and Hoji is a highlight for fans of the series. Common complaints: - Downgrade from previous installments (weight 0.94): Many reviewers felt that the game was a step down from previous installments, particularly Shadow Warrior 2. They cited a reduction in weapon variety, a simplified upgrade system, and a more linear level design as key factors contributing to this disappointment. The absence of features like randomly generated loot and co-op multiplayer further diminished the experience. - Weak, uninspired story (weight 0.82): Many reviewers found the story to be weak, uninteresting, and poorly written. They criticized the lack of character development, the rushed plot, and the absence of meaningful secrets or exploration. Some felt that the story felt more like a DLC or a side story than a main entry in the series. - Uninspired, derivative design (weight 0.82): Several reviewers felt that the game borrowed too heavily from other successful titles, particularly Doom Eternal, without capturing the same level of quality. They criticized the enemy design for being garish and uninspired, and the weapons for lacking impact. The excessive enemy density and bullet-spongey enemies also detracted from the overall experience. - Linear, repetitive level design (weight 0.75): Reviewers criticized the game's level design for being overly linear and repetitive, often consisting of corridors leading to arena-style combat encounters. The lack of exploration, hidden secrets, and varied routes contributed to a sense of monotony. The over-reliance on parkour elements between arenas was also seen as a drawback, disrupting the flow of combat. - Departs from series' core elements (weight 0.73): Many reviewers felt that the game deviated too much from the core elements that defined the Shadow Warrior series. They cited the removal of features like co-op multiplayer, loot systems, and open-world exploration as major disappointments. The shift towards a more linear, Doom-like experience was also seen as a negative change. - Not worth the full price (weight 0.72): The game's short length and limited content were frequently cited as reasons why it was not worth the full price. Reviewers felt that the game lacked replayability and that the amount of content was insufficient for the cost. Some even suggested that the game felt like a cash grab, designed to capitalize on the franchise's popularity without delivering a substantial experience. - Campaign length is too short (weight 0.68): Many reviewers found the game to be too short, with the main campaign lasting only 4-8 hours. This brevity was often cited as a major drawback, especially considering the game's price and lack of replayability. Some reviewers felt the game ended just as it was getting enjoyable, leaving them wanting more content. - Poor ammo balance, limited weapons (weight 0.61): Reviewers noted that the game suffered from poor ammo balance, with guns having extremely low ammo counts. This forced players to constantly scavenge for ammo and switch weapons, disrupting the flow of combat. The limited weapon variety further exacerbated this issue, making resource management a frustrating experience. - Numerous bugs and glitches (weight 0.11): Several reviewers reported experiencing bugs and glitches, including getting stuck in textures, falling through the environment, and encountering game-breaking issues that forced them to restart. These technical problems detracted from the overall experience and made the game feel unpolished. - Lo Wang's character is annoying (weight 0.09): Reviewers criticized the portrayal of Lo Wang, the main character, for being annoying and inconsistent with his established persona. They felt that his constant chatter, poor jokes, and altered appearance detracted from his charisma and iconic status. Some reviewers even compared him to a Marvel-esque cartoon character, lacking the sharp wit and sarcasm of previous installments. - Underdeveloped grappling hook mechanic (weight 0.06): Reviewers found the grappling hook mechanic to be underdeveloped and poorly implemented. They criticized its long wind-up, limited utility beyond parkour, and difficulty to use in combat. Some felt that it slowed down the game instead of speeding it up, and that it was functionally useless during combat encounters. - Awful, generic soundtrack (weight 0.05): Several reviewers found the game's soundtrack to be awful, generic, and repetitive. They criticized the use of Asian motifs and the lack of memorable or engaging music. Some even suggested playing the game with their own music instead. - Mixed opinions, contradictory feedback (weight 0.05): This cluster contains mixed sentiments and contradictory opinions, with some reviewers disagreeing with claims that the game is easy or a cheap knockoff. Due to the lack of consistent feedback and the presence of subjective opinions, this point receives a significantly reduced importance score. Gameplay feedback: - Arena combat with parkour sections (weight 0.28): The game's core gameplay loop consists of arena-style combat encounters interspersed with parkour and platforming sections. Many reviewers compare the combat to DOOM Eternal, citing fast-paced action and a focus on movement and weapon switching. The game also features a linear structure, guiding players through these combat and traversal sequences. - Arena combat, limited ammo (weight 0.06): The game features an arena shooter formula where players progress through areas, battling waves of enemies. Elite enemies trigger continuous spawning of smaller monsters, and monster spawning stops when all elite enemies are defeated. Ammo is limited, forcing constant weapon swaps. - Finishing moves grant temporary weapons (weight 0.06): The game features a unique execution mechanic where performing finishing moves on enemies grants temporary weapons or passive benefits. This system encourages players to creatively dispatch enemies and utilize the environment to their advantage. Some reviewers compare this system favorably to DOOM Eternal's glory kill system. - Simplified character/weapon upgrade system (weight 0.05): The game features a skill point system where completing tasks earns points to upgrade the hero or weapons. However, some reviewers found that some upgrades are not useful or have petty impact on survival, limiting player's creative control over modifications. - Gameplay returns to series' roots (weight 0.03): The game mechanics combine solutions known from the first and second installments. The combat, skills, and development system are similar to the second game, but the overall gameplay is more reminiscent of the first. - Health/ammo from kills mechanic (weight 0.02): The game incorporates mechanics similar to Ultrakill and Doom Eternal, where gun kills drop HP and sword kills drop ammo, encouraging constant weapon switching. Health pickups are floor-based, requiring players to disengage to refill health during combat. - Environmental traps in combat (weight 0.02): Many combat scenarios feature environmental traps that can be used against enemies, but can also harm the player. The game features 6 functional and unique weapons, each with its own purpose and elemental properties. - Arena mode is present (weight 0.02): The game features an arena mode with wide arenas and useful traps. - Survival mode with limited content (weight 0.02): The game features a survival mode with a limited number of maps and stages. Performance notes: - Stuttering, FPS drops, desynced audio (weight 0.15): Despite generally good optimization, some players experience technical issues such as FPS drops, stuttering, and desynced audio, even on high-end hardware. Some reports indicate that these issues persist even in the Definitive Edition, suggesting underlying problems with the game engine or shader compilation. - Generally well-optimized, smooth performance (weight 0.11): Many players report that the game is well-optimized and runs smoothly, even on older hardware or the Steam Deck. Some players are able to achieve high and stable FPS on maximum settings. This indicates a generally positive experience with the game's performance. - Falling through floors, getting stuck (weight 0.05): Several players have reported experiencing bugs that cause them to fall through floors, get stuck in textures, or encounter enemies spawning inside of them. These issues can disrupt gameplay and immersion. - Beautiful, diverse landscapes, garish colors (weight 0.04): The game features beautiful and diverse landscapes, with improved graphics and CG visuals compared to previous installments. However, some players find the image to be too garish or overloaded with color. - Weapon firing malfunctions (weight 0.02): Some players have reported issues with weapons failing to fire correctly, particularly the railgun. This bug can require workarounds like switching weapons to resolve, disrupting the flow of combat. - Outdated FSR version (weight 0.01): The game uses FSR 1.0 and could benefit from an upgrade to FSR 2.2 or preferably FSR 3. This would improve the game's performance and visual quality. - Motion blur is unplayable (weight 0.01): Motion blur makes the game unplayable due to visual mess during fast-paced action. Players need to disable it in settings. - Characters cutting off dialogue (weight 0.01): Dialogue has the issue of characters cutting each other off. This can be immersion breaking. - Audio glitches in cutscenes (weight 0.01): Occasional audio glitches at the start of cutscenes due to simultaneous saving and loading, potentially related to HDD speed. - High heat generation (weight 0.01): The reviewer's Lenovo Xiaoxin laptop was running very hot while playing the game. - Fast loading times (weight 0.01): Almost no loadings Recommendations: - Disappointing compared to predecessors (weight 0.69): Many reviewers express disappointment, especially compared to previous installments. Some suggest that fans of the series, particularly those who enjoyed Shadow Warrior 2, may not enjoy this game. Some reviewers actively recommend avoiding the game altogether. - Buy on sale only (weight 0.65): A very common sentiment is that the game is only worth buying on sale due to its short length, lack of content, and/or other flaws. Many reviewers suggest waiting for a significant discount before purchasing. Some even specify a price range or percentage discount that would make the game worthwhile. - Enjoyable despite its flaws (weight 0.51): Despite its flaws, some reviewers found the game to be enjoyable and fun. They recommend it to those looking for a simple, action-packed experience, even if it's not a masterpiece. This point reflects a mixed reception, acknowledging shortcomings while still finding merit in the gameplay. - Short length, high price (weight 0.18): A recurring complaint is the game's short length relative to its price. Reviewers feel the game is overpriced for the amount of content it offers, leading to a sense of being a "quick cash grab". - Similar to modern DOOM (weight 0.14): Many reviewers compare the game to the modern DOOM titles, particularly Doom Eternal. Some recommend it as a more casual or easier alternative, while others suggest playing DOOM instead for a more polished experience. The game is seen as derivative of the modern DOOM formula. - Simple, gory, fun (weight 0.02): The game is simple, gory, and inappropriate fun. It is recommended for players who enjoy gore and are looking to relax, enjoy fun shooting, and have a laugh. - Add modding support (weight 0.01): One reviewer suggested adding modding support to allow players to create maps, which could significantly increase the game's value. Another reviewer gave the game a 6/10, based on the attempt to implement a parkour system. - Stress-relieving experience (weight 0.01): The game is recommended for those who want to vent their anger by hitting everything in sight and as a stress-relieving experience. - Katana combat focus (weight 0.01): One reviewer noted that the game is set apart by shifting the combat balance towards slicing demons with a katana. Other player notes: - Series experiments with features. (weight 0.05): The Shadow Warrior series is known for experimenting with different features and taking inspiration from other games. Each installment adds something new, but this can lead to inconsistencies between entries. - Outdated CG cutscenes transition poorly. (weight 0.02): The game's CG cutscenes are made separately and do not use in-game assets, which feels outdated for a 2022 release. The transition between in-game graphics and CG cutscenes is poorly executed. - Music is fun but unmemorable. (weight 0.02): The music is generally considered entertaining and fitting for the combat, but some find it unmemorable. Adjusting the audio mix to prioritize music over sound effects may improve the experience. - Lack of item usage instructions. (weight 0.01): The game contains a large number of items without usage instructions, making it difficult to understand their purpose and the functions they unlock. - Missing photo mode feature. (weight 0.01): The reviewer notes the absence of a photo mode, which is a shame because the game offers many opportunities for capturing beautiful and colorful scenes. - GOTY nomination reflects 2022 quality. (weight 0.01): The reviewer nominated this 6/10 game for GOTY, reflecting on the quality of 2022 releases. This point shows signs of review bombing. Emotions: No emotions}