SMARTIES: So what's wrong with it?

CARAMEL: Well, there's way too much wandering around. Every adventure game has its 'lull' moments where an obscure (and, sometimes, obvious) hint, entrance or puzzle is overlooked. Shadowman is positively packed with such instances, though. It's a big game, and for the first 10 or 15 hours a lot of your time is spent wandering aimlessly, memorising endless corridors and backtracking. Then, once you get most of Shadowman's abilities, it becomes much more enjoyable. I suspect that many won't have the patience to get that far, though.

KIT-KAT: The control system is a problem on the PC version, too. The 'lock-on' combat system isn't perfect in either incarnation, but at least the N64 version offers analogue control for all. I wouldn't like to play it with keys.

MARS BAR: I've got another gripe. Although Shadowman obviously runs at a higher resolution in its PC form, the endless repetition of certain textures really gets on my ripples. It's okay on the N64 because you kind of expect that - there's only a limited amount of space to work with - but PC games are beginning to offer more these days. Couldn't they have spruced it up a bit?

FUTURE GAMER: Have you finished yet, Smarties?

SMARTIES: Yep. Just about. Our conclusion is that Shadowman is pretty damn fine on either format, but will appeal more to experienced gamers. It's no Zelda and doesn't have the impact of the original Tomb Raider, but it's still an engrossing, enjoyable game. The N64 version is probably the better of the two - no loads and better controls - but it's close.

FUTURE GAMER: But what about the adult content question? Is it a truly 'adult' game? And what can it reveal to us about 'adult' games in general?

SMARTIES: I have an answer.

FUTURE GAMER: Yes?

SMARTIES: But you're not going to like it.

FUTURE GAMER: Tell us!

SMARTIES: [with infinite calm and majesty] Forty-two.

FUTURE GAMER: You bastards! [Eats sweets in a grisly melee]

The end.

(The PC version will cost £29.99. Min specs: P166, 16Mb RAM, 3D card. Recommended: P200, 32Mb RAM, 8Mb 3D card.)