We had the opportunity to try Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun – Aiko’s Choice, the standalone DLC for Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun made by Mimimi Games and published by Daedalic Entertainment, and we are ready to tell you what we think with this review.
Our test took place on PC through a code Steam, the only platform on which it is possible to play the title.
Shadow Tactics review: Aiko’s Choice, the strategic stealth
When Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun came out in 2016, it was very successful, so we knew what lay ahead – or so we believed. Our experience has proved itself difficult e complicated but also incredible e satisfying.
For those who don’t know, Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice it’s a isometric stealth strategy game and the standalone DLC for Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. In it, we play as five killers, each of which is equipped with various ability e strengths. Each of them is able to escape, kill and deceive enemies in their own way. ways to sneak, trick and kill their enemies in the Edo period of Japan.
The first element that we want to emphasize is the following: before venturing into this new standalone DLC, we advise you to try Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. In fact, if you haven’t played the basic title, you may struggle and feel disoriented.
Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice is meant to be an indie game, that’s right. However, we who have tried the base title also have took some time to remember the game mechanics o la history in general.
Aiko’s Choice offers a review of history and of information boxes along the way to update you but this is not a real tutorial. It is therefore quite complicated, at least in the beginning, put the pieces back together: also for those who, as mentioned earlier, played with the first title.
The title boasts a video quite interesting introductory but it is not enough to fill the gaps that new players may have.
Levels, graphics and sound sector
The title offers a total of six missions or levels: three main and three secondary. As we said earlier, Aiko’s Choice takes place during the period Edo in Japan and the story focuses on the relationship between Aiko and his former mentor, Lady Chiyo.
For the duration of the title, we will take on the role of five characters, each of whom possesses special skills. Some master the art of the sword, others know how to use ranged weapons, and so on.
One aspect we couldn’t help but notice is about i puzzle present within the title: really difficult. Our enemies are cunning and leave to the rescue thinking about killing everyone is definitely not recommended – unless you want to fail the mission before even starting it.
I puzzles are difficult and, at times, extremely complicated. The stealth element is what you have to rely on if you want to try at least to be successful in your mission. On the surface the game levels seem easy but you will soon realize you are dealing with complex routes, characterized by numerous hiding places, alternative steps and also secret passages.
This aspect, however, turns out to be very interesting because it allows you to test the abilities of each character. Each of them in fact allows you to resolve particular situations. But keep in mind that there will be traps on your path that could put you and your characters in difficulty. And even here you have to rely on the abilities of your characters and move with caution.
From an aesthetic point of view, Aiko’s Choice offers one third person isometric view and is characterized by a style picturesque e stylized. The beauty of the landscape sometimes distracts attention from blood and terror, from battle and from advancing enemies.
We encountered some problem with the camera, which at times was annoying. Nothing that an update can’t fix.
What we really appreciated is the dubbing and the sound sector, both used with thrift ed Balance. We are faced with a stealth tactical game that also offers moments emotionally charged: moments in which the sound sector runs to his aid to make everything even more moving.
Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice: Passed or Failed?
Shadow Tactics: Aiko’s Choice was one wonderful ed incredible surprise. Extremely difficult, at times impossible, but nevertheless fulfilling. We believe both newcomers and veterans alike they will be put to the test with this standalone DLC.
Veterans probably have some chance of getting away with it, as they are already aware of the game mechanics and even some happenings. The gaming experience of the newcomers instead will be seasoned with frustration, moments of despair but also large satisfactions.
Successfully completing the game’s missions offers a lot satisfaction e if you love challenges, the difficult ones, this is the game for you. For more information on the title, you can consult the official Steam page.