Truth: Every point against this game is negligible. Just play it!
After the general mayhem and destruction of Deadside's Asylum in Shadow Man, 2econd Coming begins with Jaunty having gone missing. Mike Leroi investigates at the behest of Nettie and, learns of a coming Armageddon.
It may seem that this sequel isn't as scary or engaging as the first game, but I believe it more accurate to say it is a different kind of horror - more detailed and graphically correct, but somehow less visceral.
The first thing to note is the graphics. The most significant difference is your hero - both as Mike Leroi, and as Shadow Man. Instead of a plain, grey-skinned man, Shadow Man has become wholly without skin - a walking skeleton complete with knobbly knees and chattering teeth. He looks visually stunning with the Mask of Shadows embedded in his ribcage, and his animation looks impressive. Mike Leroi is a bit of a stretch though, looking like a bit of a heavyweight champion with bulging muscles and straining biceps. I say a stretch because I had always imagined him as physically weak - possibly to balance his voodoo powers. So I find it a bit of a shame to see him stereotyped like so many other superheroes, but for what it's worth it is but a mere trifle.
So many games these days have lengthy, useless and aggravating tutorial intros. 2econd Coming is no exception. The controls are basically the same as it's predecessor, so why put up with a tutorial at all? But things get better. There is a greater variety in locations - a giant step up from the mundane and often colourless palette of the first game. Other than Deadside and the Bayou, there is also Ireland, Russia, Gehenna. There is more varied enemies to deal with - faster and without a doubt more scary than most of what was in the first game. There are also several bosses in the form of Grigori Demons. These guys are more of a fun, easy fight than anything else. In some ways the game is too easy; the hardest part for me was judging some jumps. Often the timing is very precise, requiring you to press the button right on the edge of a cliff or pit of spikes, resulting in many cheap deaths.
But, he's Shadowman, he CAN'T DIE!?
Maybe that is the fundamental issue with Shadowman that is holding it back from becoming a big hit. You might say "Well, if he's immortal and can't die, why should I bother buying that? I could just roll my face on the controller and win," and well you should. The story has a pretty shaky foundation too - find the sigils to unlock a book to release the Grigori one by one, including Asmodeus, the final boss.
I find it is a game that should be played for it's fun factor. Mike/Shadowman says some funny stuff, with his "AAhhh!"s and "EXCELLENT"s every time you hit an important switch, his "Dammit"s when demons appear or are released, and his conversations with the Grigori before fighting them:
Morteth: Do not trust the one called Deacon. Think on that, Shadowman.
Shadowman: I've thought about it, what now?
Morteth: Now, Shadowman, you die.
It might sound like I'm writing a negative review. Far from it. I thoroughly enjoyed the game. Sure, it can be overly easy. Sure, there is an over-abundance of redundant items and weapons. But the ambient music is special. If there's one thing Shadowman can bring to the table consistently, it's unique and disturbing melodies, as if the very design of the levels bled out music and the game developers caught it in a box. Albeit not as disturbing as some of the original game's tracks, they are certainly apt. I like most of Russia's area music (think eerie), Gehenna (think deep untapped power), and Ireland. Morte's plantation mansion music almost sounds as if it belongs in a Resident Evil game, and is a personal favourite.
The take home message. With so many games out there today with ridiculous achievements, or seemingly impossible asks from gamers, and with the sheer volume of good games out there that we want to play, Shadowman 2econd Coming might be the quick game you are looking for between larger games. It is easy, fun, has a kind of ridiculous story (no one wants these Grigori getting out, but here we are, releasing them all), has a splash of horror, mystery, and ... interesting? ... dialogue.
Even if you haven't played Shadowman before, this installment tips the balance of pros and cons in its favour. Pick one up today, should be dirt cheap.