Abstraction Games has revealed that the classic adventure game Shadowgate, originally released back in 1987 for the Apple Macintosh, will be re-imagined for the Switch this fall.
The game is one of the original titles found within the popular MacVenture series, going on to appear on systems such as the NES, Game Boy Color, and the N64. The game features an atmospheric soundtrack, perilous locations to progress through, lots of puzzles to solve, and more ways to gruesomely die than gamers previously thought possible.
This new version headed to Switch is actually built upon the foundations of the recently re-imagined PC version which launched in 2014. It is set to feature a refined user interface and intuitive wheel-based icon command system, with the original developer Zojoi painstakingly redesigning the game to add new, mind-bending puzzles, lots of new rooms with hand-painted 2D graphical detail, and more objects to interact with in your quest. Abstraction Games' role has been to offer technical assistance and to enhance the experience with fresh new ideas and creative direction.
If you'd like to learn a little more, make sure to check out the following features list and screenshots.
Key Features:
- First Person Adventuring: Utilize your inventory, mapping system, and intuitive UI to complete your quest.
- Dangerous Dungeons: Tons of beautifully illustrated rooms featuring both new and familiar locations, offering a new gameplay experience.
- Mind-bending Puzzles: Lots of new and updated puzzles that seamlessly expand on the original game.
- Difficulty Levels: Four different difficulty levels (from the novice to expert) that actually change the gameplay experience and puzzle structure. For the ultimate challenge, try Ironman mode that disables saves and requires players to finish the game in one try.
- Retro Mode: Play the game like it’s 1989! Toggle on to listen to Hiroyuki Masuno’s original NES chiptunes, move between rooms with pixelated transitions and follow the text in retro format.
- Storytelling: Shadowgate features dramatic cut-scenes and all the same great storytelling you expect from the original creators.
- Cinematic Score: A digitally-orchestrated, dynamic soundtrack that changes with gameplay by composer Rich Douglas.
- Soundscapes: A complete atmospheric and puzzle-based sound design featuring hundreds of sound effects.
As mentioned above, the game's release date is currently scheduled for "fall 2018". We'll make sure to keep an eye out for any more specific details in the future.
Are you intrigued by this one? Do you have any memories of the Shadowgate franchise? Let us know below.
Comments 32
Wow! Yes please!
This was one of the best first NES games I played back in the day, so day one for me (would love the original too).
Awesome news
How about a reimagined Deja Vu and that mansion one I can't think of at the moment.
@Pahvi Yes!
I still own the NES cart to this. I love it, but replay value is not so much. I want it and will obtain it.
I shat my pants playing this as a Nintoddler on NES.
YES! Best news I've read today! I LOVED this game back in the day! Omg my point-and-click loving self is ALL OVER this when it drops!
@Pahvi @insertcoin2play Yes! Someone gets it. You can't talk about Shadowgate without mentioning the NES Kemco-Seika trio that includes Deja Vu and the one that kicked it all off for me, Uninvited. This was point-and-click at its best for me.
@Lando_ LMAO XD
Woo! I backed this! I hope they bring back 8-Bit Adventures too.
Too late. I beat the PC version ages ago that got for 5 euros or something...
Someone throw me an epor, I’m drowning in nostalgia. This was one of about 10 NES games available at my local rental store. I rented it so many times, I could have owned it twice over. Played it on 64 as well, then completely lost track of the series. An easy purchase.
I’d love to see them remaster Return to Zork from PC and throw it on switch
Umm, I've played this quite a few times in the past and am interested in this update. I hope it turns out well!
From the screenshots, it looks like one of thos finding items games on pads. That doesnt really look lime Shadowgate
I have a bad feeling about this.
Never heard of this but the artwork looks great, as long as the puzzles aren't stupidly obtuse like a lot of old adventure games I'll pick it up.
Now if they could do the same magic for DeJaVu!!
This rules. Most people I know who are my age have weird feelings about renting Shadowgate on nes and having a weekend or two destroyed by how insane it was.
Player: clicks
Shadowgate: YOU DIED
I wonder if this is the same one I have on iOS.
I loved the 3rd person sequel Behind Shadowgate. I played it on the TurboGrafx-CD in the same month the N64 came out and thought it measured up. Would love an update to it or a release.
@lmello - It’s a sad thing that your adventure has ended here.
Why? Why would someone even venture into a dark castle? Especially one which is alive.
If this sells well I hope it makes way for a Deja Vu 1 and 2 remake.
I played Shadowgate on the GBC when I was young. It took absolutely ages for me to complete but I did enjoy it. The music was great.
Unfortunately, because I don't have so much time on my hands I'm not so patient with point and click games so get frustrated easily.
I'm loving this resurgence of old school games! Point and clicks and space flight sims are making a big comeback. It's the 90s all over again. The best decade for gaming.
As much as I loved Shadowgate, I don't know if I really want to see it remade. Part of the charm of this particular game are the 8bit graphics and music. The series came to N64 and IMO didn't fare as well, I think a lot of that had to do with the transition to 3D.
EDIT: Oops, just read the part about the original chptunes being in the game. Well then, I have no complaints!
Never played Shadow Gate. It would be wicked to have some other PnC games remastered or re-released too.
Deja Vu
Maniac Mansion
Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom
Day of the Tentacle
Nintendo has the perfect console for point and click since the Wii. The switch needs Day of the Tentacle and a bunch of Sierra games, especially King’s Quest and Space Quest. I would get them all!
DEATH TO THE PHILISTINE!
Day 1 purchase for me! I played this game a lot when I was a kid, but always got stuck and I don't remember ever completing it. Glad to get another chance at it.
@Tempestryke
|sf>Oddly enough, I did play Shadow Gate and Deja Vu, but I never played Maniac Mansion. My family had a healthy NES collection, but there are always titles that slip through the cracks as players have to pick and choose. We chose titles based on box art, Nintendo Power reviews, and price.
Luckily, Princess Tomato was on Wii Virtual Console, so I've gotten to experience that lost classic. However, none of the Shadowgate games have appeared on any of the VCs.
As for this revision of the classic game, this sounds like fun, but this fall has a large number of wonderful releases. Whether I'll buy it on "Day One" will depend on what week it is released. If the release is positioned before Halloween, I'd probably buy it around its release date.
@SafariSuz
Indeed it does have a wonderful selection. Have fun with Shadow Gate.
YES! The Switch keeps getting better and better. And a retro mode too. I'm a very happy chappy.
Maybe I'll actually complete it this time around!
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