• Publisher: Konami
  • Release Date: Mar 5, 2001
  • Also On: PC, PSP
Metascore
78 out of 100

Generally favorable reviews - based on 18 Critics

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 13 out of 18
  2. Negative: 0 out of 18
  1. Largely ignored by the mainstream gaming press, this fabulous epic of a game will draw you in with both its warmth and its ever-increasing tale.
  2. There are a few problems here -- failing to solve a puzzle means having to repeat an entire level, for example -- but the majority of Shadow of Destiny is excellent.
  3. As pure an adventure as you'll find on any console. Apart from a few timed segments, it's completely free of the action elements normally associated with "adventure" games on these systems.
  4. 85
    The gameplay simply involves the player moving the character around a 3D world, with the only thing close to real action being the ability to run instead of just walk. It's a murder mystery and its enjoyment comes in the form of a captivating storyline that will pull you in so deeply that you won't want to stop playing until you finish the quest.
  5. Gamers willing to invest the time required to unravel the title's mysteries will discover one of the PS2's most enjoyable games and one of the most original adventure games to grace a console.
  6. This game is a relatively short play, as it can easily be finished in one day. Even though Konami™ claims that there are ten "massive" chapters; don't be fooled, they aren't "massive" in any sense.
  7. This is quality adventure gaming at its best.
  8. 80
    A wonderful title (with the kind of cerebral gameplay that seems to have taken a back seat to mindless shooters in recent years), which will keep you glued to your console for as long as it takes you to finish it.
  9. The real problem is that the game makes my brain sting. What I mean is there are so many plot twists, story fluctuations and paradoxes that I found the game almost like work rather than play.
  10. The game's brevity and lack of real suspense or horror make for a mellower game than anticipated. It's worth playing.
  11. One of gaming's most original plots that can captivate the player so greatly that many of its shortcomings may be over looked.
  12. The lack of action deals a heavy blow to this otherwise polished adventure.
  13. The strength of Shadow of Destiny lies in its well-scultped narrative which drives the game.
  14. Great visuals coupled with great atmosphere and music makes this a must-have for fans of the genre.
  15. An acquired taste that blends mainstream graphic appeal with a methodic pace and a compelling story to great effect.
  16. Plays little more than an interactive "Choose Your Own Adventure" book.
  17. While it suffers from a few somewhat glaring flaws, it contains a deep narrative structure and a surprisingly interesting adventure motif that should excite fans of the genre and those who like complex storytelling.
  18. It is a bit on the short side, but the upside is a fantastic plot that has numerous side stories to it that cannot all be experienced in a single play.
User Score

Generally favorable reviews- based on 9 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 5 out of 6
  2. Mixed: 0 out of 6
  3. Negative: 1 out of 6
  1. DanA.
    7
    Shadow of Destiny is a bittersweet gaming experience to say the least. On one hand, in such an early PS2 lifetime it produced solid visuals, and pushed the storytelling aspect of games to a level still unseen to this day. But on the other hand, the control feels robotic enough to give Resident Evil a run for it's money, and the game doesn't spend enough time keeping you engaged to the point where the next twist was actually THAT exciting. A good game, but nothing I would do more then rent. Full Review »
  2. CurtisS.
    0
    This game is absolutely, without a doubt, the worst game I have ever played in my life!! I'd rather watch a damn Olsen-Twins movie 100 times in a row than play this game again. The only good thing I can say 'bout this game, is that it has good graphics, and that the storyline is complete and tied together niceley. But the storyline itself sucks! I can't believe someone wasted time making this game. Full Review »
  3. StefC.
    7
    Great storyline and overall a very original game. I just have 2 complaints: first of all, it wasn't very interactive. It was just too easy to figure out what you were supposed to do there was too much instruction. A 3 year old could beat this game no problem. My second complaint is that it was too short. I beat it in a few hours. But still this game is worth playing and I suggest you at least rent it, if not buy it. Full Review »