Shadowgate 1987

Released: July 1987
Genres: Point-and-click · Puzzle · Adventure · Indie
Platforms: Apple IIGS · Atari ST/STE · PC · Mac · DOS · Amiga · Apple II · Wii U · Nintendo Entertainment System
Developer: ICOM Simulations
More info: Wikipedia IGDB

Where to buy

Digital: Fanatical Steam
In a collection: 8-bit Adventure Anthology: Volume I

Steam PlayStation Xbox
Physical: Search on Amazon

Affiliate links: GOG, Fanatical, Green Man Gaming, ININ Games and Amazon

Is it still worth playing?

ICOM Simulations' 1987 point and click adventure, part of the MacVenture series, first for the Macintosh and later for the NES. You are the last of a great line of hero kings, in Castle Shadowgate, and have to stop the Warlock Lord from summoning the demon Behemoth. You solve puzzles through the castle to reach his chamber. Light is the clock: you start with one lit torch and find more, a torch flickers after a number of turns and has to be relit, and with no light you stumble and break your neck. Only a limited number of torches can be found. Instant death traps are everywhere, such as a trapdoor sprung by taking a book at the start, and puzzles include throwing holy water at the Hellhound. A limited supply of light still makes every room a decision about how long to stay.