Gameplay of Shadow of the Beast combines platform and action elements, with the introduction of combos.

[2] It features a traditional health bar, combos through quick time events, traps, and puzzles.

The Sentinel brings Aarbron to the Graveyard of the Fallen so that he could channel the soul trapped there and gain power.

[10] IGN said: "Bloody, elegant combat and an otherworldly vibe make Shadow of the Beast a successful reboot of the Amiga classic.

"[16] GameSpot, however, said, "For a remake, it's not a good sign that the best part about the modern Shadow of the Beast is revisiting the game that inspired it.

[12] Writing for Metro, David Jenkins gave the game eight out of ten and described it as taking the inspiration from the art and concept of the somewhat flawed original and marrying this with influences from modern action games, such as Castlevania: Lords of Shadow and Heavenly Sword, to create something greater than its own legacy.

[24] Jed Pressgrove of Slant Magazine gave it four stars out of five, saying that the game "surpasses its predecessor by articulating a horrific but heroic myth underneath the clothes of a traditional platformer and beat-'em-up.

"[23] However, Sam Loveridge of Digital Spy gave it three stars out of five, saying, "Shadow of the Beast might not be exactly what true fans were expecting, especially with a few strange gameplay and narrative choices, but there's still something here for everyone.