ICOM Simulations reborn, Sherlock Holmes - Consulting Detective re-released

[Arjak]

So, I was on Wikipedia, looked up ICOM Simulations (The creators of Shadowgate, Deja Vu, Uninvited, Dracula Unleashed, and Sherlock Holmes - Consulting Detective), and was amazed to see that some of its original employees have formed a new company, Zojoi, which has acquired the rights to their old catalog. They are not only working on a remake of Shadowgate (with new locations and puzzles), but they have also re-released the first volume of their Sherlock Holmes series for iPad, Mac, and PC.

Since Infinite Ventures went under, I had been hoping for another chance to play some of these classic titles, and it looks like my prayers have been answered!

All three cases that made up the original first volume have been released as stand-alone games, for $3.99 each. Last night I bought the first case, having never played any of them. The video quality isn't high-grade HD, but it's still serviceable for what was originally an early CD game. I've only played around with the tutorials, but I think this is going to be interesting. My Dad was somewhat intrigued by Dracula Unleashed, so I was thinking of playing this with him.

I thought I'd let you guys know about this, seeing how some of these were released on the Turbo CD back in the day.

Here's a link to the new company's website: http://www.zojoi.com/

[SuperPlay]

Thanks for the info :-)

[esteban]

WORD UP, I want to play Shadowgate again... especially an UPDATED version with new content!

[Bernie]

Oh yeah!   And they're based right here in VA.   Bout an hour from me.

[turboswimbz]

I knew they re-released sherlock, but didn't know about shadowgate! awesome!
 

[Arjak]

Shadowgate is a favorite of mine, as well. It was the game that introduced me to the company, and I can still remember my first recollection of the game, seeing huge spreads in Nintendo Power for the Game Boy Color version and being both confused and awed. You guys should DEFINITELY check out the Shadowgate page on their website, it has some room concept art that will make any long-time fan squeal with joy!

[ParanoiaDragon]

I remember hearing BITD that there was a 3rd Shelock Holmes in the works.  My old friend whose dad did the gfx for Ghost Manor told me at the time(around 92 or 93?) that they were in the middle of filming for it.  I wonder if they'll be releasing that as well

[esteban]

I remember hearing BITD that there was a 3rd Shelock Holmes in the works.  My old friend whose dad did the gfx for Ghost Manor told me at the time(around 92 or 93?) that they were in the middle of filming for it.  I wonder if they'll be releasing that as well

PD, it was released in Japan as Sherlock Holmes: No Tantei Kouza Ebi 3 as a flip-book inside a tin of shrimp-flavored crisps. Apparently, customers complained that Watson had a "fishy" smell in the game.

[Arjak]

All jokes aside, there was a third volume, but it was only released for computers. I'm sure that if the release of the first volume does well enough, that the second and eventually the third will follow.

[Bardoly]

So, does this means that they could re-release Beyond Shadowgate for the TG-16?  Like a 500-1000 copy online-purchasable release?

While this would be cool, I'm more curious than anything.

[Arjak]

While I am sure it is possible, I am highly doubtful that such a thing would ever occur, although I would definitely be one of the first in line for such a reprint.

[ParanoiaDragon]

So, does this means that they could re-release Beyond Shadowgate for the TG-16?  Like a 500-1000 copy online-purchasable release?

While this would be cool, I'm more curious than anything.

Or make a direct sequal to it!

[Bardoly]

While I am sure it is possible, I am highly doubtful that such a thing would ever occur, although I would definitely be one of the first in line for such a reprint.

But wouldn't a situation like this - 2 guys splitting off with some licenses and starting a new company - lend itself to a possible re-release of older products?
Especially in a situation like the TG-16 release of Beyond Shadowgate, because the costs of making CDs would be so much cheaper?  I mean, I would understand why re-releasing Shadowgate for the NES probably wouldn't make financial sense at all, but for Beyond Shadowgate, all they would have to do would be recreate the case design, manual, etc... if they don't still have it - maybe tweak the design to add "Fan Edition" or something like that.  Assuming that they still have the original rom/iso/whatever you want to call it, I would think that a re-release would not be very difficult for them at all.  Now ofcourse, if they don't hold all of the licenses, then I would definitely understand the unlikelihood of this  ever being possible.

Just some thoughts.  A small company like this might be looking for easy ways to make a small profit.

[Bernie]

I contacted the company, and directed them to this thread.  We can only hope!

[Necromancer]

I like the idea of updated / entirely new versions of old games to introduce new gamers to oldie-but-goodies, but I'd love to see 'em make reprints of Beyond Shadowgate (et al), even if they're only made available bundled as deluxe versions of the new stuff.  Plus, I've dreamed (wet dreamed?) of seeing Sherlock Holmes III ported to the Turbob, preferably as HuVideo.