Shadow Warrior
Shadow Warrior is a 1997 first-person shooter developed by 3D Realms on the Build engine, the same technology behind Duke Nukem 3D. Players control Lo Wang, a martial-arts bodyguard who turns against his corrupt former employer, Zilla Enterprises, after it summons dark creatures from Japanese mythology to conquer Japan.
The game blended fast-paced gunplay with melee combat, offering an arsenal that ranged from a katana and throwing shuriken to a rocket launcher and a guided missile, alongside drivable vehicles and elaborately secret-filled levels that made strong use of the Build engine's tricks. Its irreverent, comedic tone and Lo Wang's stream of one-liners drew both fans and criticism over their reliance on ethnic stereotypes, but its solid level design and variety cemented its place among the classic Build-engine shooters.
A modern reboot trilogy later reimagined the series for new hardware, and the original remains available through digital storefronts and source ports for contemporary players.
Play it today
Modern alternatives to Shadow Warrior, with the devices they run on and their price. Ordered editorially by how well each one stands in for the original, with community votes weighted in as they accumulate.
Prices, platform availability and Steam Deck compatibility can change at any time. Always check the store page before buying.
| Alternative | Price | Steam Deck | Runs on |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shadow Warrior Classic Redux | € 9,75 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet |
| Turbo Overkill Indie | € 24,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Shadow Warrior 3 | € 49,99 | Steam Deck Playable | PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch |
| Shadow Warrior 2 | € 28,99 | Steam Deck Verified | PC, PlayStation, Xbox |
Shadow Warrior Classic Redux
€ 9,75The 1997 original updated to run properly on modern machines, with the original level design.
Shadow Warrior Classic Redux runs on PC, Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet. Not available on PlayStation, Xbox, Switch.
Turbo Overkill Indie
€ 24,99A cyberpunk boomer shooter with a chainsaw leg and relentless speed.
Turbo Overkill runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Shadow Warrior 3
€ 49,99A modern reboot with fluid movement, gore and wall-running combat.
Shadow Warrior 3 runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox, Switch. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet.
Shadow Warrior 2
€ 28,99Fast sword-and-gun combat with co-op and loot, the middle chapter of the reboot series.
Shadow Warrior 2 runs on PC, PlayStation, Xbox. Not available on Mac, Linux, iPhone, iPad, Android phone, Android tablet, Switch.
Sign in or create an account to add an alternative or vote.