Shadowlands

Colonel Kurtz 2013-07-20
(7/10)
Just played through it 20+ years later. It honestly was less exciting than when I started it long ago.

Surely there were lots of nice ideas all around, such as the extremely versatile (non class-based) character development, the ability to recharge spells by absorbing most items, and the much anticipated realtime lighting system, with quite interesting puzzles along with it.

On the other hand, the game doesn't give the player the necessary tools for making the best of these interesting ideas, due to their sketchy implementation. Blocky scrolling, lack of pathfinding and the very limited range for issuing any commands make character movement nothing short of tedious. The whole "equip scroll; cast spell; switch items; absorb magic force; re-equip scroll; recharge scroll" chore is very inefficient, since it has to be performed in realtime and leaves you vulnerable all the while; plus, spells take ages to be cast and are directed where the monster was *when you originally clicked* (i.e. It might well have moved away by then). Finally, a story no one cares about and one save position per disk certainly didn't help.

I still believe everybody should give Shadowlands a chance, as it is a pretty unique RPG to this very day. Only, if its features had been developed with a little more attention, the gaming public of today would be remembering this one as it does Dungeon Master and its derivatives.
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radioman970 2008-04-04
(9/10)
Well, judging by the scores here I am this game's biggest fan (just like Annie from Misery, I'll keep this game doped up in my bed ).

I felt the graphics lacked detail but were animated very very well. I loved watching fireballs flying all over the place. And the poster below reminds me about the wonderful lighting in this title. First rate for the time.

I'd place this as an early Baldur's Gate. I found the whole thing mostly stunning and loved the level design and puzzles.

One of my own most favorites from my Amiga days...I still have this one boxed up. I was disappointed in the PC version, which I paid 5 bucks for ages ago and couldn't get the stupid sound to work right.

I'd like to see more dungeon screenshots here. That's where the game's biggest strengths are...love those dungeons!!

9/10
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Steve Wilkins 2008-02-26
(8/10)
A very innovative role-playing game with average graphics in Japanese style. The user guidance was a very tricky, but apart from that it was a cool game...
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Colonel Kurtz 2007-06-29
(7/10)
Surprisingly good RPG
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Shunichiro 2005-01-30
(7/10)
Interesting game with some nice, fun and original ideas but it's too slow and cumbersome to be fully enjoyable. User interface involving clicking on different body parts certainly wasn't one of those nice ideas. And those sound effects... CHOMP, CHOMP, CHOMP echoed all over the place when the party walked - slowly.
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Dirk_the_Daring 2005-01-21
(10/10)
The masterpiece: I have played it hours, hours and hours...If I had to be on an Island with only one RPG game, I'd choose Shadowlands. Very innovative RPG in his time with an isometric view with 4 members party, and all with master controls. A new concept of puzzles by using the lights and torches. One of the funniest magic systems seen on a RPG. Wonderful character generator... The list of his good spots is never-ending.
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Predseda 2005-01-04
(8/10)
A milestone in fantasy genre. Predecessor to the games like Diablo. Wonderful game!
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