Nintendo 64 Classic Shadow Man Receiving PlayStation Xbox Switch Getting Remastered
Shadow Man getting a remaster is interesting. Currently planned for the Nintendo Switch, PlayStation 4, Xbox One, and Steam for PC’s, this remake is kind of a head scratching announcement. As usual for these remasters, fans can expect 4K resolution, better shadow mapping, per-pixel lighting, anti-aliasing, and new content. That last one is the most interesting to me, Shadow Man will reportedly feature content cut from the first release. Interesting.
Shadow Man featured a dark story
Way back in 1888 Jack the Ripper is upset. His attempts to unlock a mystical power via ritualistic murders has not panned out. As he is preparing to perform a ritual on himself, Legion appears and tells Jack that power does exist. If Jack will build an insane asylum for killers in Deadside, the land of the dead, then Legion will help him. Jack agrees and commits suicide.
Interesting way to set the backstory.
Michael LeRoi is the current Shadow Man, a long line of voodoo warriors who protect the world of the living (Liveside). After being bonded with the Mask of Shadows, LeRoi is warned of a great danger. Legion is planning to launch the Apoclypse upon Liveside. LeRoi must capture several Dark Souls before attempting to eliminate Legion.
The remaster and what fans can expect
As mentioned already the remaster for Shadow Man will feature 4K widescreen graphics. Other updates fans can expect include “refined” gameplay, art, audio, and other assets (though we are not sure exactly what yet).“As part of our continued growth into the video game industry, we’re happy to bring Valiant fans this immensely popular Shadow Man character as the next title we release,” said Dan Mintz, Chairman and CEO of Valiant Entertainment. “Using this platform allows the Valiant fans to experience and explore the universe creatively.”
Giving another shot to a forgotten title
Remasters can be hit or miss. Success depends a lot on what fans thought of the original and what is done to improve it the second time around. Shadow Man was one of those dark games that just seemed to attempt more than it could realistically accomplish with the technology of the day. Maybe this time it will have a better chance at success.
If you want to grab a copy of the original Shadow Man, check out eBay or Amazon. These are affiliate links that help us keep the lights on. While it costs you nothing extra it helps us a lot. Head over here if you want to check out some other Nintendo 64 titles, maybe one of these will be remade.
Shadow Man by Nightdive Studios
Platform: PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, Steam for PC’s
Genre: 3D action adventure, horror, remaster
Rated: Unknown at this time, probably M for Mature considering content
Available soon on PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Nintendo Switch, and Steam for PC’s
Original re-release is available on Steam and GoG.com
This article was originally published on Retro Gaming Magazine, a gaming website I own.