E3: Shadow Madness impressions

[05.14.99] » The GIA takes a look at Crave's first RPG, straight from the show floor.

   Shadow Madness remains essentially unchanged from its previously seen, ready-to-ship state. This traditional RPG was internally developed at the U.S. Craveyard studios. The young ruffian Stinger returns home only to see his village destroyed before his very eyes. He then sets forth to uncover the mystery of his town's destruction - and of the new plague sweeping the land: a psychotic madness that turns folks afraid of their own shadow.

   The backgrounds are pre-rendered and detailed; the sound and music are well-formed as well; and the story and writing are excellent in the presented sequences. Unfortunately, the battles are still rather muddled and the character designs are no more inspired. RPG fans who can appreciate a story while putting presentation on the back burner may find much to like in Crave's release. Shadow Madness is due out in late May 1999.