Shadow Warrior Review: A Blast from the Past or a Relic of the '90s?

Lo Wang, the protagonist of Shadow Warrior 3, still spouts cheesy one-liners reminiscent of bad '90s video games, and the rampant orientalism leaves little room for a thoughtful story. Unfortunately, the writing and storytelling have an opposite effect, making it feel like a relic of the past rather than a modern take on the genre.

The first hour or so of gameplay is striking, capturing why these shooters are beloved - they're equally great to play or watch as a spectator sport. You're constantly moving through a slideshow of set pieces, pausing only to check out that really cool clip you just recorded. In a sense, Shadow Warrior 3 reminds me of one of those classic arcade rail shooters.

The gameplay is possibly the best it's ever been in the Shadow Warrior series: encapsulating what people love about these games. The game starts off with high-stakes action and never lets up until its four-hour conclusion. Even the tutorial, surprisingly great, has you reliving Lo Wang's failure to take down a dragon, learning your moves, weapons, and abilities as you go.

Taking place years after the events of the second game, Lo Wang is left depressed, alone, and slowly going mad after releasing a dragon on the world. However, Shadow Warrior 3 relies too heavily on both the best and worst elements of the genre, harking back to the days of old with its lack of ADS and floaty fast movement.

The term 'Boomer Shooter' is often used affectionately in the games industry, and it's clear that Shadow Warrior 3 is trying to capture that same spirit. Whether or not it succeeds remains to be seen, but for now, it's a blast from the past that's sure to delight fans of old-school shooters.

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