When it comes to choosing games to play in 2022, the options truly are endless. From AAA titles to Indies and every genre imaginable, there is no lack of games to choose from. However, with this influx comes a natural level of complexity as each game tries to top those that have come before in terms of story, graphics, gameplay and mechanics. This natural evolution is something I appreciate, but at the same time, I still believe there is a place for games that don’t feel the need to get swept up in this endless competition and instead of focusing on everything, just focus on one thing: being fun. Shadow Warrior 3 is that game.
Because I usually gravitate towards slower-paced, story-based games, Shadow Warrior 3 was a literal shock to my poor inner gaming sloth. There is absolutely nothing calming or relaxing to be found here. Instead, you’re thrown headfirst into the action almost as soon as you pick up the controller and then that’s where you stay. Kill demons, run to the next area and kill more demons—the end. While I can’t think of one thing that Shadow Warrior 3 brings to the table that’s new, what it does bring is polished, fluid and responsive, and sometimes, consistency is all you need.
This brings me to arguably my favourite part of Shadow Warrior 3, something I will deny until my death if anyone ever calls me out on it, the humour. Now, if there is one thing I refuse to give any attention to, it’s terrible jokes. I believe fake laughing at a dumb joke does all of humanity a disservice because then the joke-teller thinks they are a regular comedian and will proceed to torture countless others with the same groan-inducing joke. Again. And again. And again. And who’s to blame for this endless cycle of torture? The ones who gave in and laughed. With that being said, I’d be lying if I said the constant quips throughout Shadow Warrior 3 didn’t bring the occasional chuckle out of me and hours in, it was a great way to keep the tone of the game lighthearted and fun while I died for the millionth time.
There is nothing overly complicated about Shadow Warrior 3, making it the perfect game just to pick up and play, and because the story is such a forgettable part of everything, it means you don’t have to worry about having played the previous games in the series to enjoy this one. My only previous experience with the Shadow Warrior universe was playing Viscera Cleanup Detail – Shadow Warrior edition, and other than prepare me for all of the wonderous gore that awaited me, it couldn’t be more different of a game and yet I had no problems falling into Shadow Warrior 3 and loving every second of my time there.
There are six weapons to use throughout and while that might seem pretty limited at first, the game is designed to constantly have you switch between them, which makes combat always feel exciting and has you constantly changing strategies to adapt. But if you find yourself wishing for more variety, there are also “Gore” weapons for you to rip out of enemies while you play. Honestly, the joy I experienced sticking my hand into an enemy’s chest, pulling out their heart, throwing it, having it turn into a grenade that turns into a disco-ball-like thing that reflects lasers and incinerates all the enemies it touches, is completely unmatched.
