Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic

 PC
Metascore
82

Generally favorable reviews - based on 22 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 19 out of 22
  2. Mixed: 3 out of 22
  3. Negative: 0 out of 22
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  1. Game Chronicles
    93
    With its highly varied gameplay, mesmerizing atmosphere, gorgeous soundtrack and overall polish, Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic is a hypnotizing game so absorbing that it made the world around me dissolve away.
  2. PC Gamer
    92
    SM's grandest new feature is its random map generator. It works, it's terrific, and as much as I wish I could grouse about it so I don't come off as a fanboy, I can't. [Oct 2003, p.100]
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  3. Gamezilla!
    91
    Probably the pinnacle of turn-based strategy titles to date.
  5. Yahoo!
    90
    A perfect place to jump into the Age of Wonders series. It's "Age of Wonders II," only sporting a few refinements and a lot of extra content.
  6. Computer Gaming World
    90
    The largest maps, which have three different levels of land, can provide dozens of hours of gameplay. [Nov 2003, p.128]
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  7. ActionTrip
    90
    The amount of additional features, characters, and units, is so impressive we don't have the space to get into the details. Suffice it to say, Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic displays a commendable variety of content that brought the franchise to new heights and effectively improved upon the excellent gameplay of the previous title.
  8. Gamer's Pulse
    88
    Despite the recycled graphics engine and undulating difficulty, Shadow Magic offers outstanding gameplay with unlimited playability in a variety of gameplay modes.
  9. Gamers' Temple
    88
    Shadow Magic carries on the Age of Wonders series' tradition of fine turn-based strategy gameplay, and the changes introduced by the game should please both Age of Wonders veterans and gamers new to the series.
  10. GameSpot
    87
    Does a great job of improving on its predecessor's shortcomings and offering deeper, more-balanced gameplay.
  11. GameSpy
    86
    Provides a lot of bang for your buck; it's loaded with additional features, tweaks, and is simply a more balanced game from top to bottom.
  12. IGN
    85
    There's lots of new stuff to play with, many new units, many new spells, plenty of campaign scenarios, single scenarios, and a random map generator that actually works like it's supposed to.
  13. Armchair Empire
    85
    The new races added to Age of Wonders already fantastic fantasy world and a host of customizable campaign and level editors means that fans of turn-based strategy will never have to play the same missions twice.
  14. GameZone
    84
    The instruction manual is lacking and the controls can be a little confusing. But with all of the different gameplay elements, Age of Wonders is an excellent addition to anyone’s library.
  15. PC Format
    84
    The focus on wizards adds far more of an edge than Heroes of Might and Magic’s army action, and the increased level of tactics puts Disciples to shame.
  16. Computer Games Magazine
    80
    A fine game in its own right, a throwback to old-school epic strategy at a time when turn-based games are starting to feel like a dying breed. [Oct 2003, p.86]
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  17. Cheat Code Central
    80
    A random map generator will give you some decent replay value as it works great. It's almost like acquiring a new expansion pack every time you use it.
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  18. G4 TV
    80
    Though there are a few interface and gameplay quirks, "Shadow Magic" is immensely satisfying. Whether you're new to these games or a grizzled veteran, Age of Wonders: Shadow Magic"will keep you playing late into the night.
  19. PC Gameworld
    80
    This quasi-expansion pack/sequel doesn’t really light any fires, but it does play well. Unfortunately, it lacks that compelling reason to continue playing.
  20. Game Revolution
    75
    Like an unexpectedly good BLT. It’s based a little too heavily on "Heroes of Might and Magic," making you long for the days of the "Armageddon Blade," but with some nice crisp bacon and cool fresh lettuce, it still makes for a satisfying sandwich.
  21. Game Over Online
    70
    But don't be fooled. The new content isn't overwhelming, and Shadow Magic plays almost identically to "Age of Wonders II."
  22. games(TM)
    50
    With more variety and strategic depth than any of the previous AOW titles, there are plenty of reasons for fans and beginners alike to immerse themselves in Shadow Magic's world of adventure. [Oct 2003, p.119]
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  23. TotalGames.net
    50
    The in-game graphics are as primitive as ever – simply doing their job of representing the positions of your various units around the map – and the basic turn-based concept won’t be every gamer’s cup of tea, but there’s surely enough depth and engrossing potential here to bring hardcore adventurers back for more while enticing a good number of newbies.
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Awards & Rankings

37
#37 Best PC Game of 2003
60
#60 Most Discussed PC Game of 2003
59
#59 Most Shared PC Game of 2003

User Reviews

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User Score
8.8

Generally favorable reviews- based on 135 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 117 out of 135
  2. Mixed: 12 out of 135
  3. Negative: 6 out of 135
  1. weaselfeet
    Oct 25, 2011
    10
    I bought this game at launch and 8yrs later it is still played by the whole family for at least a couple of months each year. We keep goingI bought this game at launch and 8yrs later it is still played by the whole family for at least a couple of months each year. We keep going back to it and have a great time when we do. It's well balanced in the main with only a couple of exceptions and these can be countered with a thoughtfully built stack of units.
    The AI is competent, on the medium settings it can be quite challenging in the early to mid game and on the harder settings it can crush you if you allow war on more than one front. There is a great variety of playable racesunits and magic specialisation, this combined with the wealth of community made maps and the excellent map generator offer infinite re playability.
    This is without doubt the best successor to Master of Magic and a "must have" for any strategy gamer from the more casual through to total grognards.    … Full Review »
  2. KanaK.
    Sep 25, 2003
    10
    Very well done game in EVERY aspect! Music, sounds, graphics, (aren't top notch but they don't have to be!) gameplay and every bug Very well done game in EVERY aspect! Music, sounds, graphics, (aren't top notch but they don't have to be!) gameplay and every bug they found is squished! A perfect addition to any Strategy game fan! (it's also pretty newbie friendly. So it's easy to get in the game, but it's not easy to get good!)… Full Review »
  3. ChristopherD.
    Sep 11, 2003
    10
    It is a excellent addition to the Age of Wonders series. Although the actual maps aready generated are not condusive of LAN or multiplay the It is a excellent addition to the Age of Wonders series. Although the actual maps aready generated are not condusive of LAN or multiplay the random Map Generator more than makes up for it. The new races are an excellent addition to the already large selection. The new spells are a must and the graphics haven't let us down. overall I was well impressed with this thrid part imstallment to a excellent gaming series.… Full Review »
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