Malice vs Shadow of the Beast II
Side-by-side comparison of features, pricing, ratings, and alternatives.
In this action‑adventure platformer you control Malice, a demi‑goddess stripped of her powers and resurrected by Death. Armed with quirky weapons like the Mace of Clubs, Clockwork Hammer, and Quantum Tuning Fork, you traverse multiple realms to defeat the rising Crow Army and confront the evil Dog God. Along the way, Malice learns elemental magic to solve hazards and unlock new pathways, blending combat and puzzle‑solving in a single‑player experience. The game’s dark fantasy setting and varied weaponry deliver a distinctive PS2 adventure for fans of classic platformers.
Shadow of the Beast II is an action‑platform game developed by Reflections Interactive and published by Psygnosis in 1990. Players guide Aarbron, now in half‑beast form, through the mystical lands of Karamoon on a quest to save his kidnapped sister from the evil dragon Zelek. The game blends side‑scrolling combat, spell‑casting, and environmental puzzles, featuring memorable foes like Tree Pygmies and goblins in the Crystal Caverns. Its atmospheric graphics and haunting soundtrack create a distinct fantasy‑horror experience that still resonates with retro‑gaming fans.
- Rich and varied weapon arsenal
- Deep elemental magic system
- Engaging solo storyline
- Challenging platforming sections
- Atmospheric pixel‑art graphics
- Challenging boss encounters
- Engaging puzzle‑based progression
- Rich fantasy‑horror narrative
- Graphics show their PS2 age
- Camera can be difficult in tight spaces
- Overall game length is relatively short
- High difficulty curve for newcomers
- Limited save system
- Controls feel dated by modern standards
More alternatives & similar tools
Alternatives to Malice
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Sir Dan returns to Victorian London to battle undead hordes and a demonic sorcerer.
A retro action‑platformer where half‑beast hero Aarbron battles dragons and puzzles to rescue his sister.
Alternatives to Shadow of the Beast II
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A relentless retro platformer where knight Arthur battles undead hordes to rescue his love.
The Verdict
AI-generated from listing dataShadow of the Beast II offers classic 1990 pixel‑art platforming with tough bosses and puzzles at a low price, while Malice provides a richer 3D weapon and magic system but costs more and feels dated graphically.
Key differences
- •Graphics era: Shadow of the Beast II uses detailed 2D pixel art (1990); Malice uses early‑2000s 3D PS2 graphics that show age.
- •Combat depth: Malice gives three distinct weapons and an elemental magic suite; Shadow of the Beast II relies on melee attacks and a limited unlockable spell system.
- •Price: Shadow of the Beast II is $19.99; Malice is $49.99, more than double the cost.
- •Difficulty curve: Shadow of the Beast II is noted for a high difficulty for newcomers; Malice’s difficulty is moderate but includes camera challenges.
- •Content length: Malice is described as relatively short; Shadow of the Beast II’s length isn’t specified, but its puzzle‑driven progression suggests comparable or longer playtime.
Gameplay & fun factor
Malice offers three weapons plus elemental magic, giving more combat variety than Shadow of the Beast II’s limited melee/spell system.
Platform availability
Shadow of the Beast II is a retro PC/console title (1990) likely runnable on modern systems via emulation; Malice is a PS2‑only game.
Price & value
At $19.99 Shadow of the Beast II costs less than half of Malice’s $49.99 price.
Multiplayer / co‑op
Both are single‑player only.
Content & replayability
Malice’s varied worlds, three weapons, and magic system suggest higher replay value than Shadow of the Beast II’s linear puzzle‑boss progression.
Difficulty & accessibility
Shadow of the Beast II is flagged as having a high difficulty curve, making it less accessible than Malice, which is moderate but has camera issues.
Graphics & performance
Shadow of the Beast II’s detailed pixel art is praised for atmosphere; Malice’s PS2 graphics are explicitly called out as showing their age.
Choose Malice if…
Buyers who prefer richer combat options, varied worlds, and don’t mind paying more for a PS2‑era 3D experience.
Choose Shadow of the Beast II if…
Buyers who want affordable, classic 2D platforming with strong atmosphere and don’t need modern graphics.
Common questions
Which game is cheaper?
Shadow of the Beast II costs $19.99, while Malice costs $49.99.
Do either games support multiplayer?
Both titles are single‑player only.
Is the graphics quality a concern?
Shadow of the Beast II uses praised detailed pixel art; Malice uses early‑2000s PS2 3D graphics that are noted as aging.