Metascore
68

Mixed or average reviews - based on 20 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 9 out of 20
  2. Negative: 1 out of 20
  1. Oct 6, 2014
    70
    Shadowgate doesn't religiously preserve the architecture or the puzzles of the original game, and is better for it. What it does retain is the castle's sense of threat and atmosphere of danger—rare things to find in an adventure game.
  2. Sep 23, 2014
    70
    An old-school RPG experience with some faults but also a great appeal.
  3. Sep 15, 2014
    70
    Shadowgate is a formidable if sometimes frustrating return to classic adventure gameplay. If you’re a fan of the original or undaunted by Shadowgate’s unforgiving depths, it’s worth grabbing a torch and venturing inside.
  4. Sep 1, 2014
    70
    Overall Shadowgate is another solid offering for puzzle-solving and adventuring enthusiasts, one that comes with a pedigree and a healthy dose of retro charm.
  5. Aug 21, 2014
    70
    It's unashamed of its roots, sometimes to a fault, but as an attempt to recreate a classic it succeeds far more than it falters. It doesn't do anything that would make the Shadowgate name as revolutionary as it once was, but it's an enjoyable adventure for old admirers and newcomers alike.
  6. Aug 22, 2014
    64
    An abusive classic, but still. If you remember it fondly, it’s both a return trip and a good chunk more of the same, beautifully drawn and well made, despite a clumsy UI and a few annoyances.
  7. Game World Navigator Magazine
    Sep 23, 2014
    63
    Implementation of difficulty levels gives an unpleasant aftertaste: on easier modes developers forcibly cut from the game some locations and puzzles, leaving a lot of useless items that litter the inventory starting from the second hour of gameplay. [Oct 2014, p.83]
  8. Aug 26, 2014
    60
    Shadowgate isn't just retro, it's retrograde, and the visual update really isn't as impressive as it first appears.
  9. Aug 25, 2014
    60
    The command system is not perfect and can feel slightly convoluted to utilize at times, and the tedium of solving cryptic puzzle after puzzle may wear down the patience of most players, yet despite these shortcomings, Shadowgate still remains a stimulating adventure, for both veterans of the and newcomers to the series.
  10. Aug 22, 2014
    60
    Shadowgate is a faithful update then, but Zojoi have squandered the opportunity to actually update the gameplay too.
User Score
7.0

Mixed or average reviews- based on 49 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 25 out of 49
  2. Negative: 9 out of 49
  1. Sep 13, 2014
    10
    Not sure what the critics problems are with this game. What did they expect? It's a recreation of a 30 year old point and click adventureNot sure what the critics problems are with this game. What did they expect? It's a recreation of a 30 year old point and click adventure game and Zojoi did a great job! This is a game for people that like to be challenged and use their brains to solve puzzles. Why do remakes of old games have to be innovative? Should they have turned it into a hack and slash game? A first person adventure/action game ala skyrim? I don't understand people's thinking. If you don't know what Shadowgate is go back to your call of doody!

    This game is exactly what it is supposed to be if you liked or loved Shadowgate on the NES you will love this one.
    Full Review »
  2. Aug 21, 2014
    8
    Shadowgate had remakes over the years, and each had its own quirks and qualities. This remake is no exception. When I first saw this versionShadowgate had remakes over the years, and each had its own quirks and qualities. This remake is no exception. When I first saw this version on Greenlight, I could not hit the "yes" button enough. The screenshots and teaser videos was more than enough for me to get very excited. When release day finally came, I was not disappointed. Lots of familiar moments with lots of changes. The art is beautiful, the music repetitious but very nice. Strangely enough, the classic NES soundtrack is available as an option as well (I personally loved it). For an old man like me, this game is heaven-sent and sends me back to my childhood. Question is, will this game hold up to a very fickle, modern gaming audience? I want to say "yes", but chances are, it will probably fly under the radar. It's a point and click puzzle solver, yet it is not anything like Myst. This is something to experience if one has not already. I would personally recommend it, but I have to remember that's my own strong bias talking, and I have to remember this game will not be for everybody. Therefore, if you want an FPS dungeon crawler with fluid action, this game is not for you. If you do not like puzzle games such as Myst, this game is not for you. Otherwise, give this game a go. It's a nice experience. Really. === tl;dr === Pros: Stunning artwork, easy to use interface, lots of help, good music, responsive controls. Lots of puzzles to solve! Cons: Point and click adventure. May be too short for the experienced puzzle solver. Some may be turned off by the fanboys. Full Review »
  3. Sep 17, 2014
    6
    Decent remake of an excellent game back in it's time. Too bad the puzzles are sometimes way too hard. Don't spend your money on this one, butDecent remake of an excellent game back in it's time. Too bad the puzzles are sometimes way too hard. Don't spend your money on this one, but if you played the original one, just watch some walkthrough or let's plays on youtube... Full Review »