Shadow Warrior 3

Did You Know?

• Devolver Digital officially announced Shadow Warrior 3 on 6 July 2020.
• A definitive edition was released on 16 February 2023 featuring a new difficulty mode, 60 FPS performance mode, and 4K visual modes.

Story

After Lo Wang accidentally released an ancient dragon, global civilization is nearly wiped out by the dragon and demonic beings. Wang, depressed over his failure, is convinced by former nemesis Orochi Zilla to continue fighting. They seek Motoko, a witch who knows a way to defeat the dragon using residual energy in Hoji's mask. Hoji guides Wang toward a Chi cannon meant to destroy the dragon, but Hoji plans to use it to drain the dragon's power and become a god. The dragon swallows the cannon. Wang, Hoji, Zilla, and Motoko then work together. Wang jumps into the dragon's mouth, activates the Chi cannon from inside, and kills the dragon, escaping with Hoji and Zilla's help. They celebrate with Motoko and the ghost of her tanuki.

Development

Shadow Warrior 3 was developed by Polish studio Flying Wild Hog. Game designer Paweł Kowalewski described it as an upgraded version of the 2013 reboot, aiming to make players feel overpowered. New movement options were added so players could move freely like a ninja from anime, enabling more vertical combat arenas. Many systems from Shadow Warrior 2, such as weapon stats, procedural maps, and character progression, were streamlined or removed to focus on action. The team drew inspiration from Japanese and Chinese cultures and modernized Lo Wang with more backstory and mature humor.

Reception

Shadow Warrior 3 received mixed or average reviews on Metacritic. IGN praised its feel and short runtime but called it unremarkable. Hardcore Gamer liked its excess and chaotic flow. PC Gamer criticized Lo Wang's dialogue, suggesting playing with dialog volume off. Shacknews praised movement, enemies, weapons, and performance, but panned presentation, narrative, campaign design, chromatic aberration, and lack of co-op and HDR. Game Informer appreciated the game not taking itself seriously but criticized enemy variety. Rock Paper Shotgun enjoyed the finisher mechanic but disliked Lo Wang's one-liners as overly cocky and unfunny.