Beyond Shadowgate is set to release next month. This sequel is inspired by an undeveloped design document that was left behind 34 years ago when the original creators of the game, ICOM Simulations, shifted focus from original projects to licensed properties. The project was originally crowdfunded on Kickstarter last year and will be available for PC (via GOG & Steam) starting September 19th.
Developed by Zojoi LLC, a studio founded by the creators of the original Macintosh version (Dave Marsh and Karl Roelofs), Beyond Shadowgate promises to carry the legacy of its predecessor. The game continues the story of Jair’s battle against evil in a world that once knew peace but is now threatened once more. Players will guide Del Thornburrow, a lowly Fenling character who must journey through Gwynenthell and beyond, uncovering plots and battling perils to save the land of Kal Torlin.
Developed with nostalgia in mind, Beyond Shadowgate will offer a traditional first-person follow-up, similar to the original MacVenture and its various ports. This sequel aims to bring back the essence of the classic dungeon crawler.
For fans eager to experience this new adventure, you can wishlist the game on Steam or GOG now.
How important is it for developers to strike a balance between staying true to the original spirit and incorporating new elements?
Thought it was odd to call this a sequel to an “NES classic” considering Shadowgate originated on the Macintosh, but judging by the screenshots in the article it seems the authors indeed decided to implement an interface very similar to the one Kemco developed for their NES port. Interesting choice! Having played the Mac-like Amiga port and the NES port I do prefer the controls of the latter as they better suit the use of a keyboard or gamepad.
The music in the NES port is very memorable to me as well. If Beyond Shadowgate will feature sound, I would hope that cues are taken from the sound of the NES and the prior composer’s work.