Beyond Shadowgate

96%
Game Brain Score Based on 222 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

96%
Audience ScoreBased on 222 reviews
music42 positive mentions
grinding2 negative mentions
  • Beyond Shadowgate is a nostalgic and lovingly crafted sequel that captures the essence of the original NES game while expanding its world and gameplay.
  • The game features clever puzzles, engaging exploration, and a captivating story with multiple endings, making it rewarding for both new players and fans of the original.
  • The graphics and soundtrack are beautifully done, enhancing the overall experience and immersing players in the game's atmosphere.
  • 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 be unhelpful at times, often reiterating information that players may already know instead of offering meaningful guidance.
  • A few players expressed disappointment with the linearity of the game, feeling that it lacked the open exploration and interactivity of the original Shadowgate.
  • music76 mentions

    The music in the game has received largely positive feedback, with many reviewers praising its nostalgic chiptune style that pays homage to the original NES soundtrack while also incorporating modern elements. Some noted that while the new tracks are enjoyable and fit well within the game's atmosphere, they may not be as memorable as the classic tunes from the original. Overall, the soundtrack is described as immersive, enhancing the gameplay experience with its quality and variety across different environments.

    • “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.”
    • “Orie Falconer did an amazing job recreating the feel of Hiroyuki Masuno's original Shadowgate soundtrack while simultaneously making this game's sounds his own and fresh.”
    • “Same as the reboot, it is great but it lacks what made the original NES game so heartwarming. I mean they tried, I can't deny that they tried, but nothing landed 100%, not the art, not the music. I dare you to play the game and end up remembering a single track after a few days; I am still humming the music of the NES version 30 years later.”
    • “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.”
  • story58 mentions

    The story of "Beyond Shadowgate" is a captivating continuation set 35 years after the original, seamlessly tying together familiar elements while introducing new characters and quests. Players appreciate its engaging narrative, clever puzzles, and the nostalgic feel of classic point-and-click adventures, though some find the side quests can detract from the main plot. Overall, the game is praised for its rich storytelling, humor, and emotional depth, making it accessible to both newcomers and fans of the original.

    • “The story ties together neatly with the original Shadowgate without being too explicit about the implications.”
    • “The game offers clever puzzles, engaging exploration, and a captivating story that keeps you hooked from start to finish.”
    • “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 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.”
    • “I had high hopes for a Shadowgate story, but this game was just a huge disappointment to me.”
    • “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.”
    • “No real overall story or thought process; the spam options lead to something happening that feels brainless and stupid.”
  • graphics43 mentions

    The graphics of the game are widely praised for their charming retro aesthetic, effectively blending enhanced "8-bit" visuals with modern design elements. Players appreciate the nostalgic feel reminiscent of classic NES titles, complemented by beautiful hand-drawn graphics and a vibrant color palette that elevates the overall experience. The attention to detail in the art style and atmospheric soundtrack contributes to an immersive environment that honors the legacy of point-and-click adventures while providing a fresh take.

    • “It provides an authentic '8-bit' point-and-click experience while running on modern hardware without emulation, which results in slightly enhanced assets compared to what would be possible on an NES, in addition to mouse and keyboard support, widescreen, etc. The most obvious example of this is the size and scope of the game, but it also uses detailed graphics, color palettes, and audio that goes beyond the scope of the NES, all while being faithful in feeling and atmosphere to what a sequel would have looked like on the NES console.”
    • “Its beautiful hand-drawn graphics and atmospheric soundtrack create an immersive experience that’s both nostalgic and fresh.”
    • “The vibe is perfect; the presentation, music, and aesthetic are dead on, and yet it adapts and adopts modern design decisions and features that make it immediately intuitive and fun to play, whether you're a fan or just trying a game like this for the first time.”
    • “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 offering a rich, engaging experience with a compelling story and vibrant 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 create a captivating environment reminiscent of classic titles, though some feel it doesn't fully capture the original game's essence. Overall, the atmosphere is described as top-notch, blending quality of life improvements with a thrilling retro vibe.

    • “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 the impact of player choices on outcomes. 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 it. Overall, fans of NES-style games will find enough variety to warrant multiple playthroughs.

    • “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.”
    • “There are also several endings to view, depending on how you approach the final foe, so some replayability is offered.”
    • “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.”
  • emotional3 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game has received mixed reviews; while some players appreciate the heartfelt moments and the nostalgic tone reminiscent of the original, others feel it falls short in delivering the same emotional impact, particularly in music and art. The attempt to balance humor with genuine sentiment is noted, but the overall emotional resonance does not fully capture the charm of the NES classic.

    • “I cried.”
    • “I know that one was an outlier and the tone here is in line with the original: often a little hoary, as you play a fenling rascal that likes 'buxom ladies' and the dadness of it all can be a bit much, but then there are some really heartfelt moments and not everything is treated as a joke – except death maybe.”
  • optimization2 mentions

    The optimization of the game is generally well-received, with users praising its overall performance, including visuals, audio, and gameplay mechanics. However, specific details on any performance issues or areas for improvement were not highlighted in the reviews.

    • “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 and enhances overall performance.”
    • “I appreciate how the developers focused on optimization, making the game run seamlessly on various devices.”
    • “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 that the time spent grinding is worthwhile.

  • stability1 mentions

    Users report mixed stability experiences, noting that while the PC versions are generally stable, the NES versions exhibit some bugs.

    • “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 numerous 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.

  • character development1 mentions

    Character development in the game is notable, as even the navi experiences growth throughout the adventure, enhancing the overall narrative experience.

    • “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.”
    • “Even your Navi goes through character development as the adventure progresses.”
    • “The characters feel one-dimensional and lack meaningful growth throughout the story.”
    • “I was disappointed by how predictable the character arcs were; they didn't evolve in any surprising ways.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
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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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