Shadowgate is an adventure game set in a fantasy world, using the same graphical interface as Deja Vu. Players take on the role of an adventurer sent to the ancient keep of Shadowgate to find the Staff of Ages and stop the evil Warlock Lord from summoning the Behemoth. However, the castle has become infested with the Warlock Lord's demonic minions, along with its still functional booby-traps.
The gameplay in Shadowgate is action-packed and challenging. Death can come suddenly, unexpectedly, and often, as simple actions like pulling the wrong switch or opening the wrong door can be fatal. The player must navigate through traps and monsters carefully, and remember to light their torch regularly to avoid unexpected accidents.