Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

It’s rare to find a game that excels in the pillars of mechanics, storytelling, and art as consistently as Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. It has its share of blemishes, most prominent of which being camera controls that made me want to flip an entire hibachi table. But its needle-sharp stealth systems, cast of memorable characters with diverse abilities and personalities, and an uncommonly grounded saga set in a stylized feudal Japan left me with a sense of true accomplishment and a role in a well-told story.
Each of Shadow Tactics’ five characters has a particular set of skills that make them suited to different sneaky deeds, like hunkering down in bushes, isolating and executing enemies, and hiding the evidence before anyone notices. There were clearly times that called for Mugen, a samurai who can take out a cluster of enemies in a katana flurry, and times when it was a job for Yuki, a young thief who can lure solo enemies into traps. Other times, using them both in tandem allowed me to achieve what neither could alone, which created some great “Eureka!” moments.

This is a fun and difficult strategy game where you have to think a lot and watch the guards' paths and pay attention to their field of vision, because if the guards find a body, they will keep coming over to patrol.
There isn't a lot of gameplay in this game. Each mission does the same thing, just with different locations, paths, and number of guards.
For casual players, I would only recommend buying this game when it's on sale.

"A stealth game that can be both satisfying and exhausting."

I’m torn on whether I would recommend Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. On the one hand, the stealth mechanics can be very rewarding when they work, and the story and characters—while not extremely deep—are solid and engaging enough to carry the experience. On the other hand, I found the game incredibly punishing, even on normal difficulty.

Eventually, I had to switch to easy mode, and I’m honestly glad I did. That’s where the game finally started to feel more enjoyable and less like an endless string of trial-and-error. The mechanics are tight, but often demand near-perfect execution, and mistakes are harshly punished.

The stages themselves are long—some took me 2–3 hours—and the in-game badge system adds pressure for replaying them. The fact that you can only see the badge requirements after finishing a level makes it feel more like busywork than meaningful replay value, especially since there’s an achievement tied to getting all badges across all missions, including things like beating levels on hardcore or under tight time limits. That might appeal to perfectionists, but not so much to players who just want to experience the game and move on.

All in all, it's a well-crafted stealth strategy game. But unless you have a high tolerance for frustration and repetition, I’d strongly recommend playing it on easy. That’s when it shines most.

Great strategy stealth game with cute graphics. Feudal Japan settings fits the game like charm and I would not believe that this kind of game will work so flawlessly with controller, so much, that I would not think of going back to m+k. Pity that Mimimi studio, which stands behind the game, closed the offices.

I spent over 30 hours silently removing people from existence and hiding their bodies in bushes like a very polite serial killer. If you've ever wanted to be a ninja, a samurai, and a walking HR violation all at once, this game gets you.

Each mission is a puzzle box. You sneak, stab, lure, distract, and always hide the body because apparently, guards get upset when they see their friend taking a dirt nap in broad daylight.

Lord Noburu? Absolute worst.

I might have missed killing off one developer, might go through it all again someday.

Final thoughts: This game makes you feel smart... until you quicksave into a bad decision. A true trailblazer for the stealth tactics genre, and an absolute delight for all you sneaky sneaks.

Play it. Kill (or I guess knock guards out, meh) silently. Hide the bodies. Regret nothing.

this game is kinda fun. you can play it even only use touch pad and keyboard. just chill and play this game. no need to rush to finish it. you can save the game anytime and anywhere so you still have game process even you want to stop the game in the middle of chapter.

An exceptional game that blends tactical stealth, strategic gameplay, and an engaging narrative set in feudal Japan.
The first thing that stands out in Shadow Tactics is its incredible attention to detail. The environments are beautifully designed, from lush forests to intricate Japanese villages, and they really draw you into the world. The art style is vibrant, and the animations are smooth, making each mission feel immersive and cinematic.
The game offers a fantastic blend of stealth and strategy. You control a group of unique characters, each with their own set of skills and abilities.Every character feels distinct, and learning how to use their skills in combination is both fun and rewarding.
It encourages patience, planning, and tactical decision-making. Missions require you to think multiple steps ahead, and failure is often a learning experience, giving you the motivation to try different approaches until you find the perfect solution.
The story itself is gripping. It’s packed with intrigue, betrayal, and memorable characters, and I found myself invested in the fate of the protagonists. The voice acting and soundtrack further elevate the experience, bringing the world to life in a way that is truly captivating. (PLAY WITH JAPANESE, it's amazing)
Overall, I believe this game is a standout title in the tactical stealth genre. It's challenging yet fair, visually stunning, and offers a rewarding and immersive experience. If you enjoy strategy games that test your intellect and offer a deep, satisfying gameplay loop, this game is absolutely worth your time.