ShadowCaster PC

ShadowCaster is an action/adventure game developed by Raven Software. Originally it was supposed to be the second edition of the program called Black Crypt, which was released in 1992 for Commodore Amiga computers, but after the authors were associated with Origin Systems, it was decided to create a completely new product.

The plot of the game focuses on the character of a young man who one day learns from his grandfather that he comes from a different dimension. Kirt is one of the so-called "shapeshifters", means people who are able to change their shape at will. The old man also tells the boy the backstage of the story of the Great War, in which the evil ruler Veste murdered almost all representatives of their race. Now Kirt must return to the fantastic world and defeat his biggest enemy once and for all, finding six magical obelisks beforehand.

The program evokes associations with RPG productions, but in relation to them it is really as simple as possible. ShadowCaster not only does not allow you to create your own character, but also does not have the option to develop features, because they are simply not implemented. The only coefficients determining the character of Kirt are life and magic energy - the first is lost during battles with monsters, the second during casting spells. However, there are many adventure elements: collecting objects, using them, interacting with the environment, etc. You can't do without changing your character. Kirt can turn into six other creatures with unique abilities. The correct use of all of them will be necessary to successfully complete the struggle.

The game uses the engine used in Wolfenstein 3D - it was the first cooperation between Raven Software and id Software (and as it turned out later, not the last one). For the purpose of ShadowCaster it has been enriched with several useful functions: our hero can not only walk, but also jump, walk and swim. We observe the action from the perspective of the first person, the fight takes place in real time.

ShadowCaster is a game that is located halfway between FPS and RPG productions. In the first case we can talk about too many adventure elements (as for traditional shooting), in the second case we can talk about numerous simplifications and a greater focus on spontaneous action, which does not necessarily appeal to fans of such titles as Eye of the Beholder or Ishar.

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Last updated on 10 December 2007