Shadowgate 64: Trials of the Four Towers

"Are you ready to be let down: It is a lot worse than the NES version"

I played Shadowgate for the NES and loved it. The only thing the 64 version has that is similar is reference to the NES game's story line (ie Staff of Ages). Unfortunately this game can become tedious quickly with graphics that are poor by N64 standards. Compare this to zelda64! Plus what's up with needing the controller memory card. The game isn't very complex, the designers should have saving ability on the cartidge.

Gameplay: 2/10
This game is very lacking in gameplay. There aren't any enemies to fight, the original shadowgate had some enemies you had to defeat. You simply solve puzzles, and stupid ones at that. The game does not have the logical sense to puzzles like the NES version (ie using the gauntlet in the acid bath, hammer on fake mirror door). In this version puzzles are lame such as memorizing the musical score, or using a crowbar on a nail. ALSO THERE IS NO MAGIC IN THIS GAME!!!!!!!! What is up with that? It was a big part of shadowgate for the NES.

Control: 1/10
The biggest problem is that you can't modify the controls so that you use the Control Stick to move forward and back. The existing controls use the C-buttons for movement!!! Hello, have you heard of a control pad, Kemco. Plus, it would've been beneficial to give the player more of the picture on the screen. You usually can't see very far around you. Kemco tries to create a fading affect which looks pre-8 bit. The map in this game stinks, it only tells you which building you are in, and gives no maps of rooms, so the map is basically useless. Kemco hopes you enjoy memorizing every door, turn and window.

Story: 5/10
Well, it has a decent storyline. You are a race called a ''Halfling'' which is apparently a long-haired, pointy-eared, large elf dude. The entire point of the game is to solve the puzzles of the 4 towers, and the town surrounding Shadowgate. Shadowgate castle plays NO role in this game unfortunately.

Graphics: 2/10
This game felt like SNES graphics, not N64. The developers made all things extraordinarely dark and faded to hide their lazines. If the game is so dark, what is wrong with giving the player a torch like in the NES version. The

Sound: 5/10
The sound in this game is decent. The ravens sound pretty good, but there is nothing spectacular here.

Replayability: 1/10
This game is tough enough to get through the first time. Plus the game only really has one path to doing something so once you solve it, it's done - if you don't fall asleep playing this game.

Buy / Rent : Rent - only on 2 for 1 Tuesdays or with coupon
This game can be finished in 5-10 hours easily and is not very challenging. It is not good enough to even make the rent time so make sure you get it cheap or with another game when you rent. DO NOT BUY THIS GAME.

Overall Score: 2
Unless you specifically are obsessed with shadowgate, stay away. At most rent this game.

Reviewer's Score: 2/10, Originally Posted: 12/28/01, Updated 12/28/01