Point, Click, and Save the World
Gameplay-If you're looking for action-packed, fast twitch gameplay, you're in the wrong place. Shadowgate is a text based, point-and-click game that forces you to rely on your powers of observation and ability to put two and two together. Unfortunately, point-and-click on a console can be troublesome; the navigation of the menus can be tedious. The text itself can be quite hilarious (try USE on SELF), but getting to it can be a irritating experience. The game is as linear as it gets. You progress from point A to point B to point C and so on, following a strict path to the end of the game. It's easy to miss little things that can hang you up for the entire game, so frustration often becomes a factor.
Visuals-What is there is passable. The graphics are mostly static, one frame pictures with an occasional animation when you open a door or move something. They're interesting to look at, but are more or less average.
Sound-Once again, we're looking at average here. The music is ok, but the sound effects are relatively weak. The music is usually decent, but there are a few tunes that can get grating. Luckily, you're never subjected to one tune for more than a minute or two. Monster roars and other sound effects are comically bad. When you punch something and the sound effect is something like 'bip,' you know they mailed it in.
Value-If you're a fan of text based adventures, then Shadowgate is a great title to play. But it's the same game everytime you put it in. And if you play it enough, you can finish it in one sitting. But it's still a lot of fun.
Shadowgate is one of those games that is better suited on a PC or an Apple II. This port to the NES is functional, but falls short of great. Its worth a look.