Analysis of Beyond Shadowgate (2024) by Retronauts

An exceptional and surprising sequel that nails everything

You might mistakenly think this is a re-release. Interestingly, this isn’t the first game titled Beyond Shadowgate – that honor belongs to the 1993 TurboGrafx-CD title… also called Beyond Shadowgate. Yes, it’s a bit confusing; I initially believed that the TCD Beyond Shadowgate wasn’t created by the original team (hence this redo) but research indicates that it was somewhat based on elements from an unreleased design document for a direct sequel to the NES Shadowgate. This version is finally that sequel, but it’s not designed for the older system. It’s a PC game with a NES vibe, mainly in terms of gameplay and tone rather than visuals, which are more advanced than 8-bit graphics while still capturing the retro feel.

My personal fondness for Shadowgate lies specifically with the NES version rather than the original Macintosh edition. Despite its reputation for being ruthless (deservedly so), the game is surprisingly forgiving. While it does have a limit on lives due to its unique torchlight system (keep them lit or face Game Over), overall the experience is more player-friendly than you might expect, with non-torch-related deaths simply offering another chance to keep going. Personally, I probably wouldn’t have had the patience to play Shadowgate if not for this accommodating approach towards the player’s time. The game’s vivid death scenes, uncommon in most NES games, along with its benevolent stance on player death, likely contribute to the fact that when people think of Shadowgate, they tend to remember the original Nintendo version.

It’s logical that developers Zojoi and GrahfMetal decided to base this new Beyond Shadowgate on the NES iteration – it was the most popular and therefore the most widely known. Thankfully, it was also the best version in my opinion. Now, after a successful Kickstarter campaign, we have 2024’s Beyond Shadowgate remake, rooted in the original design document but much expanded, offering quality of life improvements like saving and a hint system. This game caught me by surprise – despite being aware of Shadowgate and its 2014 remake (not to mention Shadowgate 64), I completely missed the Kickstarter for Beyond Shadowgate until stumbling upon a random social media post. Within minutes, it was in my Steam cart and downloaded – and it lived up to my expectations, delivering everything I desired from a game of its genre.

I hadn’t played the NES version of Shadowgate. Or, at least, not extensively. However, I have always had a passion for gamebooks, particularly the Fighting Fantasy series by Steve Jackson and Ian Livingstone. And that’s essentially what this game is, enhanced by an intuitive interface for exploring every possible avenue. Inspired by Dungeons & Dragons campaigns, it’s the choose-your-own-adventure aspect of gamebooks that it strongly resembles, aided by the old-school visuals ensuring that scenes are not overly complex or baffling. While puzzle solutions may not be straightforward, it’s always clear what can and cannot be interacted with. The game’s mechanics are transparent. You’ll never be completely stumped in terms of progress, or at least you’ll have several options to consider at any given moment. This clarity in gameplay, combined with the NES game’s lenient approach to player death, makes for a highly engaging experience that avoids frustration and cultivates curiosity.

Beyond Shadowgate is a challenging game to review without showering it with praise. To be honest, there’s very little to fault here, and any flaws seem deliberate design choices. Some individuals may not care for the original Shadowgate, so one could argue that Beyond Shadowgate doesn’t cater to them. However, it does! It eliminates the frustrating aspect of constantly refreshing torches to avoid sudden death. So even critics have no real reason not to give this sequel a chance. As someone who approached Beyond Shadowgate without much knowledge of the original, I can confidently say I’m now a fan of both. In fact, revisiting the NES game only deepened my appreciation for this long-awaited sequel. It’s a fantastic adventure game of a unique caliber, a well-crafted piece that offers gameplay not easily found outside the creations of its developers – Deja Vu, Uninvited, and others, all of which are lovingly referenced here.

The only thing stopping you from conquering Beyond Shadowgate is your own creativity, or lack thereof. All the resources are available to make this not only the best game in the series to play but also to experience as a story. The writing is clever, humorous, and brimming with personality, the puzzles are challenging yet logical, and the aesthetics are spot-on – a special mention to the chiptune soundtrack by Orie Falconer. I recommend giving it a try even if you didn’t like the original game – it’s that much of an improvement. Oh, and regarding the game’s price, some may argue it’s high; rest assured, you’re getting your money’s worth. This is a substantial game with plenty to offer. I suggest experiencing it sooner rather than later. Beyond Shadowgate maintains and refines everything that worked in the NES game, while addressing or enhancing aspects that didn’t work – and then some. I’ve taken to calling it Beyond ShadowGreat.



Original article by retronauts.com

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