Previous Next

Shadow Of The Beast is really a tribute to the sort of technical wizardry capable with 16-bit machines - which makes it the perfect program for retailers up and down the country to have running in their shop windows. However, this obvious technical excellence isn't exactly matched by similar playability

The plot casts you as a mutated hero out to get vengeance against the Beast Mages. The action begins against horizontally-scrolling and beautifully detailed scenery, populated by a host of assorted mutated nasties: black lagoon monsters and giant wasps, to name but two.

To begin with, your only defence against these horrors is a punch or flying kick, although there are weapons (including laser guns and power punches) to be collected at later stages. A limited puzzle element gives some relief, but it's mostly combat that's required to get the player through each section.

Each of the five stages has a different impressive backdrop, while this graphical effect is complemented by some stunning music, resulting in a credible mystical mixture.

This re-release gives you a massive 77 per cent saving on the price of the original package (this time around, you don't get the big box or Roger Dean T-Shirt), which makes it almost worth having just for the pretty graphics and soundtrack. Be warned though, it's not going to stun you with its playability.