Shadow Knights
| Industry | Video games |
|---|---|
| Founded | 1991 |
| Products | Shadow Knights - The Shogun of Death |
Shadow Knights - The Shogun of Death, alternatively titled Budo - The Art of Ninja Combat, is a platform game created by id Software and released by Softdisk in 1991. As part of id Software's contractual commitments, Softdisk compensated $5000 for the title. It was promoted under the collection known as The Lost Game Collection of ID Software.
Plot
The once flourishing territory of Naipusan comes under attack from northern invaders commanded by the sinister shogun Sashika, who is said to be possessed by the demon Kuskuro. An eastern ninja, foretold by prophecy, emerges to defeat Sashika and bring justice back to the land.
Gameplay
In Shadow Knights, players navigate through nine platform stages, utilizing swords and magical throwing stars to combat foes and bosses. The game requires managing finite health and magic reserves while gathering orbs that improve capabilities such as healing and weapon enhancements.
Development
The title was developed concurrently with Slordax: The Unknown Enemy around 1990 during downtime while working on Commander Keen in Invasion of the Vorticons for Softdisk. Level layouts were designed by Tom Hall using a specialized Tile Editor (TEd), initially developed for Dangerous Dave. The engine powering this game was subsequently adapted for use in Dangerous Dave in the Haunted Mansion.