Eternal War: Shadows of Light

Reviewed By: Tim Emmerich
STAFF REVIEWER

GAME TECH INFO

Computer Platform: PC
Produced by: Two Guys Software
Price Range: $20-$30
Learning curve time: 20 minutes
Age level: 15 and up
ESRB Rating: Teen
Patches / Upgrades: none
System Requirements: PC: Windows 95 or later, Pentium II, 166 MHz CPU, 64 MB RAM, OpenGL compatible 3D accelerated video card, 2X CD-ROM, Compatible sound card, Mouse & Keyboard, Joystick or Gamepad optional

Overall Rating:
Genre: First-Person Shooter
Christian Rating: 5 of 5
   (nothing offensive)
Gameplay: 4 of 5
   (good)
Violence: 3 of 5
   (mild)
Adult Content: 5 of 5
   (none)

Two Guys Software accomplished their goals!

Eternal War: Shadows of Light is a gritty grapple for John Coronado's mind against the host of demons that are resident there. The evil creatures may have you jumping out of your seat in this immersive battle. You're assortment of weapons will be matched against a larger variety of enemies. Be sure to grab any supplies you find along the way, such as manna, armor and crossbow bolts. You will definitely need them. Thankfully, you can always stop and pray for renewed strength.

Premise:
John Coronado has allowed many demons to take control over him. Perhaps due to his poor choices. Perhaps some traumatic events of his past. He definitely did not listen to God. Now, he is so wrought with mental frustration and anguish that is is considering suicide. Can God help him through this by using you? But who are you? I'd gather that you are an angel since you can enter the mind. According to Two Guys Software's web site: "You are Mike, a friend sent to help John out of his pain and struggles before time runs out. Traveling down the road of malice and destruction, Mike is faced with hundreds of obstacles ahead of him to overcome through the only power that John thought abandoned him." Shall I attempt a guess that Mike is really the archangel Michael?

Gameplay:

Eternal War has a wonderful variety of weapons each with alternate attack modes. However, once you find the Spirit Sword, you may never put it down again. It is delightful and powerful at the same time. Plus its alternative attack sends waves a light out to dispatch your enemy. And with no refill requirements, you may be “lighting” up John's mind often. Your basic dagger is the only other item that won't run out of ammo, so always be picking up any ammo you see. The crossbow is useful as well but will run out of bolts. The remaining attacks require the proper manna to have been picked up. But with cool names like Trinity Blast, Soul Discs, Smite, Lightning, and Frozen Shards, you should expect spectacular results on your enemy. And don't forget that each has an alternative mode that is accomplished, by default, by clicking the right mouse button.

Screen Shot

Once you see some of your enemy, you may be contemplating turning around and running! They span the spectrum from animal to humanoid types and each is deadly to Mike. Some of them are named Carnvi, Teneb, Agath and Torment. All of them have different behaviors and special abilities to try to prevent you from reaching John.

Eternal War is a first-person perspective game (generally called FPS for First-Person Shooters). Utilizing both a mouse and keyboard commands (joystick or gamepad optional), you navigate through 17 areas of John's mind. However, they are filled with over 17 different demons that don't like you interfering. What interesting level design Eternal War exhibits. It has incredible variety and challenging puzzles. The reviewer admits that he was stumped several times. The scenery in the levels really add to the atmosphere. As well as the sounds and music. You may find the hair rising up on the back of your neck as you hear the growling of your enemy. Knowing they are near but not knowing where they are lurking contributes to your anticipation.

Advice:

Be sure to pick up any armor you see. Also keep picking up health and stay at or near your maximum. Health can be restored by picking up the small bottles. Or you can pray - as long as there is no demons around to interrupt your intercessions. Although your prayer cover can damage demons that get close, it doesn't seem to stop ranged attacks. Plus, there are some secret areas although difficult to find or reach on some levels. For weapons, there are eight different ones. And each has an alternative mode (right click), so basically 16 weapons to choose from! Your character starts off with just a modest dagger. You find others as you progress.

Just when you think you aren't making any progress, you'll get to talk with John. It is probably all occurring in his mind, but don't miss these conversations. You will gain insight on how he got himself into this mess to begin with. Plus, how God can work to free him.

Note that Eternal War does support multiplayer (and perhaps is the first Christian game to support multiple-computer networking!). However, the reviewer did not participate enough to judge that aspect of the product. What little was seen showed possibilities.

Summary
Eternal War will challenge you. It may even keep you from going to sleep at night. The question is, are you ready to face many, many demons to help John? Help John hear clearly once again from God?

Year of Release—2003

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this Christian Spotlight review are those of the reviewer (both ratings and recommendations), and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Films for Christ or the Christian Answers Network.