Info about Shadow Warrior Classic Redux:

Official game description:
The definitive version of the cult classic shooter, Shadow Warrior Classic Redux features remastered visuals and two massive expansion packs. Corporations rule every facet of life in a near-future Japan and employ Shadow Warriors, one-man armies of unparalleled skill, to protect their power and forcefully remove all opposition.  
The Zilla Corporation is the most powerful of these conglomerates and will stop at nothing to achieve domination unseen by any other corporation in the world. Lo Wang, Zilla Corporation’s legendary Shadow Warrior, discovers this corruption and the dark powers being summoned to aid his employers in this quest for absolute power. As a man of honor, Lo Wang vows to battle these demonic forces with an arsenal of explosive weapons, his silent blade, and a razor sharp wit.
Key Features
------------
*   Includes Shadow Warrior Classic Redux (OpenGL), two expansion packs - Wanton Destruction and Twin Dragon (OpenGL), and the original Shadow Warrior (DOSBox).  
*   Remastered visuals, a remixed main theme, and compatibility with modern gaming PCs.  
*   Challenging Steam achievements for only the most skilled warriors.

Release date: Jul 8, 2013

Categories: First-Person Shooter, Boomer Shooter, Retro FPS, Build Engine, Exploration, Action


- Hardware Profile: No data
Feature extractions:
- Community Price:
  - Community fair range: $4.99 - $9.99
  - Reasoning: The reviews show a split opinion on the current $9.99 asking price. Some players say the game is worth the asking price, and one recommends full price for dedicated old-school shooter fans. Others state it is not worth ten dollars, question whether even retro fans would pay full price, and call it a bit expensive for what it offers. Several suggest waiting for a sale or buying it dirt cheap, with one noting it is often on sale for about a buck. This supports a fair base-game range from roughly $4.99 to $9.99, with the upper end accepted mainly by fans and the lower end reflecting the common wait-for-sale sentiment.
- Playtime Metrics:
  - Game completion: 12.3h
  - Story completion: 8.0h
  - Session length: N/A
  - Endgame: 6.0h
  - Reasoning: One review reports the main levels take about 8 hours to beat, supporting storyCompletion = 8. Another review states it took about 12.3 hours to beat everything and achieve 100% completion, supporting gameCompletion = 12.3. A third review notes that the two additional DLC episodes (Twin Dragon and Wanton Destruction) together take about 6 hours, supporting endgame = 6. No specific play session length is mentioned, so sessionLength is null.
- Time-to-fun:
  - Summary: The dominant time-to-fun profile is 'never clicks': several players report boredom, poor aging, or no click, with cryptic progression and hidden keys as recurring friction. Some praise the weapons and level design, but the negative reports are more direct about enjoyment.
  - Stance: Never clicks
  - Anchor: N/A
  - Time to anchor: N/A
  - Friction: Cryptic progression and getting lost; Keys hidden in obscure or untagged secret areas; Switch-flipping puzzles and platform-jumping challenges; Enemies attacking immediately when a new map loads; Opening four maps feel overloaded and sloggy; Backtracking and confusing progression choices
  - Unlock drivers: N/A
  - Conditions: Tolerance for classic Doom-style key-hunting and backtracking; Willingness to hunt for hidden keys and secrets; Acceptance of no multiplayer or co-op; Appreciation for the game's aesthetics, music, and weapons; Taste for the game's specific satire
- Player Archetypes:
  - Old-School Boomer Shooter Devotee (buy)
    - Motivation: To experience authentic classic 90s Build Engine FPS design with tough combat, secret-rich levels and a quirky arsenal.
    - Playstyle: Methodical secret-hunting through labyrinthine levels, experimenting with varied weapons, and seeking challenge on higher difficulties.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: fan of old school first person shooters; boomer shooter fan
    - Reference games: Duke Nukem 3D; Blood; Doom; Quake; Redneck Rampage
  - Nostalgic Returning Veteran (buy)
    - Motivation: To reconnect with a cherished 90s PC gaming memory through a modern, convenient remaster of the original release.
    - Playstyle: Relaxed revisiting of familiar levels, savoring the dated humor and atmosphere rather than optimizing performance.
    - Experience: veteran
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: old-school nostalgic
    - Reference games: N/A
  - Multiplayer and Co-op Seeker (sale)
    - Motivation: Competitive and social play through co-op and deathmatch, which the remaster fails to provide.
    - Playstyle: Online co-op and deathmatch oriented, less interested in solo campaign content.
    - Experience: familiar
    - Purchase stance: sale
    - Labels: PvP player
    - Reference games: Duke Nukem 3D
  - Achievement Completionist (buy)
    - Motivation: To fully complete the game by unlocking all achievements and reaching 100% completion.
    - Playstyle: Thorough single-player runs focused on finding all secrets and systematically clearing achievement objectives.
    - Experience: mixed
    - Purchase stance: buy
    - Labels: completionist; achievement hunter
    - Reference games: N/A


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:
- Alternate Fire Modes (weight 0.37): Weapons feature alternate fire modes that change their dynamics, adding depth to combat. Many weapons can be upgraded and offer different firing options.
- More Enjoyable Than Duke Nukem (weight 0.33): Many reviewers find the game more fun, solid, and memorable than Duke Nukem 3D, with better shooting feel and level design. It plays similarly but is often considered an improvement.
- Well-Designed Levels (weight 0.23): Levels are long, fun, tough, and generally well-designed, with excellent variety. They are hard not to enjoy and contribute to the overall experience.
- Classic Must-Have FPS (weight 0.18): Considered one of the best classic first-person shooters, especially for fans of old-school FPS. It is a must-have for enthusiasts of the genre.
- Fast-Paced Challenging Gameplay (weight 0.18): Gameplay is fast, fun, and satisfyingly challenging, requiring quick reflexes and strategy. The difficulty makes modern games seem easy by comparison.
- Varied Enemy Types (weight 0.16): The game features a large variety of enemies, around fifteen different types, providing challenging and diverse combat encounters. This variety keeps gameplay engaging.
- Humorous Protagonist Voice Lines (weight 0.16): Lo Wang's voice lines add humor and personality, with enjoyable one-liners and witty commentary. His double entendres make him an exceptional character.
- Decent But Okay Game (weight 0.11): Some describe the game as okay or decent, without strong praise or criticism. It is seen as a classic that is still playable but not exceptional.
- Awesome Katana Weapon (weight 0.1): The katana is a standout weapon, praised for its effectiveness and fun factor. Slicing enemies with it is a highlight for many players.

Common complaints:
- Cryptic level progression confusion (weight 0.28): Many players report getting lost due to unclear objectives and lack of direction. Levels are often excessively long and complicated, making progression frustrating.
- Mazey and confusing maps (weight 0.21): Maps are labyrinthine and confusing, with unclear passages that require a walkthrough. This leads to getting lost and stuck frequently.
- Clunky mouse movement (weight 0.19): Mouse movement is jagged and strange, feeling off during gameplay. Mouse aiming is not as smooth as in other games like Duke Nukem 3D: Megaton Edition.
- Outdated graphics strain eyes (weight 0.18): Graphics are considered bad and strange by today's standards, with low quality that strains the eyes. Even the remastered visuals barely help and still show their age.
- Annoying key hunting (weight 0.16): Keys are often hidden in extremely obscure places, making finding them a chore. Most of the game involves frustrating key searches.
- Hidden switches and paths (weight 0.13): Some levels require hunting for hidden switches or paths just to progress. These are often hard to find and not intuitive.
- Missing promised multiplayer (weight 0.13): Promised multiplayer was never added, and the game lacks any multiplayer features despite announced plans. This is a disappointment compared to the original.
- Annoying enemy types (weight 0.12): Some enemies like bees and invisible ninjas are more irritating than challenging. Their attacks are tedious and hard to avoid.
- Inconsistent difficulty (weight 0.11): Difficulty is very inconsistent and unbalanced, with some parts too easy and others too hard. This creates an uneven experience.
- Lackluster enemy variety (weight 0.1): Enemy variety is limited and lackluster, with few types of enemies. This makes combat repetitive.
- Redux port unpolished (weight 0.08): The Redux port is not polished out of the box and is considered shoddy. It lacks the refinement expected from a remaster.
- Twin Dragon weakest expansion (weight 0.07): Twin Dragon is considered the weakest part of the package, being the worst of the two expansions. It fails to meet expectations.
- Easy boss battles (weight 0.07): Boss battles are generally easy, including the final boss, providing little challenge. This reduces the sense of accomplishment.
- Inconvenient expansion access (weight 0.07): Expansions cannot be accessed directly in the port; players must launch from Steam and choose what to play. This is inconvenient.

Gameplay feedback:
- Old-school FPS identity (weight 0.45): Many reviewers describe the game as a classic, retro, or old-school first-person shooter, often citing its Build Engine roots and 1990s style. This identity is central to the game's appeal.
- Weapon arsenal variety (weight 0.4): The game features a wide range of weapons, including katana, shuriken, uzis, shotguns, grenade launchers, missile launchers, and more exotic options like a rail gun and mini-nuclear rocket launcher. Reviewers frequently highlight the diversity and uniqueness of the arsenal.
- Level exploration and secrets (weight 0.3): Levels are designed with key hunting, puzzles, secrets, and easter eggs, encouraging exploration and rewarding thorough players.
- Melee combat options (weight 0.27): Players can engage in melee combat using a katana or fists, with some mentioning kung fu and shuriken as part of the melee system. This adds a distinct close-quarters element to the gameplay.
- Challenging difficulty (weight 0.13): The game is noted for its high difficulty, especially on harder settings, providing a tough challenge for players unless played on easy mode.
- Play as Lo Wang (weight 0.1): Players take on the role of Lo Wang, a former mercenary seeking revenge against the Zilla Corporation, often described as a one-man army.
- Similar to classic shooters (weight 0.1): Gameplay is frequently likened to classic shooters like Doom and Duke Nukem 3D, appealing to fans of that era.
- Vehicle segments (weight 0.1): Some levels include drivable vehicles, such as a tank, with shooting mechanics, adding variety to the traditional FPS gameplay.
- Modern re-release improvements (weight 0.1): The re-release of the original Shadow Warrior includes improved graphics and gameplay, updating the classic for modern platforms.
- Aim assist features (weight 0.09): The game offers aim assist, optional precision aiming, and auto-aiming, making it more accessible to players who prefer assistance.

Performance notes:
- Frequent Crashes During Save Loading (weight 0.28): Many players experience crashes frequently when performing quick save or quick load, especially in later levels. This issue is severe and prevents progress for some users.
- Mouse Control Problems (weight 0.23): Mouse movement is often described as jagged, jerky, or having sensitivity issues, which affects aiming and overall gameplay. Some users report a dead zone or unbalanced axes.
- General Instability and Random Crashes (weight 0.21): The game is reported as unstable, with crashes occurring semi-occasionally or from time to time, sometimes leading to hard crashes or black screens. These issues impact the overall experience.
- Graphics Settings and Resolution Support (weight 0.16): The game supports higher screen resolutions and honors various monitor resolutions, but lacks proper windowed fullscreen and has issues with resolution on some mobile GPUs. Settings may not save correctly.
- Smooth Performance on Modern Systems (weight 0.16): Several players report that the game runs flawlessly, super well, and very fluidly on contemporary hardware. The OpenGL renderer contributes to this smooth performance.
- Vsync and Stuttering Issues (weight 0.15): Users experience jerky picture, micro-stuttering, screen tearing, and Vsync causing mouse look problems. These issues affect visual smoothness and control responsiveness.
- Launch and Compatibility Issues (weight 0.13): Some users face failure to launch, error reports on launch, or compatibility problems like OpenGL requirements. This prevents the game from starting for affected players.
- Audio-Related Bugs (weight 0.11): Players encounter music stopping randomly, sound distortion, and volume mismatches in karaoke songs. These audio glitches detract from the experience.
- Redux Port Improvements and Fixes (weight 0.1): The Redux port is now competent, fixing a game-breaking bug in Twin Dragon and improving stability. It also runs extremely smoothly, addressing previous technical issues.
- Low Hardware Requirements and Performance (weight 0.09): The game has modest hardware requirements and runs easily on integrated graphics like Intel UHD 630. It achieves high frame rates on mid-range systems.
- Occasional FPS Drops and Visual Glitches (weight 0.09): Some levels have occasional FPS drops, and visual glitches occur. These are not game-breaking but affect visual quality.
- Incomplete Port with Remaining Issues (weight 0.09): The port is not fully improved, with lingering issues such as a dark screen and clunky controls. Some users find it subpar compared to expectations.
- Saving Mechanism Glitches (weight 0.07): The game stops saving intermittently or fails to save files, causing progress loss. This often occurs in later levels.
- Settings Not Saving or Changing (weight 0.06): Config settings may refuse to save between sessions or change on their own, causing inconvenience. This affects user customization.
- FOV Slider and Vsync Broken (weight 0.06): The FOV slider and Vsync options do not function correctly, limiting display customization. This can lead to visual discomfort or performance issues.
- Game Speed Too Fast on Modern PCs (weight 0.04): The game speed is too fast for the aged engine, causing it to run faster than intended on modern hardware. This can affect gameplay balance.
- Multiplayer No Longer Works (weight 0.04): The multiplayer feature is reported as non-functional, affecting players who wish to play cooperatively or competitively.
- Motion Sickness from Visuals (weight 0.04): The game causes severe 3D motion sickness for some players, worse than games like Borderlands. This can make it unplayable for those affected.

Recommendations:
- Recommended for Duke Nukem fans (weight 0.24): Many reviewers recommend this game specifically for fans of Duke Nukem 3D and similar classic first-person shooters. They suggest it is a natural fit for those who enjoyed the original Duke Nukem 3D experience.
- Use free version with sourceports (weight 0.21): Several reviewers suggest playing the free Shadow Warrior Classic (1997) with modern sourceports like WangGDX or Raze instead of purchasing this version. They also mention Shadow Warrior (2013) as a worthwhile alternative.
- Appeals to boomer shooter fans (weight 0.16): The game is highly recommended for enthusiasts of old-school boomer shooters and 90s FPS games. It is seen as a nostalgic return to the genre's roots.
- Worth buying on sale (weight 0.16): Reviewers commonly state that the game is worth its price only when discounted, with many recommending waiting for a sale. Some specify an 80-90% discount as ideal.
- Highly recommended overall (weight 0.14): A number of reviews give strong recommendations, calling it a definite or full-throated recommend and praising it as a great game. The sentiment is overwhelmingly positive.
- Great for Build Engine fans (weight 0.08): Fans of classic Build Engine shooters like Duke Nukem 3D and 90s FPS design will find this game absolutely worth playing. It is a must-try for those who enjoy that era of gaming.
- Use Raze source port (weight 0.08): Multiple reviewers highly recommend using the Raze source port instead of the Redux executable to improve the experience. This is a common tip for getting the best performance and compatibility.
- Must-have for FPS fans (weight 0.08): Reviewers describe this game as a must-have exhibit in any FPS fan's collection and a classic for fast-fps enthusiasts. It is seen as an essential piece of gaming history.
- Good enjoyable game (weight 0.08): Many find the game to be good and enjoyable, with gameplay good enough to recommend. It provides a satisfying experience for players.
- Skip if seeking nostalgia (weight 0.08): Some reviewers recommend skipping this game if you played it long ago and want to relive nostalgia, or if you have never played it and are not a completionist. They suggest it may not hold up for modern players.
- Redux version is worth it (weight 0.08): For familiarization and playthrough, the Redux version is considered quite good and worth its price, especially for fans. It provides a convenient and enhanced way to play.
- Buy for violent retro FPS (weight 0.08): Those who love violent retro FPS games and can tolerate controversial humor are advised to buy this game. It is also recommended for fans of old-school shooters in general.
- Well-made remaster (weight 0.08): Reviewers highly recommend this remastered version, seeing no special reason not to recommend it. It is considered a well-executed update of the classic.
- Not worth full price (weight 0.07): Some reviewers feel the game is not worth ten dollars, rating it as meh-diocre and suggesting not to pay more than that. They imply it is only worthwhile at a steep discount.
- Worth checking out (weight 0.07): The game is well worth checking out according to multiple reviewers. They find it definitely worth a look.

Other player notes:
- Favorable Duke Nukem comparisons (weight 0.65): Multiple reviewers compare the game to Duke Nukem 3D, often favorably, noting shared engine and developers. Some describe it as a successor or "younger brother" to Duke Nukem 3D.
- Includes two expansion packs (weight 0.49): This edition bundles the two official expansion packs, significantly extending the length of the experience. Reviewers note that all expansions from the original release are included.
- Original version free on Steam (weight 0.4): The original 1997 version is available for free on Steam. Several reviewers highlight that the classic version can be obtained at no cost.
- Remaster of 1997 classic (weight 0.31): The game is a remastered or re-released version of the 1997 classic, not the 2013 reboot. It adjusts the game for modern systems.
- Steam achievements and trading cards (weight 0.2): This version includes Steam achievements, trading cards, and Steam Cloud support. Some reviewers mention achievement and ranking support.
- Redux version includes DOS port (weight 0.19): The Redux version includes the original DOS version of the game, with access to setup and multiplayer. It resolves DOSBox issues present in other versions.
- Alternative source ports available (weight 0.16): Alternative source ports like Raze and VoidSW are available for the game. Raze provides a better experience and can fix issues with the Redux port.
- Built on Build Engine (weight 0.16): The game is built on the Build Engine and is considered part of the Build Engine trio/quartet. It is compared to other classic Build-engine games.
- Includes level editor (weight 0.1): The package includes the BUILD level editor for community content creation. It is the same editor used in Duke Nukem 3D and other Build games.

Emotions:
- Frustration (weight 0.21): Players are frustrated by constant crashes, broken controls, and poor performance in the Redux port, including mouse input lag and settings that don't save. The cryptic level design forces extensive key hunting and switch flipping, often requiring walkthroughs to progress. Unfair difficulty spikes, invisible mines, and annoying enemies like bees and invisible ninjas add to the frustration.
- Disappointment (weight 0.14): Disappointment arises from the game aging poorly, with outdated gameplay, bland level design, and limited enemy variety. The remaster is considered shoddy, lacking promised multiplayer, buggy music, and few graphical improvements. Expansions reuse content, and the overall experience feels inferior to other Build engine games.
- Satisfaction (weight 0.08): Satisfaction comes from fluid and fast-paced combat with powerful weapons and explosions, along with beautifully upscaled visuals. The Redux version runs flawlessly, offers substantial content including expansions, and provides fair difficulty even on hard settings. Modernization retains nostalgia while improving controls and graphics.
- Amusement (weight 0.08): Amusement is derived from Lo Wang's sarcastic one-liners, dark humor, and over-the-top stereotypes. The intentionally ridiculous story, satirical jokes, and eccentric portrayal of Japan and China create a humorous experience. Goofy offensiveness and immature dialogue add to the entertainment.
- Enjoyment (weight 0.06): Enjoyment stems from fast-paced, fluid combat with fun weapons like Uzis and rocket launchers, and excellent level design. The modernization works well, providing a satisfying blast from the past with humorous commentary and creative Easter eggs. Tough but fair gameplay and frenetic battles keep players engaged.
- Appreciation (weight 0.06): Appreciation is for the game's enduring old-school FPS gameplay, charismatic protagonist, and varied enemies. The detailed craftsmanship, humor, and references, along with excellent level design and weapon variety, make it a standout Build engine title. The Redux version's graphical and gameplay improvements are also praised.
- Nostalgia (weight 0.05): Nostalgia is evoked by the retro aesthetic and classic design that capture the spirit of 1990s shooters. Players recall playing the game in their youth, the golden era of shooters, and the DOS version. Replaying it serves as a tribute to the late voice actor and revives childhood memories.
- Excitement (weight 0.03): Excitement is generated by fast, difficult but fair gameplay with dynamic action, fun weapons, and impressive levels like moving trains or planes. The game's bloody, over-the-top nature and emphasis on character and unique weapons add to the thrill. Discovering it through an Easter egg video or updated port also sparks excitement.
- Annoyance (weight 0.03): Annoyance is caused by weapons like the katana and fists lacking impact, sticky grenades exploding on contact, and tedious enemies such as bees and ghosts. Crashes during quick save/load and the missing multiplayer mode in Redux further irritate players. The obnoxious main character with no mute option also contributes.
- Joy (weight 0.02): Joy comes from Lo Wang's one-liners, shooting wasps with dual Uzis, and cutting down enemies with a katana. The game's weapons, jokes, and set pieces create a blast, and playing it is simply fun. Classic titles like Shadow Warrior being released on Steam also bring joy.
- Boredom (weight 0.02): Boredom results from wandering around searching for keys in convoluted places and running into doors that can't be opened. The gameplay feels uninteresting due to familiarity with similar classic shooters, and replaying levels for missable achievements adds to the tedium.
- Admiration (weight 0.02): Admiration is for the creativity in weapon and level design, great gameplay, atmospheric levels, and awesome weapons. The game's masterful level design, enemy design, and unique style are praised as everything a good FPS should strive for.
- Fun (weight 0.01): Fun is derived from simply playing the game, enjoying the character, and finding the gameplay enjoyable despite any shortcomings.
- Dislike (weight 0.01): Dislike stems from the game not engaging the reviewer, dated graphics that strain the eyes, and annoying traps. The protagonist and humor didn't click with the reviewer, leading to a negative experience.
- Love (weight 0.01): Love is expressed for the game's atmosphere, humor, and interesting monsters, as well as its excellence and cultural references. The gameplay and setting are everything the reviewer likes most.
- Surprise (weight 0.01): Surprise comes from keys being hidden in extremely obscure spots, and initially thinking the game would be too retro but quickly getting used to the visuals and having great fun. The realistic blood physics for its time also surprised players.
- Engagement (weight 0.01): Engagement is due to fast movement, imaginative weapons, and complex levels creating a refreshingly different gameplay style. Finding secrets and easter eggs, along with funny one-liners and beautiful levels, keep players hooked.
- Mild frustration (weight 0.01): Mild frustration occurs from occasional moments of not knowing where to go, getting stuck or confused in certain areas, and some puzzles not being intuitive.
- Sadness (weight 0.01): Sadness is felt because the game did not achieve commercial success despite being a good shooter, and all three campaigns are identical with the same final boss.
- Disgust (weight 0.01): Disgust is caused by humor going overboard with sexual objects and explicit lines, as well as terrible impact, weapon design, and maze levels.}