Shadow Man is one of those games from the late '90s that’s stuck with people because of how weird and unique it is. Originally released in 1999, it combines voodoo mythology with horror and action in a way that really stands out, even if the gameplay can feel a little dated now. You play as Michael LeRoi, a guy who’s become the “Shadow Man,” tasked with keeping the world safe from a group of serial killers trying to start an apocalypse. Yeah, it’s a dark game.

The story jumps between two worlds: Liveside (the world of the living) and Deadside (the world of the dead). Deadside, in particular, is where the game shines—it’s this twisted, surreal nightmare world with bizarre architecture and creepy enemies. Exploring it feels like a weird fever dream, and there’s this constant atmosphere of dread, helped a lot by the eerie music and unsettling sound effects.

Gameplay-wise, Shadow Man is a mix of platforming, puzzle-solving, and shooting, with a lot of backtracking since it’s designed in that Metroidvania style. You’re constantly picking up new abilities that let you access places you couldn’t reach before, which is cool, but it can be challenging to navigate—there’s no map system, so if you don’t mind getting a little lost, you’ll probably enjoy it. Combat is pretty straightforward, with voodoo weapons and powers you use to fight off all sorts of ghoulish creatures.

That said, it does feel a bit clunky by today’s standards, especially with the controls and some of the design choices. It can be a tough game, too; there aren’t many hints to guide you, and the difficulty curve can feel steep. But if you like figuring things out on your own, that’s also part of the appeal.

Overall, Shadow Man is one of those cult classics that’s worth trying if you’re into horror, dark fantasy, or games that play around with mythology and the supernatural. It’s got a gritty atmosphere that’s hard to find in games today, and the story will pull you in if you let it. Just be ready for a bit of a challenge and some old-school quirks, and you might find yourself really drawn into this strange, spooky world.