Shadow Man: Remastered

 PC
Metascore
67

Mixed or average reviews - based on 14 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 14
  2. Mixed: 8 out of 14
  3. Negative: 1 out of 14
  1. GameCritics
    Jun 23, 2021
    70
    Shadow Man: Remastered is an interesting choice for today’s market, because it’s not afraid to show the passage of time — it proudly displays the trappings of its era with untouched (and cryptic) level design, clunky combat and alight narrative. It will provide a particular sort of nostalgia for those who remember the period it’s from, but players coming to it for the first time should scale back any expectations.
  2. Multiplayer.it
    May 4, 2021
    70
    The remastered version of Shadow Man will undoubtedly capture the attention of Mike LeRoi fans, forced until now to compromise with archaic controls and resolutions unsuitable for modern systems.
  3. CD-Action
    Nov 19, 2021
    65
    If you remember the original Shadow Man, the remastered version might be a cool sentimental journey into the past. New players however will probably be discouraged by both the graphics and the terribly aged gameplay. [06/2021, p.53]
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  5. TheGamer
    Apr 29, 2021
    60
    It's interesting to get a look into the past that's as well cared for and presented as Shadow Man Remastered. Maybe I didn't find a new favorite, but there's no reason why you might not end up loving this. If you're okay with having a walkthrough ready and are willing to traipse through the same few corridors numerous times, Shadow Man is certainly a good way to kill some time between big releases.
  6. 4P.de
    Apr 21, 2021
    60
    The archaic action-adventure feels a bit outdated. Nonetheless, little changes as well as the unique atmosphere make sure there is enough fascination and exploring ambition left.
  7. Noisy Pixel
    Apr 19, 2021
    55
    To truly do this game justice, mechanics needed to be updated to make the overall experience more enjoyable. Faster pace and more fluid gun gameplay could bring new audiences. The game should be played by anyone who has never experienced the series and are interested enough to visit the Darkside themselves. I’m sure longtime fans will feel that nostalgic love, playing this occult hit exactly as it was published two decades ago but personally, I feel it could have been left on the shelf.
  8. Jeuxvideo.com
    Apr 19, 2021
    55
    An experience apart, totally rooted in a bygone era, for better but also for worse.
  9. Cubed3
    May 19, 2021
    50
    What is Shadow Man Remastered? It's a great remaster, of a not so great game. A tedious collect-a-thon wrapped in fancy horror-themed paper. It isn't really that fun, and not just because of its age, as, in all honesty, it wasn't that enjoyable to begin with. Despite being quite the sleeper hit of its era, it's an action-adventure whose overstretched length, and aggravatingly labyrinthine structure won't be appreciated by everyone, especially modern gamers. If still curious to try Shadow Man out, do purchase Nightdive's version, though, as it is undoubtedly the definite one.

User Reviews

All reviews »
User Score
7.9

Generally favorable reviews- based on 18 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 14 out of 18
  2. Mixed: 2 out of 18
  3. Negative: 2 out of 18
  1. Ruffnik
    Feb 22, 2023
    10
    A prime example of a 3D metrovania with deliciously crafted levels. Not quite up to snuff in terms of visual fidelity, obviously, but theA prime example of a 3D metrovania with deliciously crafted levels. Not quite up to snuff in terms of visual fidelity, obviously, but the remaster really makes the style shine with that uncanny, not-quite-familiar deadside environments. The sound design, on the other hand, is as great as ever (which is it very much is). That eerie soundscape got a way of getting under the skin.[en.wikipedia.org]

    The controls certainly do facilitate an action-based aproach to combat, including but not limtied to projectile-based enemies. There's action & your thumb game gets rewarded. There's nothing in terms of a dodge button though, it's old & good side-stepping while shooting. Platforming controls on the other hand feel dated, coming from modern games but it works after a bit getting used to.

    Between that & solving puzzles, it's a matter of navigating a complex, interconnected environment with most paths initially blocked[www.nintendo.com]. It is a metrovania all right, you don't get handed the way to go on a silver platter, neither is picking some direction and keep on walking a viable strategy. It expects you to push your way through, to poke at loose ends. Getting lost for what feels like forever is an realistic option, wiping that grin off your face when you find that one nook leading to a quest item and a bunch of previously-blocked paths open up, now that's widely optional! I also like how the game progress tied to dark souls feeds into PC progress by directly affecting your power level. Neat! And pretty lenient as far as metrovanias come, you get a breakdown of what you got left in an area on the teleport screen.

    Certainly not a good fit for GUI.    … Full Review »
  2. GhostBullet217
    Sep 25, 2021
    8
    Great game, I've been waiting for this remaster for a long time. And finally. Night Dive did a great job just like they did with Turok. ThanksGreat game, I've been waiting for this remaster for a long time. And finally. Night Dive did a great job just like they did with Turok. Thanks for bringing this back to live. I still have the original on PC witch plays great by the way. Hope this comes to consoles soon.… Full Review »
  3. TheHambro
    Jul 26, 2021
    8
    I remember playing Shadow Man back in the day on the N64, but I don’t think I got past the first level because I was immediately lost. FastI remember playing Shadow Man back in the day on the N64, but I don’t think I got past the first level because I was immediately lost. Fast forward some twenty years later, and here I am, giving the Remaster a fair shake. What’s to say? It’s a great game, and I absolutely love its horror atmosphere. It’s brutal. What surprised me the most are its Metroidvania qualities. You’re thrown into this huge, connected, and labyrinthine world where you need to find items in order to progress further. There is no hand-holding, no hint of where to go….you just need to explore. But, that’s my biggest flaw with this game. You don’t have an in-game map, so you will be lost and turned around constantly. I had a blast exploring and taking in the atmosphere, but damn, it’s pretty frustrating losing track of where I am.

    Shadow Man Remastered is just plain ol’ fun, and kudos to Nightdive Studios for binging this title up to snuff. Give it a shot, I think you’ll enjoy this one.    … Full Review »
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