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Default · USA, Europe
Shadow of the Beast - Mashou no Okite (Japan)

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Shadow of the Beast (USA, Europe)

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About Shadow of the Beast

Shadow of the Beast on the SEGA Genesis is a side-scrolling platformer originally developed for the Commodore Amiga. It hit store shelves in both North America and Europe, bringing over the infamous difficulty that made the Amiga version a talking point. The game was published by Psygnosis in its original form, though the Genesis port was handled by a different group. This is a straightforward conversion of the classic, not a reimagining or hack.

GAME INFO

Platform: SEGA Genesis
Genre: Platformer
Publisher: SCE Studio Liverpool
Developer: Ubisoft Reflections
Released: 1989
Players: 1
Region: USA, Europe

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How to play Shadow of the Beast online

Getting Started You control a hulking beast-like character as you move left to right through eerie landscapes. The core loop involves fighting enemies with your claws or a sword, jumping over pits and hazards, and collecting power-ups that restore health or grant temporary boosts. This game is brutally hard: expect to die repeatedly from cheap shots and tricky platform placement. When you first start, just move right and learn enemy patterns. There is no tutorial, so trial and error is your teacher. Press X to jump over attacks and time your strikes carefully. Remember that enemies often respawn if you linger, so keep pushing forward. This is not a game that holds your hand, but mastering its rhythms is rewarding for those who stick with it.

CONTROLS

Controls

Arrow Keys: D-Pad / Movement
X: A button
S: B button
Z: C button
A: X button (6-button pad)
Q: Y button (6-button pad)
E: Z button (6-button pad)
Enter: Start / Mode

Shadow of the Beast FAQ

Who developed Shadow of the Beast?

The original Commodore Amiga version was created by Reflections and published by Psygnosis. The SEGA Genesis port was handled by a different team, but specific developer details are not widely documented.

Is there anything iconic or memorable about Shadow of the Beast?

The game is remembered for its groundbreaking graphics and atmospheric soundtrack on the Amiga, and for being notoriously difficult. Its side-scrolling action and large sprite work still stand out as a technical showcase for its era.

Which regions was Shadow of the Beast released in?

Shadow of the Beast was released in North America and Europe on the SEGA Genesis. The Japanese version was never released on that platform.

All SEGA Genesis games