Shadow of Destiny hands-on impressions

[01.24.01] » Time isn't holding up, but it is definitely after us.

   Shadow of Destiny (known in Japan as Shadow of Memories) has been released, and the GIA has spent some time with it. Initial impressions are of a graphically ordinary game with unique and rewarding adventure gameplay. Take a look at some screenshots and movies, then read our impressions below.

   Shadow of Destiny concerns itself with Eike (pronounced "Ike"), a modern youth who leaves a cafe one morning and is brutally stabbed to death. Eike is given a second chance at life, however, by a mysterious man named Homunculus. Eike receives a "Digipad," a device that lets him travel through time when certain conditions are met. He is then returned to the cafe 30 minutes before his death. At this point, Eike can explore the town of Lebensbaum, enter some buildings, talk to people on the street, and take notes on what he thinks he should do next and anything interesting he might see. A brief meeting with a mysterious fortune teller suggests a way to prevent his death: if he were in a crowd of people at 2:30, the assassin would be unable to strike.

   The Digipad is triggered by suggestion and purpose, and Eike can now travel back in time. He goes to 1:30 with the intent of gathering a group at 2:30. Interestingly, time passes simultaneously in the past and present; if you spend five minutes exploring the "past," when you return to the "present," it will be five minutes later than when you left. Eike is successful in forming a crowd and returns to the present. The assassin's shadow approaches but turns away at the sight of the group. Death and fate, it seems, have been thwarted.

   Thwarted, perhaps, but not defeated. In one of the game's more interesting conceits, it seems that fate has it out for Eike today, and simply avoiding a death doesn't solve the problem--it just redirects it. Before, 2:30 was the "fated hour"; now, 3:00 is the time Eike needs to fear. The game is divided into several chapters, and each chapter presents a new aspect of fate and incarnation of death to be outwitted. Only by finding the "root" of his destiny can Eike survive.

   Though the first quest takes place in the near present, later adventures take Eike to 1980, 1902, and even 1580. Each of these disparate time periods will eventually tie into the central mystery. There are multiple solutions to many of the chapters, and the game can lead to one of many possible endings.

   Graphically, Shadow of Destiny is unimpressive--which is not "bad" by any means! The graphics aren't as flashy as those of Z.O.E or Metal Gear Solid 2, but they get the job done respectably and have a few moments of inspired presentation. The voice acting is standard B-movie gaming fare, and the music is (so far) excellent. Most importantly, the time travelling elements are well-planned and very enjoyable. Shadow of Destiny incorporates time travel and shifting realities as an integral part of the gameplay, as opposed to an excuse for new graphics and locations. The looming spectre of Z.O.E and the Metal Gear Solid 2 demo threaten to overwhelm it, but Shadow of Destiny is an A-class title from Konami in its own right.