Because of those games, we had a pretty good idea of what to expect, but we enjoyed our time with Aiko’s choice nonetheless – though its short running time explains why they’re calling it a standalone expansion rather than a sequel or spinoff game. It’s exclusive to PCs, but that certainly didn’t stop us from checking it out.Īiko’s Choice reintroduces us to Mimimi’s Shadow Tactics, which the developer followed up with the also excellent Desperados III. But once you fall for it, Aiko’s Choice is an excellent expansion to what made the original game so appealing.Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun – Aiko’s Choice is a standalone expansion to Mimimi’s celebrated real-time tactics game, but unlike the original game this release isn’t coming to consoles. Granted, if you weren’t a fan before, this won’t do anything to convince you otherwis if you’ve never played Shadow Tactics before I’d highly recommend starting with the original. Whilst it doesn’t tread any new ground, it doesn’t need to, thanks to its excellent level design and gameplay that still fresh and rewarding. Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun – Aiko’s Choice is a surprising release five years after the original’s debut, but I’m glad it exists. It’s nice to hear these character voices again, with a great amount banter that quickly develops the bond between them. The gorgeous painted look of the original Shadow Tactics game returns, bringing life to the Edo period of Japan. Not shabby for a standalone expansion.Īs for the visuals and sound this is pretty much exactly the same as before. Once you are done with a chapter, certain challenges open up that require further planning and higher difficulties are brutal but fun. All in all, there’s an impressive 8-15 hours of replayable content to be seen here. Though these smaller missions do provide a solid 20 minute challenge to solve. They take a couple of hours each to complete. The large missions are obviously the main attraction, and are wonderfully designed and provide unique challenges that put your stealth skills to the test. There are main missions which are the more traditional Shadow Tactics design, and three mini chapters which are the equivalent of a single encounter. Even the slightest issue with your plan could end in disaster so finally overcoming the challenge is all the more rewarding.Īiko’s Choice is split into multiple chapters. The game doesn’t punish save scumming instead, it actively encourages it. That same gameplay loop of quicksaving, trying something only for it to fail and reloading is back. Shadow mode allows you queue each character’s actions to perform at the same time or sequentially. Shadow Tactics gives you the necessary tools to progress and it’s up to you how to proceed, rewarding creative strategies and use of all the characters. It’s a standard fare seen in other isometric stealth games, such as Desperados III, and it works brilliantly.īy right clicking on an enemy, you will be able to see their vision cone which allows you to plan your moves in advance. For example, using Yuki’s whistle can distract enemies for Hayato to go in for a takedown or using Aiko’s disguise can help Mugen slip into a more suitable position to takedown the deadly samurai enemies. Then we have Takuma and his trusty pet Kuma, who act like a sniper and distraction respectively.Įach character serves an important gameplay purpose and success relies on combining each of their abilities. We also have Yuki, who can lay traps and attract enemies towards her position. Mugen is your tank-like Samurai, he’s not effective at stealth due to his bulking armour, but easily able to take down other fellow Samurai and multiple enemies at once. Aiko is a Kunoichi (a female ninja) who plays in a somewhat similar style to Hayato, but specialises in disguises. Hayato is your general shinobi class, hiding in shadows and able to take enemies down with a shuriken at a range. Shadow Tactics is an isometric stealth strategy game that has you controlling a small band of heroes.
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