Beyond Shadowgate
- September 19, 2024
- Zojoi LLC.
- 7h median play time
Get on Steam"Beyond Shadowgate" is a point-and-click adventure game, serving as a sequel to the classic "Shadowgate". It offers a large world that is over five times larger than its predecessor, with vibrant graphics and modern design sensibilities. Players can choose to play with a controller or by mouse and key binds, reliving the nostalgia of the original 8-bit version with updated gameplay mechanics. The story follows 35 years after the events of Shadowgate, where players must navigate through the living castle Shadwood to save the world once again.
PC
Steam Deck
Windows
Reviews
- Beyond Shadowgate is a fantastic sequel that captures the charm of the original while expanding its world and gameplay, offering clever puzzles and engaging exploration.
- The game features beautiful hand-drawn graphics, an atmospheric soundtrack, and a captivating story that keeps players hooked, making it a must-play for fans of classic adventure games.
- With multiple endings, humorous deaths, and a nostalgic feel, the game successfully combines modern design elements with the essence of the original Shadowgate, providing a rewarding experience for both new and returning players.
- Some puzzles can feel cryptic or illogical, leading to frustration, and the hint system may not always provide the guidance players need to progress.
- While the game is larger and more expansive than its predecessor, some players feel it lacks the oppressive atmosphere and sense of isolation that characterized the original Shadowgate.
- There are occasional design choices, such as fetch quests and backtracking, that some players find detract from the overall experience, making it feel more like a modern game rather than a true continuation of the classic.
- music41 mentions
- 56 % positive mentions
- 37 % neutral mentions
- 7 % negative mentions
The music in the game has received widespread acclaim for its nostalgic 8-bit chiptune style, effectively capturing the essence of classic gaming while incorporating modern elements. Reviewers highlight the soundtrack as immersive and atmospheric, enhancing the overall experience with memorable tunes that evoke a sense of nostalgia. Overall, the music is described as superb, fitting seamlessly with the game's visuals and gameplay, contributing to a captivating and enjoyable adventure.
“The story, graphics, music, and atmosphere take me back 30 years in the best way possible.”
“Its beautiful hand-drawn graphics and atmospheric soundtrack create an immersive experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.”
“So far, this has captured the magic of the original in all ways for me... including all new beautiful haunting music that I find myself humming around the house.”
“The serviceable music, I think, is lacking a touch of ambiance, the echoey notes from the NES game (or, rather, the pauses between them) that made the dampness of Shadowgate's halls audible.”
“The music, too, feels very retro while still showing that developers have 30 years of experience and resources using bit-tune style audio.”
“Also the few times the music stops, things are about to get real.”
- story28 mentions
- 25 % positive mentions
- 64 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The story in "Beyond Shadowgate" is praised for its engaging and expansive narrative that builds upon the original game's lore, offering a mix of humor, nostalgia, and clever puzzles. Players appreciate the seamless integration of familiar characters and locations, as well as the inclusion of side quests that enhance the overall experience. The game successfully balances a captivating main storyline with fun tangential adventures, making it a worthy continuation of the franchise.
“The game offers clever puzzles, engaging exploration, and a captivating story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.”
“Beyond Shadowgate instead makes everything new and exciting yet still takes acknowledgment and story from the previous games and does so quite well, with updated systems for modern times.”
“The music, the artwork, the story, the gameplay, and the suspense of what was going to happen next was gripping.”
“The first part of the game was absolute 10/10 until you reach some of the backer content side missions.”
“No real overall story or thought process; spam options lead to brainrot and stupidity.”
“The game starts off with an interesting premise, and I want to know where the story is going to go.”
- graphics27 mentions
- 63 % positive mentions
- 26 % neutral mentions
- 11 % negative mentions
The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming retro aesthetic, effectively capturing the nostalgic feel of classic NES titles while incorporating modern enhancements. Reviewers highlight the beautiful hand-drawn visuals, improved color palettes, and attention to detail, creating an immersive experience that balances nostalgia with freshness. Overall, the graphics are described as a perfect homage to the original games, with a successful blend of pixel art and modern animation elements.
“The story, graphics, music, and atmosphere take me back 30 years in the best way possible.”
“Its beautiful hand-drawn graphics and atmospheric soundtrack create an immersive experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.”
“Fantastic aesthetics, feels like a natural evolution of the NES classic.”
“After a very short introduction, an obscure eighties adventure interface and pixel graphics with a few colors appeared before my eyes.”
“The game presentation is very much NES Shadowgate-like, with limitations to graphics being removed, making things clearer with few modern animation elements added in to the screen transitions and events.”
“This was clearly made to hearken back to that old style of NES / Apple II gameplay, and nails the aesthetic.”
- gameplay19 mentions
- 26 % positive mentions
- 58 % neutral mentions
- 16 % negative mentions
The gameplay of "Beyond Shadowgate" is praised for its faithful homage to classic adventure mechanics while incorporating modern quality-of-life improvements, such as reduced frustration from the original torch mechanic and the introduction of timed death events. Players appreciate the blend of nostalgic elements with new systems, creating an engaging experience that balances challenge and enjoyment. Overall, the game successfully captures the essence of its predecessor while enhancing the overall gameplay experience.
“Beyond Shadowgate is a fantastic adventure that masterfully blends old-school charm with modern gameplay elements.”
“It has a classic feel with quality of life updates and some new systems tacked on to the original gameplay from the 80s.”
“The music, the artwork, the story, the gameplay, and the suspense of what was going to happen next was gripping.”
“My main issue with the original game was the torch mechanic.”
“I fondly remember the first game (on NES) but I always quit it out of frustration because the torch mechanic sucks.”
“Anyway, getting out of the dungeon introduced a new mechanic - timed death events.”
- humor11 mentions
- 100 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The humor in the game is a standout feature, with players praising its clever writing, snarky dialogue, and laugh-out-loud moments, particularly during the numerous and often absurd deaths. Many reviews highlight the game's self-parody and references, which enhance the comedic experience while maintaining a tone reminiscent of the original Shadowgate. Overall, the humor is described as rich, engaging, and integral to the gameplay, making it a delightful experience for fans of the series.
“Not much to say since I don't want to spoil anything about the game, but if you enjoyed the original Shadowgate, this one will give you that same experience with double the deaths, double the adventure, and double the laughing grim reapers mocking you for trying to do the thing that was obviously going to lead to a game over.”
“There are laugh-out-loud hilarious moments in this game, like the 'death to the philistine' reference, and the game parodies itself brilliantly with the line 'the story takes place 35 years after the events of the last story' in-game, just as in reality.”
“From the snarky dialogue to the hilarious deaths, clicking move and throwing myself off random edges to certain doom never got old.”
- atmosphere10 mentions
- 50 % positive mentions
- 20 % neutral mentions
- 30 % negative mentions
The atmosphere of "Beyond Shadowgate" is praised for its immersive blend of beautiful hand-drawn graphics and a captivating soundtrack, evoking both nostalgia and a fresh experience. While some fans feel it doesn't fully capture the essence of the original, many appreciate its unique take and the thrilling ambiance it creates, reminiscent of classic 8-bit adventures. Overall, the game successfully combines modern quality-of-life improvements with the atmospheric elements that fans love.
“The story, graphics, music, and atmosphere take me back 30 years in the best way possible.”
“Its beautiful hand-drawn graphics and atmospheric soundtrack create an immersive experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.”
“The music in the mine/mansion basement is my favorite, as well as the tune that plays in the desert during the sunset that sets an atmosphere that is unmatched.”
“However, even if it is a bit nostalgic, it really failed to capture the atmosphere of the first game and took liberties that should not have occurred.”
“As a fan of the 8-bit macventures, Beyond Shadowgate really reminded me of what I liked about those with its gameplay and atmosphere.”
“What a great feeling to see the game still has the original atmosphere, adding modern quality of life improvements to the equation.”
- replayability2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The game offers some replayability through multiple endings based on player choices, though it is considered less replayable than the Shadowgate remake due to the absence of difficulty options and alternate playstyles. However, it provides a solid NES experience for those seeking a more straightforward gameplay approach.
“Not quite as replayable as the Shadowgate remake due to its lack of difficulty options or alternate playstyles, but if you want a more pure NES game experience, you really can't go wrong with this.”
“There are also several endings to view, depending on how you approach the final foe, so some replayability is offered.”
- grinding2 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
Players appreciate the grinding aspect of the game, noting that the achievement set is enjoyable and not overly tedious. Many find satisfaction in completing the puzzles and feel their time spent grinding was worthwhile.
- monetization1 mentions
- 0 % positive mentions
- 0 % neutral mentions
- 100 % negative mentions
The monetization aspect of the game is overshadowed by its overall tone, which may not be adequately highlighted in advertising. Players feel that the game's atmosphere is a key element that deserves more attention alongside its monetization strategies.
- character development1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -500 % neutral mentions
- 300 % negative mentions
Character development in the game is notable, as even the navi experiences growth throughout the adventure, enhancing the overall narrative experience.
“Even your Navi goes through character development as the adventure progresses.”
“The depth of each character's backstory adds layers to their development, making every choice feel impactful.”
“I love how the characters evolve based on the decisions I make, creating a unique experience every time.”
“The character development feels shallow and predictable, leaving little room for growth.”
“I was disappointed by how one-dimensional the characters remained throughout the game.”
“Despite the potential for deep storytelling, the character arcs felt rushed and unfulfilling.”
- emotional1 mentions
- 300 % positive mentions
- -200 % neutral mentions
- 0 % negative mentions
The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by a mix of humor and heartfelt moments, balancing lightheartedness with genuine emotional depth. While some elements may feel overly familiar or clichéd, there are significant instances that resonate deeply, particularly in how they handle themes like death.
“The game masterfully balances humor and heartfelt moments, creating an emotional experience that resonates deeply with players.”
“While the tone can be lighthearted at times, there are genuinely touching scenes that elevate the emotional depth of the story.”
“The blend of humor and poignant moments makes for an emotional journey that stays with you long after the game ends.”
