Shadow Warrior 3

Lore & Background

Shadow Warrior 3 is a first-person shooter in which the player controls Lo Wang, the series protagonist. Lo Wang has access to a large arsenal of firearms and a katana for close-quarters combat, and can execute wounded enemies at close range. The game features more linear levels and a streamlined upgrade system compared to Shadow Warrior 2, but introduces new movement options including wall running, double jumping, air dashing, and a grappling hook. New weapons and gadgets are unlocked and available by the midpoint of the campaign.

The story begins after Lo Wang accidentally released an ancient dragon, which along with demonic beings has nearly wiped out global civilization. Wang, depressed and reclusive, is convinced by his former nemesis Orochi Zilla to continue fighting. They seek out the witch Motoko, who knows a way to defeat the dragon using residual energy in Hoji's mask. During Motoko's ritual, Hoji is revived, and Wang disrupts it to save his friend. Hoji guides Wang toward a 'Chi cannon' to destroy the dragon, but Hoji intends to use it to become a god. The dragon swallows the cannon, and after confronting Hoji, Wang, Zilla, and Motoko work together. Wang jumps into the dragon's mouth, activates the cannon from inside, kills the dragon, and escapes with Hoji and Zilla's help.

Development was led by Polish studio Flying Wild Hog. Game designer Paweł Kowalewski described the game as an 'upgraded' version of the 2013 reboot, aiming to make players feel 'overpowered'. The movement options were inspired by ninjas from anime, and combat arenas were designed to be more vertical. Many systems from Shadow Warrior 2, such as weapon stats and procedural maps, were streamlined or removed to focus on action. The team drew inspiration from Japanese and Chinese cultures, and the humor became more mature, with Lo Wang given more backstory.

Reader's Guide

Shadow Warrior 3 received mixed or average reviews from critics according to Metacritic. IGN noted the game felt good to play and praised its short runtime, but called it 'completely unremarkable in execution, being about as straightforward as an FPS can get.' Hardcore Gamer reviewed it favorably, stating it 'may not be reinventing the wheel' but praised its 'warranted excess and lovably chaotic flow.' PC Gamer was more mixed, criticizing Lo Wang's dialogue and calling it 'tasteless' and 'embarrassing.' Shacknews praised the movement mechanics, enemies, weapons, and technical performance, while heavily panning the presentation, narrative, campaign design, chromatic aberration effect, and lack of co-op and HDR support. Game Informer liked that the game did not take itself too seriously but criticized the lack of enemy variety, saying it 'relies too heavily on the same grunts.' Rock Paper Shotgun enjoyed the finisher mechanic but disliked Lo Wang's one-liners as 'overly cocky' and 'unfunny.' The game's significance lies in its streamlined, linear approach compared to its predecessor, focusing on fast-paced action and vertical movement, though its mixed reception highlights divided opinions on its humor, narrative, and execution.

Did You Know?

• Shadow Warrior 3 was released for PlayStation 4, Windows, and Xbox One on 1 March 2022.
• Lo Wang's former nemesis Orochi Zilla convinces him to continue fighting after an ancient dragon is released.
• The definitive edition released on 16 February 2023 includes a new difficulty mode, 60 FPS performance mode, and 4K visual modes.