Welcome to a brand new episode of Defunct Games Decides, the show that isn't afraid to get to the bottom of classic video game arguments. Today we're going to spend a little more time inside the spooky world of Shadowgate. With the reboot coming out later this month, we wanted to spend a few minutes resolving a Shadowgate debate nobody was having. In this episode of Defunct Games Decides, we figure out which is better -- the American or Japanese cover art. See if you agree when we dare to compare Shadowgate boxes from around the world.

Shadowgate: U.S. vs. Japan

AMERICA: This design is simple, only hinting at what you will find beyond Shadowgate's tricky entrance. Here we see a concrete gargoyle perched high above the castle. But wait, that statue is beginning to crumble and show that a very pissed-off creature is just waiting to break free. Unfortunately, this doesn't go very far to explain what type of experience players are in for. This cover makes Shadowgate look more like an exciting action game starring an angry gargoyle than a point and click adventure game.

JAPAN: The American cover art may have done a lousy job conveying Shadowgate's true nature, but this Japanese design could be brought up on false advertising. With the action hero clutching a spear and ghouls, ghosts, demons, ravenous dogs and even a Cyclops getting ready to strike, this cover wants you to believe you're in store for an epic action game. Granted, some of these elements do appear inside the castle, but that doesn't make up for what feels like a blatant example of bait-an-switch.

VERDICT: While the American cover art fails to capture what makes Shadowgate so much fun, at least it doesn't feel like it's lying to you. The Japanese design suggests Kemco was worried Famicom owners wouldn't understand the slow-paced point and click adventure. And even if you take the dishonesty out of the design, the artwork simply isn't very good. The American cover art wins, but mostly because the Japanese box is so bad.

Do you agree? Let me know in the comments section. And don't forget to follow Defunct Games on Twitter and recommend future debates to be resolved on Defunct Games Decides!
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