This is a preview of our full review. Come back on: Friday, December 31, 2021 for the complete rating and editorial review.

Shadow Tactics -- Blades of the Shogun: Aiko's Choice

Game review by
Jeff Haynes, Common Sense Media
Shadow Tactics -- Blades of the Shogun: Aiko's Choice Game Poster Image
Upcoming stealth action tests strategy and tactical skills.

What parents need to know

Parents need to know that Shadow Tactics – Blades of the Shogun: Aiko's Choice is an upcoming stealth action/strategy game for Windows PCs. The is a follow up to the 2016 game Shadow Tactics, which was set in Japan's historic Edo period and focused on a team of five warriors trained in assassination and espionage. Aiko's Choice builds on the history of the characters, focusing in on the Geisha character that distracts her enemies. As a direct sequel, the game isn't going to include tutorials or explanations of the previous gameplay. In fact, the developers are strongly encouraging that gamers play the original title before diving into Aiko's Choice, because while the core gameplay mechanics of stealth and tactical strategy will be the same, there will be some subtle changes. Enemies will react faster and be more observant in this title than before. The game will also be broken up into three massive missions in new environments that are broken up into separate chapters. Each chapter will be connected to the overall concept of Aiko and the decisions that she'll be making in the story. There will also be interlude missions at a base camp that will provide additional storytelling segments and information for players about the characters. Players should expect to find a lot of assassinations and enemies being killed by sword, arrow, throwing star and other weapons, with blood spraying from opponents and bodies littering the ground. Players should also expect to use sake as an option to lure targets from one area to the next, making them easier to eliminate with your warriors.

Game details

  • Platforms: Windows
  • Available online? Available online
  • Developer: Daedalic Entertainment
  • Release date: December 31, 2021
  • Genre: Strategy
  • ESRB rating: NR for No Descriptions
  • Last updated: March 25, 2021

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