Beyond Shadowgate
Last updated: 2026-02-12
- True sequel to Shadowgate
- Great music and soundtrack
- Engaging and challenging puzzles
- Retro graphics with modern improvements
- Puzzle design issues and shortcomings
- Game can be overly difficult
Emotions
Players feel nostalgic due to the game's strong ties to the original Shadowgate on the NES, including its story, graphics, music, and atmosphere. The game's callbacks to the old point-and-click adventure games from the 80s, along with its puzzles and references to other MacVenture games, evoke memories of childhood and the classic gaming experience.
The excitement stems from the game's immersive lore, puzzles, and the anticipation of discovering what lies behind specific doors. Players are also thrilled about the modern design decisions, the game's quality, and the developer's dedication, which makes the game hard to put down.
Joy is derived from the game's mix of nostalgia and new elements, making it enjoyable for both retro and modern audiences. The gameplay, reminiscent of the original but more user-friendly, along with great music and a wonderful NES-style aesthetic, contributes to a highly enjoyable experience.
Players feel satisfied with the game's distinct areas, unique musical themes, and its balance between nostalgia and modern quality-of-life improvements. The game's length and the experience of discovering new details and text also contribute to this satisfaction.
Admiration comes from the game's excellent visuals, the protagonist Del, and the overall joy of playing. It is seen as the absolute best thing fans of the original Shadowgate could hope for.
- Sample precision
- Helpful reviews
- 60%
- Unhelpful reviews
- 40%
- Protest reviews
- 0%
- 96%Helpful reviews with positive sentiment
- 4%Helpful reviews with negative sentiment
- Positive points
- 339
- Negative points
- 59
- Gameplay points
- 165
- Perf. points
- 6
- Rec. points
- 22
- Misc points
- 6
| Point | Description | Importance |
|---|---|---|
True sequel to Shadowgate
| The game is a continuation and official sequel to the original Shadowgate, capturing the essence and style of the NES classic. It is considered a loving tribute and a worthy successor that fans of the original have long awaited. | 86% |
Great music and soundtrack
| The game's music and soundtrack are highly praised for being close to the original and for their high quality. The soundtrack is considered incredible and a standout feature. | 73% |
Engaging puzzles
| The game offers a variety of puzzles that are well-designed, challenging, and satisfying to solve. These puzzles are a highlight of the gameplay experience. | 62% |
Retro graphics and style
| The game features excellent retro graphics and a charming retro-inspired art style that evokes the nostalgia of the original NES game. The visuals are praised for their authenticity and appeal. | 51% |
Enjoyable gameplay
| Players report having a great time playing the game, describing it as fantastic and a joy to play. The gameplay is highlighted as a major strength. | 33% |
Positive developer engagement
| The developers are praised for their responsiveness and dedication, quickly fixing bugs and deserving high praise from the community. | 20% |
Nostalgic yet fresh
| The game successfully balances nostalgia with new elements, offering a fresh experience that also pays homage to the original. | 17% |