Gameplay Shadowgate

the beginning of game in macintosh version.

the player must solve series of puzzles throughout castle proceed warlock lord s chamber. due castle s perilous nature, @ least 1 lit torch must in player s possession @ times. if torch extinguished, player stumbles, breaking neck, , must continue saved game (or area in died, in game console versions). finite number of torches found throughout game, acts time limit proceedings. various items can acquired include sword, sling , other ancient weapons; though these weapons can not used striking weapons, can clicked on @ appropriate time deliver fatal blow specific enemies.

the game notorious many opportunities death, including being burned dragon s breath, attacked cyclops, sucked outer space through broken mirror, dissolved acidic slime, mauled wolf-woman, eaten sharks, , suicide. virtually action taken player not correct solution puzzle result in fatality. these deaths graphically described in game s text (along sardonic , humorous comments), in nes version (in spite of nintendo s policy of censorship @ time). many of game s puzzles rely on system of trial , error, problem of overcome ability save game state (as in adventure games). subtle hints can found in books , descriptive game texts. in nes version, these replaced outright hint feature gives vague clues noteworthy in given room in castle. further player progresses, however, more useless feature becomes, deteriorating nothing encouraging messages game s end. nes version of shadowgate carries distinction of being 1 of few nes games available in swedish language version.