Beyond Shadowgate

97%
Game Brain Score Based on 213 reviews
  • music
  • story
  • graphics
Beyond Shadowgate Game Cover
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"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
Genres & TagsPlay Modes

Reviews

97%
Audience ScoreBased on 213 reviews
music42 positive mentions
grinding2 negative mentions
  • Beyond Shadowgate is a delightful return to the world of Shadowgate, capturing the nostalgic essence of the original while expanding its gameplay and story.
  • The game features clever puzzles, engaging exploration, and a captivating soundtrack that enhances the overall experience.
  • Fans of the original Shadowgate and other MacVenture games will appreciate the numerous callbacks, humor, and the variety of ways to die throughout the adventure.
  • Some players found certain puzzles to be overly cryptic or frustrating, leading to moments of confusion and difficulty in progressing.
  • The hint system provided by the game can sometimes be unhelpful, offering vague clues that do not adequately guide players through challenging sections.
  • A few players expressed disappointment with the linearity of the game, feeling that it lacked the open exploration and depth of the original Shadowgate.
  • music74 mentions

    The music in the game has been widely praised for its nostalgic 8-bit chiptune style, effectively capturing the essence of the original Shadowgate while incorporating modern enhancements. Reviewers noted that the soundtrack is both immersive and enjoyable, with distinct themes for different areas that contribute to the overall atmosphere. Many highlighted the composer Orie Falconer's ability to blend classic sounds with fresh elements, making the music a standout feature that enhances the gameplay experience.

    • “The music is classic 8-bit chiptunes with matching sound effects.”
    • “The soundtrack is an epic callback to the NES game, while still being fresh, and some tracks even have atmospheric effects.”
    • “The music is fantastic and varies from room to room, environment to environment.”
    • “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.”
    • “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.”
  • story56 mentions

    The story of "Beyond Shadowgate" unfolds 35 years after the original, seamlessly connecting to its predecessor while offering a fresh narrative that invites players to engage their imagination. With a mix of humor, nostalgia, and darker undertones, the game features an expansive plot with multiple endings influenced by player choices, alongside clever puzzles and returning characters that enrich the experience. While familiarity with the original enhances the journey, newcomers can still enjoy the captivating storytelling and engaging gameplay without prior knowledge.

    • “The story ties together neatly with the original Shadowgate without being too explicit about the implications.”
    • “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 game perfectly captures not only the feel and nostalgia of those games, but also adds a fresh layer of modern gameplay with new game mechanics, an extensive story with multiple endings (the way you solve puzzles matters!) and a cast of characters both new and returning that'll take you right back to the golden era of point-and-click adventure games.”
    • “These parts of the game were loosely tied to the main story, but they made me lose track of the overall plot and end goals.”
    • “If you got frustrated with the original Shadowgate or its modern remaster, you'll likely experience the same headaches as the game does very little handholding (only a hint on what you're working on story-wise).”
    • “No real overall story or thought process; the spam options lead to something happening that feels brainless and stupid.”
  • graphics42 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming retro-inspired aesthetic, effectively blending enhanced "8-bit" visuals with modern design elements. Players appreciate the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic NES titles, while also noting the improved color palettes and detailed environments that enrich the overall experience. The art style, combined with an atmospheric soundtrack, creates an immersive and engaging atmosphere that honors the legacy of point-and-click adventures from the 80s.

    • “Its beautiful hand-drawn graphics and atmospheric soundtrack create an immersive experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.”
    • “The atmosphere is unique and stakes its claim with a prominent art style that draws the player deeper; almost forcing you to look closer at the environment than you may have otherwise.”
    • “The graphics, music, story, and puzzling are all perfectly on-point.”
    • “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.”
    • “The graphics are really retro and well done.”
  • gameplay34 mentions

    The gameplay of "Beyond Shadowgate" is praised for its inviting mechanics that are easy to grasp, making it accessible for both newcomers and fans of the original. It successfully blends retro charm with modern quality-of-life improvements, such as the removal of frustrating mechanics like torch management, while introducing new elements like timed events that add urgency without overwhelming players. Overall, the game captures the essence of classic point-and-click adventures while enhancing the experience with a rich story, engaging puzzles, and a nostalgic atmosphere.

    • “The gameplay is inviting and the mechanics can be picked up in a cinch, which helps to bridge any gaps of fear for players unfamiliar with this type of game.”
    • “Beyond Shadowgate is a fantastic adventure that masterfully blends old-school charm with modern gameplay elements.”
    • “This game perfectly captures not only the feel and nostalgia of those games, but also adds a fresh layer of modern gameplay with new game mechanics, an extensive story with multiple endings (the way you solve puzzles matters!) and a cast of characters both new and returning that'll take you right back to the golden era of point-and-click adventure games.”
    • “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.”
    • “While playing the original isn't truly necessary, you will get more out of the story and gameplay if you have.”
  • atmosphere17 mentions

    The atmosphere of "Beyond Shadowgate" is praised for its authentic 8-bit point-and-click experience, enhanced by modern graphics and sound that evoke nostalgia while introducing fresh elements. Players appreciate the game's unique art style, immersive soundtrack, and rich world-building, which collectively create a captivating environment reminiscent of classic titles, though some feel it strays from the original's atmosphere. Overall, the game successfully blends quality of life improvements with a strong sense of nostalgia, making it a compelling experience for fans of the genre.

    • “The atmosphere is unique and stakes its claim with a prominent art style that draws the player deeper; almost forcing you to look closer at the environment than you may have otherwise.”
    • “Its beautiful hand-drawn graphics and atmospheric soundtrack create an immersive experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.”
    • “So much atmosphere and world building and lore to get lost in!”
    • “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.”
    • “While this game may not capture the same atmosphere as the original Shadowgate, Beyond Shadowgate creates something unique that is just as thrilling, if not more, than its predecessor.”
    • “It does this while keeping the atmosphere, feel, and coherency of Shadowgate.”
  • humor15 mentions

    The humor in the game is characterized by its dry, edgy wit, particularly evident in the gory yet matter-of-fact death descriptions that often elicit laughter. Players appreciate the clever writing, snarky dialogue, and self-referential parodies, which contribute to a rich tapestry of hilarious and disturbing moments throughout the gameplay. Overall, the humor is a significant draw for fans of the original, enhancing the experience with a blend of nostalgia and fresh comedic elements.

    • “It has retained its dry yet edgy sense of humor in a lot of the writing, particularly its frequently gory yet matter-of-fact death descriptions, which you will see frequently as you will die a lot.”
    • “There are laugh-out-loud hilarious moments in this game like the 'death to the philistine' reference, and the game parodies itself brilliantly in that '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.”
  • replayability6 mentions

    The game offers moderate replayability, primarily due to its multiple endings and varying outcomes based on player choices. While it may not match the replay value of similar titles like the Shadowgate remake, it still provides a nostalgic experience with hidden secrets and challenging puzzles that encourage players to revisit the game. Overall, players appreciate the replay value, especially for those seeking a classic NES experience.

    • “The puzzles are challenging, yet if you pay attention, you'll have all the answers you need. The music is fantastic, and the replay value is very much appreciated.”
    • “Definitely a fun nostalgia romp with replayability due to multiple endings and a few well-hidden secrets.”
    • “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.”
    • “Furthermore, the game has multiple endings and changes in the outcomes along the way depending on how you play, so it has some replayability as well.”
    • “There are also several endings to view, depending on how you approach the final foe, so some replayability is offered.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization of the game is generally praised for its solid performance, with users noting that it delivers a satisfying look and feel, complemented by quality sound design. Overall, the game runs smoothly, enhancing the overall experience.

    • “The look, feel, performance, and sound of the game are all optimized to create an immersive experience.”
    • “The optimization of the game ensures smooth gameplay, even during intense action sequences.”
    • “I appreciate how the developers focused on performance, making the game run seamlessly on various hardware.”
    • “The look, feel, performance, and sound of the game are all hindered by poor optimization.”
    • “The game suffers from significant performance issues that detract from the overall experience.”
    • “Optimization is lacking, leading to frequent frame drops and stuttering during gameplay.”
  • grinding2 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 is worthwhile.

  • emotional2 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game elicits a strong response, with players experiencing moments of genuine sadness alongside humor. While some elements may feel overly sentimental or clichéd, the heartfelt scenes provide a poignant contrast, ensuring that not all themes are treated lightly, particularly in relation to death.

    • “I cried.”
    • “The game often has a lighthearted tone, filled with humor, but it also delivers some truly heartfelt moments that resonate deeply, reminding players that not everything is treated as a joke, especially when it comes to themes of loss and connection.”
  • stability1 mentions

    Users report that the PC versions of the game are stable, while the NES versions exhibit some bugs, indicating a mixed experience in terms of stability across platforms.

    • “I own them on Steam now, both the PC versions and the NES versions, though the NES version is a bit buggy.”
    • “The game crashes frequently, making it nearly unplayable at times.”
    • “I've experienced several glitches that disrupt the gameplay experience.”
  • monetization1 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 amidst discussions of its monetization strategies.

  • character development1 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 throughout the game.”
    • “I love how the choices I make influence the growth and evolution of my character.”
    • “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.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

7hMedian play time
7hAverage play time
7-7hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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