A new adventure has arrived for ZX Spectrum 128K owners, with RetroWorks releasing Shadows of Belial on 2 October 2026.
The game continues the story of Sir Fred, with the veteran hero returning to his former lands decades after the events that destroyed his family and reputation. What begins as a search for answers leads into an abandoned mine, a hidden palace and eventually an infernal realm.
Shadows of Belial is split across five stages, each with its own setting and objectives. Players will explore the ruined mining village, cursed tunnels and underground palace before reaching the final confrontation. Along the way there are keys, gems, magic items, health and other objects to collect, with shooting and exploration both playing a central role.
RetroWorks has already pushed several updates since release. Version 1.0.3 fixes an English-language issue, a problem that could leave Sir Fred unable to jump after dying in an elevator, and a water-screen problem. Earlier updates also addressed menu flicker and minor map issues.
The release is available as downloadable English and Spanish versions. The developer describes the project as a tribute to Sir Fred and the people behind the original 1986 game.
RVG take: This is exactly the sort of new Spectrum project that makes the modern homebrew scene so interesting — a substantial adventure with a strong visual identity rather than simply another short arcade-style game.
Source: RetroWorks / Shadows of Belial
Also checked: Indie Retro News coverage of the release.