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 frustation 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. Travelling 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.

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.