| Publisher | Origin Systems |
| Developer | Raven Software |
| Release date | 1993 |
| Genre | Role Playing Game |
ShadowCaster is a first-person action RPG developed by Raven Software and released for the PC in 1993. You play as Kirt who at the start of the game discovers he is a shape shifter. You’re teleported to an alternate world where you have to try and unlock your shape shifting abilities so he can defeat the demons trying to kill him and his grandfather.
The game is a mix of RPG and an first person “shooter”. You might label it an first person action RPG for the large amount of combat and small amount of stats you have to deal with. In a way the game is very similar to Ultima Underworld since both games allow full freedom instead of grid-based freedom. You also have an inventory and a map system.
A big part of the game is the many different shape shifting forms you can take, the first being the maorin, a great muscular tiger-like creature with four arms. In total there are 6 different forms (besides the human one) which you can select from a menu. Each character has its own weaknesses & strengths and choosing the right shape for the right situation is key. This system also compensates for the lack of multiple party members.
In the end it’s a not-too-complicated RPG which is quite interesting and certainly worth a look.
- id Software collaborated with Raven Software for this game and together they developed the engine for this game: a heavily modified Wolfenstein 3D engine.
- This was only the second game of Raven Software who later would become better known for games such as Heretic and Hexen
- The CD version of the game features an animated intro as well as extra maps & monsters.
- See Clue Book under Documents
- Text & screenshots: RedAvatar
- PIB: RedAvatar
- Video: DarthVR
- Box art: Mobygames & RedAvatar
- Documents: Home of the Underdogs, MyAbandonware
