If you get frustrated untying knots in your shoelaces, don't bother
reading this review. Instead, buy a hamster, make cute little costumes and
teach it tricks.
The "Shadow Master" is a rotten-to-the-core alien dictator who invades your
solar system to plunder valuable resources. Once again, you must save the
world. So off you go in a first-person view from inside your heavily armed
all-wheel drive buggy to battle evil.
You'll fight a never ending onslaught of enemies in 16 levels on 7 worlds.
But fear not, you have shields and a powerful array of weapons. You'll use
lasers, cannons, projectiles and particle weapons to blast an infinite stream
of bio-mechanical: leviathans, metal-clad spiders, scorpions, dragons and
other nasty creatures.
The missions begin with a verbal briefing from "Control". The man giving you
orders doesn't sound too confident in your ability to carry out the mission
objective. And for good reason. He knows there is NO "Difficulty" setting in
this game and the odds of your success are minuscule.
The various worlds where you'll do battle are huge. You're usually confined
to a narrow corridor or road where maneuvering your vehicle is restricted.
Turning around quickly to dispatch the horde of psychopaths that snuck up on
you can sometimes be a problem.
You're free to roam around the spacious levels with a few exceptions. One
mission has you on rails. So you go where the game takes you which is
probably to your death. There are some missions with time limits. You're
really pressed for time, so don't muck about and waste time sightseeing.
The game screen or HUD is futuristic and contains vital displays. You can
look up and down but not behind your buggy. Fortunately, there's a very
useful 360 degree radar screen.
Beside killing a swarm of creatures you must solve a few puzzles. For
example, in order to gain access to an important room, you must find the lock
that opens the door. Usually this is hidden some distance from your
objective. Once the lock is found, you must solve the combination sequence.
After this is accomplished, a helpful video discloses where you must go next.
On each level there are numerous pick-up pods: ammunition, rapid fire, new or
upgraded weapons, and a recharge for your shields.
At the end of each world there's a very tough boss waiting for you. If your
shields and weapons are low when you meet the boss, be prepared to bend over
and kiss the body part you sit on "Good-bye!".
The polygon graphics are exceptional. Visual treats include: a variety of
highly detailed creatures; well done lighting effects; awesome explosions with
debris flying everywhere; beautifully rendered scenery; and a lot of enjoyable
FMVs. Objects do not distort or break apart up close.
The game has QSound Virtual Audio and it doesn't get much better than this.
When a creature screams, you'll spin around to look behind you. The
explosions, weapons firing and all other sound effects are very good. The
voice acting is above average. The techno rock and complimentary soundtrack
is very entertaining.
The control is well implemented. Playing with the standard digital controller
is good. Using the Dual Analog Pad is very good. Control with the Dual
Analog Joystick (twin big sticks) is excellent.
Shadow Master is an average shooter's worst nightmare. The number of
creatures attacking seems endless. You can dodge incoming fire but must never
retreat or seek cover. When you destroy creatures, they drop crystals which
boost your energy levels. The crystals are only available for a few seconds.
So it's important that you rush head-first into the maelstrom blasting away
and picking up the dropped crystals. The only time you'll take your finger
off the trigger is when the laser cannon overheats.
Mission success would have been a little easier if you had access to a map.
The levels are usually complex and cover a lot of territory. Getting lost and
going in circles isn't much fun.
The pre-set level of difficulty can best be described as "Totally Insane".
The missions are long and very very challenging. You cannot save your
progress at the end of every level. If you get killed, you'll have to replay
from the last save point. Which means, you may have to repeat a previous
level. Replaying levels over and over becomes intolerably frustrating.
The manual could have included some additional information. The learning
curve is moderate. The replay value is low. This would have made an
excellent multiplayer game.
BOTTOM LINE: Shadow Master is non-stop exciting action with the emphasis on
shooting. Very challenging and may not appeal to everyone. Definitely worth
buying if you feel up to the task. You'll get more than your money's worth
here. If in doubt, rent first.
Graphics: 9.2
Sound: 9.2
Learning Curve: Easy
Difficulty: Very hard
Control: 9.2
Manual: Fair
Replay Value: Low
FINAL SCORE: 8.4
