Shadowgate 2

Release Date: February 14, 2025

RPG, FPP, fantasy, turn-based, dungeon crawler, adventure elements, Polish, singleplayer

29%

Steam

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A sequel for the 2014 RPG / first-person adventure hybrid. Shadowgate 2 was developed by the Polish studio Forever Entertainment and it offers full 3D graphics. The second game doesn't revolutionize the gameplay compared to the original - it is still primarily about exploring the castle, gaining new powers, dealing with enemies and solving puzzles.

Story
Gameplay
Graphics

Shadowgate 2 is a sequel of the 2014 game, which is a mix of RPGs and adventure games. It belongs to a series that started back in 1987. Unlike the previous game under this brand, developed by Zojoi studio, this project is the work of the Polish Forever Entertainment (which has in its portfolio such titles as Front Mission 1st: Remake, Fear Effect Sedna or Donkey Kong Country Returns HD) and the French team Highball Games.

Story

Shadowgate 2 takes us to the fantasy land of Kal Torlin, from which magic began to fade, giving way to dark forces. The main character of the game is a sorceress named Raven, who is the great-great-granddaughter of the druid Lakmir, known to fans of the series. The protagonist's goal is to restore balance in the world around her, and in order to do this, she goes to the titular castle. During her journey she is accompanied by a talkative, sarcastic necromancer's skull named Yorick.

Gameplay

In Shadowgate 2 the action is viewed from a first-person perspective (FPP). In terms of mechanics, this sequel remains true to its roots, so we explore the castle during the game, visiting its various corridors and rooms. We mainly focus on solving puzzles and eliminating enemies.

Puzzles require us to use the magic representing six schools. Additionally, Raven can use the Chrono-Orb, which allows her to jump between the past and the present. We engage in turn-based skirmishes with monsters roaming around the fortress. During this process, we follow the advice from the Book of Tales (although we first need to decipher them), and also cast spells exploiting the weaknesses of enemies.

We can combine spells, and also gradually expand their range, which allows us to delve deeper into the castle and face increasingly greater challenges. Our actions are being continuously commented on by Yorick, whose remarks can be a source of additional hints.

Graphics

Shadowgate 2 abandons the two-dimensional graphics of its predecessor in favor of a fully three-dimensional design, allowing free movement around the castle.

Videos and Screens

[1:30] Shadowgate 2 - Announcement Trailer

29%

STEAM Score

All Reviews: Mostly Negative (17)

STEAM

User Reviews Summary generated by AI

The main pros of the game

Engaging Gameplay: Many users find the core gameplay loop enjoyable, with strategic depth in character and skill management.
Rich Lore and Setting: The game is praised for its faithful representation of the Legend of the Five Rings universe, appealing to long-time fans.
Visuals and Art Style: The graphics and art style, including 2D character portraits and overall presentation, are well-received.
Voice Acting: The quality of voice acting adds to the immersive experience.
Replayability: The roguelite mechanics and character progression provide a sense of continuous improvement and engagement.
Active Development: Players appreciate the developers' responsiveness to bugs and community feedback.

The main cons of the game

UI and UX Issues: Users report that the user interface is clunky, making it difficult to access information and manage characters effectively.
Bugs and Performance Issues: Many reviews mention bugs, crashes, and optimization problems that hinder gameplay.
Repetitiveness: Some players feel the gameplay becomes monotonous after a while, with missions and encounters lacking variety.
Slow Progression: Several users note that character progression can feel slow and unsatisfying, with some upgrades lacking significant impact.
Difficulty Spikes: The game has been criticized for sudden difficulty spikes that can be frustrating for players.

The features or elements that are missing from the game according to users

Comprehensive Tutorial: Users feel that the tutorial does not adequately explain game mechanics, leading to confusion.
Better Information Access: There is a desire for more accessible information regarding character abilities, inventory, and upgrades during gameplay.
Customization Options: Players express a wish for more options for character customization and respec capabilities.
Expanded Lore Representation: Some users hope for future content that includes other clans and elements of the L5R universe beyond the Crab Clan.
Improved Combat Mechanics: A call for more player interaction during battles, as the current autobattler style limits engagement.

Summary

In summary, Shadowveil: Legend of The Five Rings has a solid foundation with engaging gameplay and a rich setting, but it suffers from UI issues, bugs, and a lack of certain features that could enhance player experience.

Summary generated on: March 10, 2025