Lo Wang
A skilled assassin and the player character. He uses firearms, explosives, mystical weapons, and a katana while opposing Zilla.
Documented for this version
Arrow Up | Move forward |
|---|---|
Arrow Down | Move backward |
Arrow Left | Turn or move left, depending on the configured control scheme The DOS control configuration can be remapped. |
Arrow Right | Turn or move right, depending on the configured control scheme The DOS control configuration can be remapped. |
Ctrl | Fire or attack The exact key can be changed in the setup menu. |
Alt | Jump The exact key can be changed in the setup menu. |
Space | Use or activate The exact key can be changed in the setup menu. |
Controls are configurable in the DOS setup program.
Mouse aiming and custom keyboard bindings may be enabled depending on the installation.
How it plays
The game uses a first-person perspective. The main objective is to survive each stage, locate keys and switches, solve environmental puzzles, and reach the exit while defeating enemies.
Levels are largely linear but contain secret areas, traps, destructible objects, and alternate routes. Lo Wang can use firearms, explosives, magical weapons, and his katana. Health, armor, ammunition, power-ups, and weapons are found throughout the stages. The DOS release is primarily a single-player campaign, with multiplayer support available through the original PC networking options.
Plan your run
Conserve explosive and special ammunition for crowded encounters or powerful enemies. Search walls, ceilings, water areas, and apparently decorative objects for switches, supplies, and secret rooms.
Use the katana carefully against isolated enemies, but rely on firearms when facing groups or threats at range. Learn enemy attack patterns, save before unfamiliar traps, and keep a reserve of healing items before major battles.
Meet the cast
A skilled assassin and the player character. He uses firearms, explosives, mystical weapons, and a katana while opposing Zilla.
The powerful corporate leader and principal antagonist, whose plans combine advanced technology with supernatural forces.
Before you begin
Check suspicious walls and scenery for secret switches.
Save ammunition for enemies that are difficult to approach safely.
Use water, elevators, and destructible objects to investigate alternate routes.
Shadow Warrior is a first-person shooter developed by 3D Realms and released for DOS in 1997. It combines Build-engine gunplay with sword fighting, ninja weapons, traps, puzzles, and deliberately exaggerated humor. Players control Lo Wang, a wisecracking corporate assassin who turns against his former employer after discovering Zilla’s supernatural plans. The campaign moves through industrial sites, temples, cities, and other hostile locations filled with secrets and destructible scenery. The game received attention for its varied arsenal, strong atmosphere, and technical use of the Build engine. Its humor and stereotypes have aged unevenly, but its distinctive setting, level design, and mix of firearms and melee combat have earned it a lasting cult reputation among classic PC shooters.
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