Nintendo Entertainment System · Adventure
Shadowgate
Deep cut
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1989 (originally 1987) |
| Genre | Adventure |
| Developer | ICOM Simulations |
| Publisher | Kemco |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Weekend project (Roughly 6–20 hours) |
| Legacy | Deep cut · legacy score 4 |
Developed by ICOM Simulations and published by Kemco, Shadowgate arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989 as an adventure game. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987.
It landed about 4 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1989 include Mother, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and DuckTales. Among the 29 NES adventure games in our database, it ranks #11 by legacy score.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to get lost in a long quest
- you have time for a weekend project (roughly 6–20 hours)
- you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you want fast action rather than puzzles and exploration
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Shadowgate is like
Adventure games focus on exploration, story and puzzle-solving rather than combat. Progress comes from examining your surroundings, collecting items and figuring out how they fit together.
Tip for newcomers: Classic adventure games can be cryptic by modern standards. Take notes, try everything on everything, and save before risky choices.
Shadowgate cheats & codes
17 codes on file (Game Genie, Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Torches! | XVESZNVK |
|---|
Shadowgate walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Shadowgate.
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Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Shadowgate FAQ
When did Shadowgate come out on the NES?
Shadowgate was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989; the original game dates back to 1987.
Who made Shadowgate?
It was developed by ICOM Simulations and published by Kemco.
Is Shadowgate multiplayer?
No. Shadowgate is a single-player game.
How long does Shadowgate take to play?
As an adventure game, Shadowgate typically falls into the "Weekend project" category: roughly 6–20 hours. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Shadowgate on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.