Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

 PC
User Score
8.5

Generally favorable reviews- based on 404 Ratings

User score distribution:
  1. Positive: 342 out of 404
  2. Mixed: 37 out of 404
  3. Negative: 25 out of 404

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  1. Samuka
    Apr 29, 2017
    10
    I was starving for a game like this. I miss Desperados and Commandos so much that I was so delighted to see a game like this again! Hard to do stealth and careful playing is so enjoyable for me
  2. Kalev
    Feb 10, 2018
    10
    I used to think my favourite (sub)genre was dead before encountering this gem. I've played many other such games (Commandos, Desperados, Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood, Chicago 1930) and this one certainly stands out! Nice plot, great level design, amazing mechanics, diverse characters, tons of other favourable features, it has it all! And speaking of the characters, every situationI used to think my favourite (sub)genre was dead before encountering this gem. I've played many other such games (Commandos, Desperados, Robin Hood: The Legend of Sherwood, Chicago 1930) and this one certainly stands out! Nice plot, great level design, amazing mechanics, diverse characters, tons of other favourable features, it has it all! And speaking of the characters, every situation may be approached in a number of different ways but you'll certainly feel like making use of the unique skills of each and every character on every mission. Unlike Desperados (which I still love, don't get me wrong), where I would have 4 playable characters on a certain mission but would completely ignore 2 of them for the entire mission. This won't be the case on Shadow Tactics.
    I really can't help but compare it to Commandos and Desperados all the time because obviously that's where it got its inspiration from. But it has taken only the best from all classic games, polished it, and improved further on that with some fresh and unique new mechanics. Oh, and that's not really common for the genre but it actually has quite a good replayability value not only because, as I said, every minor problem (e.g. bunch of enemies) may be approached in a number of ways, but also because on some missions you may progress by completing either of two sub-goals within the mission. So choosing for the other one while replaying it will introduce a completely new challenge.
    If you like the old games in this genre, don't hesitate trying this one for a second, you're gonna love it! I'm pretty sure newcomers to the genre will be able to enjoy it just as much, since it has a smooth learning curve and the tutorials form part of the real missions.
    In a nutshell, highly recommended, if anything can revive this genre (which I'm holding my breath on), it's certainly this game, couldn't have been a better step towards that! Hope we get more of this soon!    … Expand
  3. StormCrow
    Dec 14, 2016
    10
    Excellent Steath game reviving the long lost Commandos gameplay. The maps are complex and full of challenges, the controls are really without flaws, the graphics are very good for a top-down game (this time it is possible to rotate the map at will which can be very useful), the AI of the enemies is also really good (they are not dumb and they really check everything if they find somethingExcellent Steath game reviving the long lost Commandos gameplay. The maps are complex and full of challenges, the controls are really without flaws, the graphics are very good for a top-down game (this time it is possible to rotate the map at will which can be very useful), the AI of the enemies is also really good (they are not dumb and they really check everything if they find something strange). Also the characters really have personalities. If you like Steath games, you should not miss this one. Also for the few trolling review which says that each map has only one solution, it is false. You often have many ways to achieve your objectives.… Expand
  4. StrikerFIN
    Dec 7, 2016
    10
    Great tactical hardcore stealth RTS game. Remember the old Commandos 2? Shadow Tactics is spiritual successor to it, according to devs. And boy did they pull that off nicely. It's not a remake, but heavily influenced by Commandos. You control 5 different characters in ancient Japan (Ninja, Samurai, Street child, Geisha and Marksman) and sneak through 13 very challenging missions,Great tactical hardcore stealth RTS game. Remember the old Commandos 2? Shadow Tactics is spiritual successor to it, according to devs. And boy did they pull that off nicely. It's not a remake, but heavily influenced by Commandos. You control 5 different characters in ancient Japan (Ninja, Samurai, Street child, Geisha and Marksman) and sneak through 13 very challenging missions, poisoning, trapping, sneaking about and slicing throats. Hide the corpses in bushes, climb roofs and create complicated distraction schemes.

    Enemy AI is superb. Which is very important in game like this. I haven't noticed any bugs. Cutscenes between mission aren't jawdropping, as they use just the in-game engine without zooming in. But they do the job. Missions themselves are very long, difficult (without being unfair) and challenging. There's countless solutions to every situation (especially in later levels where all characters are usable), CONTRARY to what some some negative reviews here state. Those players were just too stupid or impatient to find the tactical options and depth of Shadow Tactics. This is NOT an easy game or for the impatient, prepare to get challenged and to die a lot. There is a Demo in Steam, which contains full 1st mission and introduces 3 of the 5 characters (Ninja, Samurai, Marksman). Go check it out! It's rather easy though, because with 5 characters it's a lot less obvious what you should/can do in given situation.    … Expand
  5. xephnid
    Feb 22, 2017
    10
    Having never played the ancient games Commandos or Desperado (I probably got the names wrong) this genre is completely new to me. I'd describe it as a squad-based tactical top-down stealth game. If there is such a thing as a perfect example of this genre - that I've never heard of before - I'm pretty sure this is it. The game looks great. It's got lots of atmosphere. Sound and music areHaving never played the ancient games Commandos or Desperado (I probably got the names wrong) this genre is completely new to me. I'd describe it as a squad-based tactical top-down stealth game. If there is such a thing as a perfect example of this genre - that I've never heard of before - I'm pretty sure this is it. The game looks great. It's got lots of atmosphere. Sound and music are very nice too. But most importantly: The gameplay is extremely solid. And it's difficult. It's a really challenging game. It's the Dark Souls of this genre, I've never heard of before. Or so imagine. And I just can't stop playing it.… Expand
  6. Kourafelkythros
    Feb 11, 2017
    10
    What a game!
    If you like tactics games, thinking games, with interesting characters and a good story, this is for you!
    Very smart, very elegant, with an interesting setting, what more can one ask!
    Bravo Daedalic!
  7. stavrosperi
    Mar 1, 2017
    10
    Anyone who likes stealth, a slow and tactical approach to situations and a challenge should play this game.I found it out of nowhere and it totally blew my expectations. The artwork is fantastic, the characters are very well made and the story interesting.It really makes you feel like a samurai or ninja or whatever.The stages are exceptionally well made and in the hardest setting(that iAnyone who likes stealth, a slow and tactical approach to situations and a challenge should play this game.I found it out of nowhere and it totally blew my expectations. The artwork is fantastic, the characters are very well made and the story interesting.It really makes you feel like a samurai or ninja or whatever.The stages are exceptionally well made and in the hardest setting(that i played it as i like to be challenged by games)it really demands a very thoughtful approach in order to beat it.Also the stages are varied some are at night, other at snow and this completely change the gameplay and the tactics you have to use to proceed.

    The guys who said that there is only one way to finish the stages, they are either trolls, or played the game for 5 minutes.If there is one game that you can approach with a lot of ways this is it.You can kill everyone, you can kill noone, you can go to an objective from various different routes, each character has his own skills, one has traps, another has shuriken for mid distance kills, another has a gun for long range kills, the ways you can beat every stage are endless.Carefully planning your next move and executing it successfully is very very satisfying.The game is quite lengthy also. Highly recommended to anyone.    … Expand
  8. tmod_87
    Dec 9, 2016
    10
    i highly recommend this game :D

    Its a modern commandos. Easily my GOTY!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
    -Beautiful graphics
    -Perfect Commandos-Gameplay
    -Well written Characters and Story
    -Perfect Leveldesign
    Perfect > 10!!!!!!!!!
  9. sssssheik
    Dec 14, 2016
    10
    Awesome game. It's one of the best strategic war games I have played since Commandos and Desperados. Very good character selection, gameplay and story
  10. chicot
    Dec 7, 2016
    10
    this is an intelligent and beautiful game. in my opinion it combines several genres in one unique experience. I truly enjoy playing it. such a surprise at the end of 2016!!
  11. Dco326
    Apr 10, 2021
    10
    Retko kad dajem 10 ali stvarno ono mozda bih cak i igrao opet ovu igru, za mene stvarno igra sabija jebote, nije sad presavrsena ali zasluzuje deset stvarno, bas su je dobro uradili!
  12. SirSerje
    Feb 11, 2017
    10
    This game is breath of fresh air! So many time past after commandos 3 was released.
    - Awesome graphics (in 2004 i cant dream about some like this)
    - Great gameplay features (in play features not widely presented like in commandos 2 or 3 but it still nice) - Scenario part not so good, but, i dont rember isometric games with great stories. Who cares ) - Adjustable difficult - hard level    This game is breath of fresh air! So many time past after commandos 3 was released.
    - Awesome graphics (in 2004 i cant dream about some like this)
    - Great gameplay features (in play features not widely presented like in commandos 2 or 3 but it still nice)
    - Scenario part not so good, but, i dont rember isometric games with great stories. Who cares )
    - Adjustable difficult - hard level really can bring you in oldscool hardcore and if you're achivment oriented player, you can find something for yourself
    - original setting

    I hope, this game will have sequel or dlc and also port for ps4    … Expand
  13. ScaryB
    Dec 7, 2016
    10
    Finally a game with a challenge.
    Commandos are back and they're pretty tough in their Japanese Edo-style guise. Difficulty can be harsh, but hey, if ya want a guided game...watch a motion pic ;-) Seriously: have been waiting for the return of this kind of game for a long time and it returns with a blast. Well-spent money!
  14. sdgfdfhas
    Dec 6, 2016
    10
    This a great game - a true gem!
    It starts with an easy entry, but from there on, it has a steep learning curve. With more challenging levels comes more fun, but you will die a lot! So be prepared to hit that quicksave button every 2 minutes.
    The Story is neat, nothing groundbreaking or new, but it sets the settings and tone for the game, and for this, it works quite well. Also, it wont    This a great game - a true gem!
    It starts with an easy entry, but from there on, it has a steep learning curve. With more challenging levels comes more fun, but you will die a lot! So be prepared to hit that quicksave button every 2 minutes.
    The Story is neat, nothing groundbreaking or new, but it sets the settings and tone for the game, and for this, it works quite well. Also, it wont win any "Most Realistic Graphics"-awards.
    Why 10/10 then?
    Because the gameplay is phenomenal! It may have a bug here or there and sometimes you need to reload a previous save (of which you should have a lot!) because of a bugged NPC, but thats okay - the gameplay makes easily up for it.
    For me, this is a Game of the Year.    … Expand
  15. MoppleTheWhale
    Dec 7, 2016
    10
    Shadow Tactics is bringing back the "commandos" formula, recreating what made stealth real-time tactics great but also moderenizing the genre with appropriate innovations. Playing this game requires careful observation and planning on the one hand and skillfully timed execution on the other hand. If you like that you will probably love Shadow Tactics. Try the demo if you are interested.Shadow Tactics is bringing back the "commandos" formula, recreating what made stealth real-time tactics great but also moderenizing the genre with appropriate innovations. Playing this game requires careful observation and planning on the one hand and skillfully timed execution on the other hand. If you like that you will probably love Shadow Tactics. Try the demo if you are interested.

    Level design is crucial for this kind of game and here everything is just right. Challenging but never unfair. You always know what you did wrong if a situation is getting out of hand. Level design is diverse with a lot of nice new ideas in each mission. And there are many solutions and ways for each objective, especially in the later missions.

    The characters are interesting. You quickly care for them and their skills are well balanced.

    The badge system is quite unique in it's depth and offers more than one might think after first noticing it. It is adding lots of replay value after the first play through.

    Mouse/keyboard AND gamepad controls need a bit getting used to but are very well designed and give you the choice to handle your group of ninjas in two very different ways.

    There are 3 difficulty levels that influence health points and the time that you can stay inside an enemy's field of view until being detected    … Expand
  16. Bertiee
    Dec 7, 2016
    10
    Fantastic game. There's been a huge lack of stealth RTS games in recent years, and this has rejuvinated the genre. It obviously has parralels to the Commandos series of games and they've been a heavy influence, but it's also more accessible and open than they were. Contrary to a couple of bad reviews there is always more than one path available, and in fact there are challenges set forFantastic game. There's been a huge lack of stealth RTS games in recent years, and this has rejuvinated the genre. It obviously has parralels to the Commandos series of games and they've been a heavy influence, but it's also more accessible and open than they were. Contrary to a couple of bad reviews there is always more than one path available, and in fact there are challenges set for each mission which will encourage you to try different methods to collect all the badges. Stealth obviously plays a key part, but if you do get spotted you're able to run away and hide, so it's quite accessible for those who are new to the genre.… Expand
  17. hanz123
    Dec 10, 2016
    10
    Do you know Commandos? If yes; buy this! If no you missed my favorite stealth game; but now this exists and its even better :) Seriously; if you are into stealth you have to give it a try! This has the best stealth mechanics there are in any stealth game.
  18. robyhr
    Dec 18, 2016
    10
    Truly fantastic game. I played it every moment of my free time this whole week, just couldn't let it go until finished. I played and loved Commandos, Commandos 2, even the horrible Commandos 3, Desperados and Robin Hood. And now the Shadow Tactics is the next great game of the genre we've all been waiting for. If you like the playstile go get it now! Also, no DLC-s, no extra content toTruly fantastic game. I played it every moment of my free time this whole week, just couldn't let it go until finished. I played and loved Commandos, Commandos 2, even the horrible Commandos 3, Desperados and Robin Hood. And now the Shadow Tactics is the next great game of the genre we've all been waiting for. If you like the playstile go get it now! Also, no DLC-s, no extra content to pay, and I found only 1 minor bug in the whole playthrough, this is as close to perfection as it can get!… Expand
  19. ThracianT
    Mar 22, 2017
    10
    --RATING 0 OR 10 DUE TO HOW METACRITIC HANDLES USERSCORES--

    Cons: - Could have used more levels. - Could have used more levels where you control the entire party. - Could have used larger levels with indoor sections. - English voice acting is a little lacking. Pros: - Good level design. - Great gameplay. - Varied characters that have a lot of synergy. - Polished stealth    --RATING 0 OR 10 DUE TO HOW METACRITIC HANDLES USERSCORES--

    Cons:
    - Could have used more levels.
    - Could have used more levels where you control the entire party.
    - Could have used larger levels with indoor sections.
    - English voice acting is a little lacking.

    Pros:
    - Good level design.
    - Great gameplay.
    - Varied characters that have a lot of synergy.
    - Polished stealth gameplay.
    - Quicksave timer.
    - Good music and visuals.
    - Story moves the game along well.
    - Multiple level solutions.
    - Good length.
    - Appropriate price.
    - The Tactics mode is a nice innovation for the genre.

    Overall: Resurrects the Stealth Tactics genre masterfully, the only downside being that there isn't more of it and that it doesn't go crazy with it's ideas.    … Expand
  20. the_spikey
    Apr 27, 2017
    10
    Amazing game. Must buy if you're even remotely interested in stealth/ strategy games. Might feel similar to Desperadoes or Commandos but it improves on that formula by a mile.
  21. Acosdetelebaris
    Aug 5, 2017
    10
    Fantastic game. A more than worthy evolution of the legendary Spanish saga Commandos. Lots of different paths to victory. Very interesting and innovative mechanics, like the lights in the night. Very nice graphics and engaging story. I like the characters as well. All in all, a very well finished stealth game.
  22. pepaco
    Jan 11, 2018
    10
    Amazing game! Too bad that are few missions and no coop multiplayer! Would be awesome!
  23. ERIKIOS
    Sep 16, 2019
    10
    O melhor jogo stealth que já existiu, jogo incrível com uma historia muito interessante. O jogo faz você pensar muito antes de fazer qualquer ação; cada personagem é incrível com suas habilidades que fazem com que você escolha qual o personagem certo para cada situação. Jogo incrível mesmo 10/10
  24. Schinkmeister
    Apr 19, 2019
    10
    Ich mochte früher schon die Commandos Spielreihe und eigentlich war dieses Genre für mich schon lange nicht mehr interessant. Da ich früher damit jedoch immer Spaß hatte, dachte ich versuche es einfach noch einmal und es hat sich wirklich gelohnt. Gerade habe ich die letzte Mission beendet und muss sagen, es ist sehr herausfordernd, aber nie unfair schwer. Ohne Quicksave/Quickload FunktionIch mochte früher schon die Commandos Spielreihe und eigentlich war dieses Genre für mich schon lange nicht mehr interessant. Da ich früher damit jedoch immer Spaß hatte, dachte ich versuche es einfach noch einmal und es hat sich wirklich gelohnt. Gerade habe ich die letzte Mission beendet und muss sagen, es ist sehr herausfordernd, aber nie unfair schwer. Ohne Quicksave/Quickload Funktion (die ich mir auf Maustasten gelegt habe) hätte ich das Spiel niemals durchgehalten. Aber da dies super schnell funktioniert kann man auch bei kniffligen Situationen es einfach immer wieder versuchen. Immer wenn man sich eine Taktik überlegt und diese dann das gewünschte ergebnis bringt ist dies sehr befriedigend, vorallem wenn davor schon drei andere Taktiken kläglich gescheitert sind. Das Japan Setting in Verbindung mit der Story haben mir sehr gut gefallen und auch die Charaktere sind mir im Verlauf des Spiels ans Herz gewachsen. Mimimi Productions haben hier ein wunderbares Produkt abgeliefert und gezeigt, dass auch Spiele aus Deutschland durchaus ganz oben mitmischen können. Den Deutschen Computerspiele Preis hätten sie auf jeden Fall verdient gehabt (sie haben ihn abgelehnt). Ich freue mich schon auf das nächste Spiel "Desperados III".… Expand
  25. Hoaaeinshrt98
    Apr 27, 2021
    10
    Amazing... Thank You MiMiMi...
    I Can't Wait to See Your Next Project...
    Thank You...
  26. talipisagor
    Jun 7, 2021
    10
    bitmesini istemediğim bir oyun oldu. bazı sahnelerde kamera açısı çok zorlasa da harika bir bütünlük. bitmemesi için yavaş yavaş oynadım. bitti ve ben yeniden oynadım. çünkü istediğiniz gibi ilerleyebiliyorsunuz. harika ve ötesi bir oyun.
  27. freenik
    Jul 22, 2020
    10
    This stealth RTT game has various amazing merits that are hard to deny -- music, art style, game design and story, etc. I had fun playing the Commandos years before and this game does not just remind me of it but also provides a superb fresh gaming experience.
  28. pParad0X
    Feb 18, 2021
    10
    Even a player who doesn't like strategy could love strategy, this game showed me that
    Don't say "I don't like strategy" just take a look
  29. PGABA
    Feb 23, 2021
    10
    It's a really good game. Its story is interesting, gameplay is fun. But although everything seems normal, Shadow Tactics: Blades Of The Shogun was my favorite game. Look, it's not the best, it's my favorite. It was my favorite game, although all the details seem normal. I was depressed when you ended. It will always be my favorite game.
  30. NaziTuccar
    Feb 24, 2021
    10
    BEST haha BEST haha BEST haha BEST haha BEST haha BEST haha BEST haha BEST haha BEST haha
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Awards & Rankings

29
#29 Best PC Game of 2016
58
#58 Most Discussed PC Game of 2016
30
#30 Most Shared PC Game of 2016

Critic Reviews

All reviews »
Metascore
85

Generally favorable reviews - based on 40 Critic Reviews

Critic score distribution:
  1. Positive: 39 out of 40
  2. Mixed: 1 out of 40
  3. Negative: 0 out of 40
  1. The Digital Fix
    Sep 11, 2017
    90
    A remarkably strong challenge of your tactical skills hides some wonderful world-building and character-driven storytelling that helps this game really stand out.
    Read full review
  2. GamingTrend
    Aug 15, 2017
    90
    An excellent and challenging update to a familiar formula, Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is one of those games that makes you cheer at your well-planned success when everything goes off without a hitch, and groan at your own poor planning when it doesn’t. It gets so much right, that the relentless difficulty, and slightly less gorgeous console port can’t mar its beauty. This one snuck up on me, and I couldn’t be more glad that it did.
    Read full review
  3. Game Debate
    Mar 12, 2017
    90
    For fans of real-time tactics and stealth games, Shadow Tactics is very nearly without compare. It’s that same classic Commandos gameplay wrapped up in an exquisite new shell; still punishing yet not cruel.
    Read full review
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