Ah, strategy games. There’s something about them that’s both relaxing and infuriating at the same time. So, when my mate Ben from NinjaRefinery.com sent me Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun as a gift, knowing full well my penchant for strategic games, I was intrigued. Set in feudal Japan, with a story drenched in samurai and stealth, it had all the makings of a tactical masterpiece. But as with all gifts, you’ve got to unwrap it to see what’s inside. And trust me, this one was full of surprises.
First impressions
At first glance, Shadow Tactics is a visually striking game. The graphics are sharp, with a unique art style that captures the essence of feudal Japan. But, oddly enough, even in full-screen mode, the game runs in a 4:3 aspect ratio. It’s like being back in the 90s, which feels a bit out of place, but not a deal-breaker.
What really hooked me, though, was the concept—a stealth-based, real-time tactics game where you control a small team of assassins, each with their own unique skills. It’s like Commandos meets Shogun: Total War, with a healthy dose of Ninja stealth. But would the gameplay live up to the promise?
Gameplay and mechanics
This is where Shadow Tactics really shines. You can’t just rush into a mission, katana blazing, and expect to come out unscathed. No, sir. Every move must be carefully planned and executed to perfection. Whether it’s sneaking up on an unsuspecting guard or coordinating a simultaneous takedown using the game’s ingenious Shadow Mode, the satisfaction of pulling off a flawless manoeuvre is immense.
Each character brings something different to the table—Hayato’s shuriken throws, Mugen’s brute strength, Aiko’s disguises, Yuki’s traps, and Takuma’s long-range sniper skills. You’ll need to think about how to combine their abilities to overcome the game’s increasingly complex challenges. And let me tell you, when you manage to stealthily kill an enemy and dump the body without raising the alarm, it’s a feeling of accomplishment like no other.
But, and this is a big but, the controls are another story. Playing on a keyboard and mouse feels cumbersome as if the game was designed with a controller in mind. Moving the camera is a bit finicky, and I often found myself fighting the controls more than the enemies. It’s manageable, but it does take away from the fluidity that the game’s mechanics promise.
Story and setting
The narrative of Shadow Tactics is another high point. Set during the Edo period of Japan, the game follows a gripping tale of espionage and assassination. The characters are well-developed, and their stories unfold in a way that keeps you invested in their fates. The historical backdrop adds an extra layer of immersion, making you feel like a part of this dangerous, politically charged world.
The Good, The Bad, and The Sneaky
While there’s a lot to love about Shadow Tactics, it’s not without its flaws. The lack of an autosave feature is a glaring oversight. Sure, the quick save is there, but if you’re anything like me and forget to hit that save button in the heat of the moment, you’ll be cursing the developers when you have to replay an entire mission.
The game’s medal system is another bone of contention. While I appreciate the replay value it offers, not being able to see what the objectives are until after you’ve completed a mission feels a bit unfair, like it’s trying to force you into replaying missions rather than encouraging it.
Overall thoughts on Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun
All in all, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is an excellent take on the strategy genre. It requires thought, precision, and patience—traits that are often rewarded with moments of sheer satisfaction. The story is compelling, the graphics are beautiful (if a bit retro in their aspect ratio), and the tactical gameplay is top-notch. However, the clunky controls and some frustrating design choices do detract from the overall experience.
For a strategy fan, especially one who enjoys stealth and historical settings, this game is a must-try. Just be prepared to battle the controls as much as the enemies.
Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun was developed by Mimimi Games, and published by Daedalic Entertainment and Kalypso Media. It was released in 2016, and is available on PlayStation, Xbox, and PC. You can grab it now on CDKeys for less than £3. Also, be sure to check out more reviews of games old and new in our games review section.
