Fans of ninjas and samurais beware: One of the best tactical games of recent years is currently heavily discounted on Steam. MeinMMO author CWaldboth explains why he is a big fan of the game – and what raccoons have to do with it.
I am not the biggest fan of strategy games. That said, it should be kept in mind when I start singing praises about Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun.
The game from German developer Mimimi Games was released in 2016 and single-handedly revived the long-dead genre of real-time tactics. This refers to games like the old Commandos titles or Desperados, which also received a third installment from Mimimi. Despite some very good games, it seems to be a genre that is cursed.
In these games, you usually control a group of several characters, each with different abilities. Typically, you stealthily slash and deceive your way through challenging levels full of enemies, all from an isometric perspective.
Shadows Tactics is highly recommended as a modern representative of the genre. Moreover, the game currently costs a mere 4 euros on Steam. But what makes it so good?
A likable team of heroes in ancient Japan
The game initially impresses with its setting. The story takes place in Japan during the early Edo period, around 1615. A warlord named Kage-sama suddenly appears and threatens the recently restored peace. Together with the ninja Hayato, the samurai Mugen sets out to confront the villain. On their journey through the land, they encounter three additional characters who also join the hero team.
The five characters play fundamentally differently. While Mugen is a classic tank who deals heavy damage with his katana and can defeat even strong samurai opponents alone, there are characters like the thief Yuki on the other hand. She uses a combination of traps and the lure of her flute to send enemies to oblivion.
Particularly curious is Takuma, an aging man who deals significant damage at long range with his sniper rifle. At his side is the raccoon Tanuki, who can distract enemies.
Apart from the various abilities, which are all a lot of fun, it is also the characters themselves that I liked. Although the story of the game is not particularly complex, as the focus is clearly on gameplay. The characters are well characterized in the few dialogues.
The game is a real challenge
One thing all five characters have in common: they can’t take much damage. Shadow Tactics makes it clear from the start that direct confrontation with the enemy is the worst option of all.
That’s why you usually sneak. When you select an enemy, their field of vision is displayed. This way, as a player, you always know whether you are still hidden or are about to be discovered. And this is where the real fun begins: the enemies rarely stand still; rather, they patrol from point A to point B across the beautifully designed maps. So it’s essential to plan your actions precisely, activate abilities down to the second, and lead enemies around the corner.
This is especially challenging in the last of the 13 missions. Do you remember what I wrote at the beginning? That I am not the greatest strategist? Yes, that’s true. And yet, I had no problem exposing myself to the high difficulty level. Still, I tried my luck, only to fail and learn from my mistakes. I reloaded (yes, you will do that often) and tried again.
Thanks to the excellent game design by Mimimi, even the trickiest passages never feel unfair. On the contrary: the mistake lies with me, and I know that.
When a plan works, it is incredibly satisfying and gives me the feeling that with clever planning I can truly master even the most challenging parts.
Shadow Tactics is modern and comfortable
Yes, I can already hear the voices of those who say: Real-time tactics is a dusty genre that belongs in the past. I disagree and invite you to give the game a chance. Because Mimimi Games has modernized the genre and incorporated comfort features at the right points. For example, the game reminds you when you haven’t saved for a long time. Exemplary!
After Shadow Tactics, there were also Desperados 3 (2020) and Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew from last year. Sadly, that was the end for the studio from Munich. Mimimi Games closed its doors. Rising production costs were cited as the reason (via mimimi.games). Additionally, the financing of new projects was uncertain.
That’s a pity because the studio’s games consistently impressed and provided a lot of fun. Currently, you can buy Shadow Tactics, as well as the DLC Aiko’s Choice, in the Daedalic (publisher) Steam Sale. The main game is 90% off and costs 3.99 euros, the expansion 4.99 euros. The sale ends on Thursday, February 1, 2024.
It’s the perfect opportunity to rediscover the game, and possibly an entire genre. The subsequent game, Desperados 3, is also recommended and frequently goes on sale on Steam.
