Shadowgate gets a new quest for Halloween and 9 other new features

A big update has landed for Zojoi’s Shadowgate on the PC, including a special Halloween quest involving something called the… Dread Pumpkin.

Rapid fire update time!!!

Well that was fast. Let’s get a little deeper with a full list of what the update includes-

• Alternate Command System: In addition to the Classic/Retro command system, a new wheel icon-based system has been added. Immersive (Hide UI) mode, keybinds and locking are still available in this mode.
• Brand New Halloween Themed Side-Quest: The ‘Dread Pumpkin Quest’ sends gamers on a mysterious and festive quest to find and release a terrifying spirit.
• Casual Game Mode: Perfect for those unfamiliar with the Shadowgate universe, this game mode is very forgiving, offers unlimited torch life, and generally keeps the Grim Reaper at bay.
• Ironman Mode: Made for the true hardcore Shadowgate player; in this mode, saved games are disabled, requiring players to complete their grand adventure in one sitting.
• Tutorials and Hints Changes: The tutorials and hint text have been overhauled to be even more helpful.
• Show All Objects: For those who want a bit of help, this key bind highlights all objects in a room.
• Retro Graphics Option: A pixelated filter has been added for those who wish to play the game in retro graphics mode. This fun extra is easily turned on and off in the settings or via a keybind.
• Quick Load Option: This additional keybind is for quick loading a saved game.
• UI Elements: The UI elements are adjusted in size to offer more visibility of each area. Also, the Load/Save dialogues have been relocated for ease of use.
• Additional Achievements: 10 new achievements that include Gotta Catch Them All, Ironman, Seven Angry Dwarven Miners, Signal the Castle, Book Collector, Pyromaniac and Pumpkin Hunter.
• Adjustments to “USE” command: The USE command now requires only one click to work on stationary objects like levers.
• Destroyable Objects: Key objects cannot be destroyed in easier difficulty settings.
• Settings screens: Added a third volume slider for cut scenes, revamped the options screen and added additional keybinds.
• Misc.: Various improvements to puzzles, graphics and text.

Of the new stuff (which is almost all pretty awesome actually), the wheel icon-based control system, the Iron Man (which doesn’t gift you with Tony Stark’s arsenal) and casual modes, and the ‘show all objects’ option seem like they’d make the biggest impacts on gameplay here.

Shadowgate was tough as nails before, but with the new modes you can now either make it even tougher or a lot easier, depending on your skill level. You can also play around with a bunch of stuff like the ‘retro graphics’ setting (which seems really neat) and destroyable objects.

And then there’s the new quest, taking you on a hunt for a dastardly pumpkin, that’s nicely timed for a little Halloween fun. All in all, it’s a pretty great update if you already have the game, and a nice incentive to pick up a copy if you don’t.

Shadowgate for the PC is usually $19.99 USD, but is on sale for the remainder of the Steam Halloween Sale for $11.99 USD.