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Shadowgate

SCORE: 56

I remember Shadowgate fondly from the 8-bit NES days. It was a first person adventure game filled with all kinds of clever puzzles. It required a visual astuteness to what is displayed on the screen. Fast forward to 2014 and Shadowgate is being remade on the Personal Computer.

The biggest difference between the 8-bit NES version and the PC version of Shadowgate is lighting. This Personal Computer game is dark. It is hard to see what there is to interact with. The themes in this PC version also seem darker. More blood, death, and magic.

I honestly forgot how clunky the controls were in Shadowgate. It is bad enough not being able to see what there is to interact with. It is even worse having to click on Use, what item you want to use, and what you have to use it on. By the way you are opening bags and closing them all the time.

There are three difficulty setting in Shadowgate. I tried the easiest setting and got stuck - early in the game. G5 Entertainment could teach Zojoi a few things about making an easy mode. There needs to be a helpful hint system that directs you what to do step by step in each room if you are really stuck. Shadowgate left me in the lurch and it led to frustration. The sad part is that difficulty setting is below what they think a casual gamer can handle. I am a seasoned veteran and I could not handle it. There is no way a casual gamer will stick it out.

That means the only audience Shadowgate will reach is the hardcore gamers who like to have games abuse them. There are funny comments in Shadowgate - especially when you interact with your talking skull guide. Yes it is as gross as it sounds. Speaking of gross there is enticement to lust issues in this game.

The music in Shadowgate is moody. The voices are fantastic. There are quite a few dark themes that can easily give nightmares. Families will want to be sure that only the adults play Shadowgate on the PC. Be sure you have a leash on your anger because Shadowgate can create real world anger.

Shadowgate is a downloadable only title on the PC. Families are denied the right to go and purchase Shadowgate at their local retailer, or their favorite online retailer. At 2 gig it is a really heft download. Make sure you have enough space available on your ISP usage plan to be able to download Shadowgate. It is a real shame there is not a physical copy version of this game.
- Paul

Graphics: 50%
Sound: 65%
Replay/Extras: 75%
Gameplay: 40%
Family Friendly Factor: 50%

System: Personal Computer
Publisher: Reverb Publishing
Developer: Zojoi
Rating: ‘NR' - for Not Rated
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