69
MONSTER
Shadow Warrior 3 launches the offbeat first-person shooter series to the next level with a seamless blend of fast-paced gunplay, razor-sharp melee combat, and a spectacular free-running movement system.
Game analysis
Monster Scorecard
EXPAND ALL
Story and Narrative
Expand for full analysis
64
Critics have mixed opinions on Shadow Warrior 3's story: some praise its humor and pop culture references, while others criticize its shallow plot and unfunny jokes. The consensus is that the story serves as a backdrop to the gameplay, with some finding it engaging and others feeling it falls short.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY
Story Score
64
Positive (80-100)
15%
Mixed (50-79)
67%
Negative (0-49)
19%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.
TL;DR
story and narrative
Critics have mixed opinions on Shadow Warrior 3's story: some praise its humor and pop culture references, while others criticize its shallow plot and unfunny jokes. The consensus is that the story serves as a backdrop to the gameplay, with some finding it engaging and others feeling it falls short.
Gameplay Mechanics
Expand for full analysis
81
Critics praise the fast-paced combat and intense gameplay of Shadow Warrior 3, highlighting its entertaining mechanics and chaotic encounters. However, some mention concerns about repetitive combat and limited enemy variety. Overall, the game is lauded for its enjoyable combat experience with a variety of weapons and intense encounters, likened to recent Doom reboots.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY
Gameplay Score
81
Positive (80-100)
83%
Mixed (50-79)
13%
Negative (0-49)
3%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.
TL;DR
gameplay mechanics
Critics praise the fast-paced combat and intense gameplay of Shadow Warrior 3, highlighting its entertaining mechanics and chaotic encounters. However, some mention concerns about repetitive combat and limited enemy variety. Overall, the game is lauded for its enjoyable combat experience with a variety of weapons and intense encounters, likened to recent Doom reboots.
Graphics and Visual Design
Expand for full analysis
78
Critics generally praise Shadow Warrior 3 for its colorful, imaginative visuals, vibrant locations, and well-realized character designs. Positive feedback includes the game's attention to detail, beautiful backdrops, and ridiculous-looking enemies. Some critics, however, express disappointment with simple textures and technical issues in cutscenes. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers visually appealing graphics with vivid colors and impressive enemy designs, despite some shortcomings.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS
Visual Score
78
Positive (80-100)
60%
Mixed (50-79)
40%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.
TL;DR
graphics and visual design
Critics generally praise Shadow Warrior 3 for its colorful, imaginative visuals, vibrant locations, and well-realized character designs. Positive feedback includes the game's attention to detail, beautiful backdrops, and ridiculous-looking enemies. Some critics, however, express disappointment with simple textures and technical issues in cutscenes. Overall, the consensus is that the game offers visually appealing graphics with vivid colors and impressive enemy designs, despite some shortcomings.
Music and Sound Design
Expand for full analysis
71
Critics praise Shadow Warrior 3's sound design for its visceral combat sounds and authentic gunplay, enhancing the gameplay experience. Voice acting is commended for strong performances and adding to the game's humor, despite some mediocre dialogue. The music is described as excellent and fitting for action moments, contributing positively to the game's presentation. However, there are criticisms of the sequel's soundtrack and inconsistencies in voice acting quality. Overall, Shadow Warrior 3's Sound Design and Music receive mostly positive feedback, making it an immersive and enjoyable experience for players.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN
Sound Score
71
Positive (80-100)
22%
Mixed (50-79)
78%
Negative (0-49)
0%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.
TL;DR
music and sound design
Critics praise Shadow Warrior 3's sound design for its visceral combat sounds and authentic gunplay, enhancing the gameplay experience. Voice acting is commended for strong performances and adding to the game's humor, despite some mediocre dialogue. The music is described as excellent and fitting for action moments, contributing positively to the game's presentation. However, there are criticisms of the sequel's soundtrack and inconsistencies in voice acting quality. Overall, Shadow Warrior 3's Sound Design and Music receive mostly positive feedback, making it an immersive and enjoyable experience for players.
Voice Acting
Expand for full analysis
66
Critics are divided on the voice acting in Shadow Warrior 3. Some praise it for adding fun and charm with amusing one-liners and strong character representations, while others criticize it as low-brow and filled with unfunny jokes. Positive opinions highlight the entertainment value, while negative views point out the dialogue's shortcomings. Overall, opinions vary, suggesting that the voice acting may appeal differently to players based on their humor preferences.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING
Acting Score
66
Positive (80-100)
33%
Mixed (50-79)
50%
Negative (0-49)
17%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.
TL;DR
voice acting
Critics are divided on the voice acting in Shadow Warrior 3. Some praise it for adding fun and charm with amusing one-liners and strong character representations, while others criticize it as low-brow and filled with unfunny jokes. Positive opinions highlight the entertainment value, while negative views point out the dialogue's shortcomings. Overall, opinions vary, suggesting that the voice acting may appeal differently to players based on their humor preferences.
Technical Performance
Expand for full analysis
68
Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Shadow Warrior 3. PC reviews mention bugs and performance issues, while Xbox Series X is praised for smoothness with minor glitches. PS4 experiences a mix of technical problems and smooth gameplay. Overall, performance varies across different platforms.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE
Tech Score
68
Positive (80-100)
29%
Mixed (50-79)
57%
Negative (0-49)
14%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.
TL;DR
technical performance
Critics have mixed opinions on the technical performance of Shadow Warrior 3. PC reviews mention bugs and performance issues, while Xbox Series X is praised for smoothness with minor glitches. PS4 experiences a mix of technical problems and smooth gameplay. Overall, performance varies across different platforms.
Replay Value
Expand for full analysis
50
Critics are divided on the replay value of Shadow Warrior 3. Some praise its fun gameplay mechanics and challenges that incentivize replaying, while others criticize its short campaign, lack of additional modes, and tedious level repetition. Overall, most critics agree that the game falls short in terms of replay value due to limited content and missed opportunities for enhancing longevity.
SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE
Replay Score
50
Positive (80-100)
0%
Mixed (50-79)
56%
Negative (0-49)
44%
Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.
TL;DR
replay value
Critics are divided on the replay value of Shadow Warrior 3. Some praise its fun gameplay mechanics and challenges that incentivize replaying, while others criticize its short campaign, lack of additional modes, and tedious level repetition. Overall, most critics agree that the game falls short in terms of replay value due to limited content and missed opportunities for enhancing longevity.
Overall Verdict
69
MONSTER
OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION
Monster Score
69
Positive (80-100)
28%
Mixed (50-79)
70%
Negative (0-49)
1%
Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.
TL;DR
Shadow Warrior 3 receives mixed reviews from critics. Positives include enjoyable combat, fast-paced gameplay, and zaniness, while negatives include a lack of an intriguing story, repetitive gameplay, and short length. Some recommend it for fans of the franchise, while others feel it falls short compared to previous installments. Overall, it offers fun moments but may not be universally recommended.
69
MONSTER
Reviews
138 reviews found95
GameSpace
Feb 28, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer enjoyed the comedic interactions, combat, and character development in the story. The lack of controller support was a downside.
Read full review
85
AusGamers
Feb 28, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is described as a gem of a first-person shooter, an interactive rollercoaster, and one hell of a good time. It is highly enjoyable despite its relatively short campaign.
Read full review
85
GameGrin
Feb 28, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The reviewer loved their time with the game and considers it another solid entry in the Shadow Warrior franchise.
Read full review
80
Screen Rant
Feb 28, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Shadow Warrior 3 is an awesome throwback to blood-drenched shooters of old, with top-notch combat and a length of 8-10 hours.
Read full review
80
Shindig
May 19, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Lovingly crafted and unpretentious, Shadow Warrior 3 is equal parts hilarious and thrilling, thanks to its charismatic protagonist.
Read full review
80
PlayStation Country
Mar 7, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game is enjoyable to play, offering varied weapons, a streamlined experience, and non-stop action. It is a fun and chaotic shooter that may win back those jaded by the FPS genre.
Read full review
80
GameSpew
Feb 28, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
A focused and enjoyable game with intense combat, witty dialogue, and visual gags. Recommended for players who enjoy non-stop action.
Read full review
80
Noisy Pixel
Feb 28, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
The game provides an enjoyable and intense experience of slashing and shooting through hordes of enemies. The reviewer acknowledges that the game sacrifices solid storytelling, pacing, and novelty for its narrow-minded focus on combat. However, they still found it fun to play.
Read full review
80
Xbox Tavern
Mar 11, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Overall, the reviewer states that if you are a fan of the previous Shadow Warrior games, you will be a fan of this one too. Despite the story feeling less impressive, the game offers incredible action, over-the-top set pieces, and dirty humor. The reviewer recommends the game.
Read full review
75
Xbox Achievements
Mar 4, 2022
AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details
Shadow Warrior 3 is described as sheer, unapologetic fun that provides ludicrously overblown monster-dismembering violence. It is praised for its old-school execution and relentless entertainment. The lack of replay value is the only major criticism.
Read full review