Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun Reviews

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is ranked in the 91st percentile of games scored on OpenCritic.
7.5 / 10.0
Mar 16, 2026

It is transformative to the point that I almost feel like the game ought to specifically recommend it to the player on startup. Underneath all of that is an interesting, though at times inconsistent, stealth game full of unique characters and scenarios. Just be sure to have a clear surface available mouse mode and plenty of patience as you whittle away at the challenge.

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8 / 10
Dec 12, 2016

Based Loosely on Japan's Edo period, Shadow Tactics is a great Stealth-Tactical Real Time Strategy game that reminds you of the good old Commandos series.

Review in Persian | Read full review

8 / 10.0
Sep 28, 2017

With a taste for the minute detail and a remarkable sense for level design, the obscure german developer put together 13 lovely, bloody tableau vivant with a japanese setting, whose shadows house a cabal of five well assorted blades.

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Unscored
Sep 29, 2017

As stealth games go, Shadow Tactics is one of the best I have ever played - and certainly the purest

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9 / 10.0
Sep 7, 2017

I can't recommend Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun enough to fans of strategy and stealth titles. There is a high level of replay value, and there's a sandbox feel to the levels, so players can determine how to beat them in a variety of ways.

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85 / 100
Jan 26, 2017

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a great stealth experience featuring a diverse squad of deadly assassins ready to implement the perfect plan.

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8 / 10
Aug 12, 2017

There is a certain charm in attempting stealth in Shadow Tactics and with its focus on tactical aspects of combat, the story unforuately takes a backseat to the gameplay.

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8.5 / 10.0
Jan 10, 2017

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a pleasant surprise. In a time when the genre is making a comeback, it adheres to some of the popular traits while still providing a fresh setting, an interesting story and a good set of characters. Stealth fans will love the level of intelligence in the enemies, while light strategy fans will love the various options at their disposal for accomplishing even the simplest of tasks. With a good presentation and solid controls for both keyboard/mouse and controller, Shadow Tactics is an excellent choice for anyone who's looking for the next strategy or stealth game fix.

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GameGrin
Top Critic
9 / 10.0
Jan 10, 2017

A brilliant tactical puzzle game, interesting story, engaging characters, slick controls and beautiful maps make this a very enjoyable play. It’ll take you while to get through each level but it’s very rewarding when your plans all come together and you feel like a master ninja!

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Cubed3
Eric
Top Critic
5 / 10
Jan 13, 2017

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a game hardcore puzzle types will enjoy, despite what any screenshot looks like, but any fan of RTS or even stealth games will be annoyed by the very narrow path of figuring out the current "stealth puzzle" facing them. If it is any indication of the slog that will be faced, a warning appears if you have not saved in over a minute. For the very narrow niche of puzzle gamers, they will enjoy figuring it out, but for everyone else, it is simply far too much guess-and-check, and the pure repetition grinds the player down.

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8.7 / 10.0
Dec 8, 2016

Everything in Shadow Tactics is just so refreshing (and challenging that’ll ultimately get you frustrated, but will still make you play the game because you really want to know what’ll happen next, too), and it is really a huge surprise to me that such game still exists during this time of generic triple A titles.

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8.2 / 10.0
Mar 18, 2026

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a great tactical stealth game that has not only held up wonderfully on its own, this new Nintendo Switch 2 release is the definitive way to play it on console so definitely get it if you enjoy challenging strategic gameplay. ❕

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7 / 10.0
Mar 16, 2026

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a good tactical game. The concept is very well executed, especially regarding the combination of character abilities and the strategic freedom offered in missions. However, the camera issues significantly hinder the experience and weigh negatively. The DLC, on the other hand, doesn't bring major changes compared to the main game. It delves deeper into the story of one of the central characters, which is interesting, but may leave a feeling of lacking new elements. Even so, the game's central idea is very well implemented and works as a great entry point for those who have never played a tactical RTS title, offering a consistent and rewarding strategic challenge.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

9 / 10
Mar 18, 2026

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a very entertaining strategy game that is consistent, deep, and challenging. It is consistently fun while pushing you and introducing new elements and it dials up even more in the Aiko’s Choice expansion.

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90 / 100
Mar 18, 2026

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun for Switch2 successfully translates all the strategic depth and stealth of the original game to Nintendo's new console, adding precise controls, solid performance, and a comfortable experience in both handheld and big-screen modes. While the framerate remains at 30 frames per second, this doesn't detract from the gameplay or the intensity of its missions. The port respects the game's legacy and offers an ideal opportunity to rediscover a classic of the genre on the go. For those seeking tactical depth, planning, and challenge, this version is practically a must-have.

Review in Spanish | Read full review

9 / 10
Mar 17, 2026

Filled with very interesting characters and unique, addictive gameplay mechanics, if you love stealth-based games that give you a hard but never unfair challenge, I highly recommend you check out Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun on the Nintendo Switch 2

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9 / 10.0
Mar 16, 2026

The game combines extremely well-designed maps, characters with complementary abilities, and a system that rewards planning and creativity. Even after several hours, I still found myself analyzing scenarios and thinking of new ways to solve the challenges.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

9 / 10.0
Mar 16, 2026

I believe I don't have much to add given the extremely positive reception the title has already received since its release ten years ago. Its loop is engaging, its characters are lovable, the levels are complex… it's a tactical game that's hard to fault. Even with limited enemy variety, it's their availability and different routines that give the experience diversity.

Review in Portuguese | Read full review

Jesse Norris
Top Critic
8.5 / 10.0
Mar 16, 2026

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun’s Nintendo Switch 2 port is an excellent (if expensive) way to experience this wonderful title. Mimimi Games was one of the best, and Shadow Tactics was where they started to shine. At $40 MSRP for the base game and $20 for Aiko’s Choice, it isn’t cheap, but it is fantastic.

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8.5 / 10.0
Mar 16, 2026

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is still a fantastic stealth game with characters that are fun to use, and now you can take it on the go with you.

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