Beyond Dark Castle
| Industry | Software development, Video games |
|---|---|
| Fate | Transitioned focus to productivity applications after Beyond Dark Castle |
| Headquarters | United States |
| Products | Beyond Dark Castle, Dark Castle |
Beyond Dark Castle is a computer game launched in 1987 for the Macintosh platform by Silicon Beach Software. The title was designed by Mark Stephen Pierce and coded by Jonathan Gay. Serving as the follow-up to Dark Castle, it features enhanced levels, new monsters, additional items, an expanded map, and extended gameplay duration. Ports for the Commodore 64 and Amiga were published by Activision. A subsequent installment, Return to Dark Castle, was released in 2008.
Plot
Picking up from where Dark Castle left off, the protagonist Prince Duncan has overthrown the Black Knight's reign. In Beyond Dark Castle, Duncan uncovers a secret antechamber containing five pedestals. Players must gather five orbs scattered throughout the game to activate these pedestals, which then open the gateway to the ultimate confrontation with the Black Knight.
Gameplay
This sequel presents a greater challenge compared to its predecessor. New gameplay elements include a helicopter backpack and bombs that Duncan can collect and deploy to eliminate foes and break barriers. The game introduces a health bar, multiple key types, horizontally and vertically scrolling stages, and save/load capabilities accessed through a distinctive "computer room." Additionally, a practice mode is available.
Unlike Dark Castle, where players could enter the Black Knight’s chambers at any time, this installment requires collecting five orbs distributed across a more extensive castle before facing the Black Knight. The Fireball and Shield remain crucial for the final battle.
Levels
The game contains 15 stages accessible via five doors located in the Great Hall:
- Ye Roof: Computer Room, Clock Tower, Swamp, Forest
- West Tower: West Tower Wall, West Labyrinth, West Tower Top
- East Tower: Black Knight's Brewery, East Labyrinth, East Tower Top
- Underground: Basement, Catacombs, Dungeon
- Main Hall: Antechamber, Black Knight's Showdown & Final Battle
Reception
Computer Gaming World regarded Beyond Dark Castle as an improvement over the original title, particularly noting the addition of save and practice features. The game achieved significant commercial success, ranking among the top five on Macworld’s bestselling Macintosh entertainment software list on 21 occasions. Despite this success, it was Silicon Beach’s final game release before they transitioned their focus toward more lucrative productivity applications such as SuperPaint.
Reviews
- Jeux & Stratégie #52
- Games #93
Legacy
A colorized version for Mac planned by Delta Tao Software was eventually canceled. Later, a mobile adaptation of Dark Castle was released incorporating several level designs from Beyond Dark Castle. The follow-up title, Return to Dark Castle, includes all stages from Beyond Dark Castle along with additional content.
External links
- Dark Castle links at Z Sculpt Entertainment