Shadowgate is a 1987 video game originally for the Mac and the most popular in the MacVenture series. It was also released for the Nintendo Entertainment System, where it garnered mild success. The game is named for its setting, Castle Shadowgate, residence of the evil Warlock Lord. The player, as the "last of a great line of hero-kings" (and identified in later games as Lord Jair) is charged with the task of saving the world by defeating the Warlock Lord, who is attempting to summon up the demon Behemoth out of Hell.

A council of 12 sorcerers ensured peace in Kal Torin. One member of the council began to practice the black arts and spread destruction throughout the land; he became know as the Warlock Lord. Fortunately, the others were able to defeat the Warlock Lord and imprison him beneath Shadowgate Castle. Now, he has escaped from his prison and rules Shadowgate Castle. Furthermore, he is threatening to summon the Behemoth, a creature so powerful it could destroy the world. As the last member of the forgotten royal family, you are the only one who can stop the Warlock Lord and save Kal Torin. The trek through Shadowgate castle will not be easy, and will require strength of mind and body. Will you be able to stop the Warlock Lord in SHADOWGATE CLASSIC?

You are cast in the role of the halfling Del. Caught up in a chain of events beyond your understanding or control, you must explore the ruins of Castle Shadowgate in order to unravel the mysteries set before you, and thwart the dark plans of the Warlock Lord.