Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun

Nintendo Life

PJ O'Reilly·Mar 16, 2026

Critic90/100

Agreement—

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a fantastic real-time tactics adventure that wows with top-notch gameplay, fantastic looks, and a set of delectable missions that challenge you to get into your ninja groove and bring the best out of a team of shadowy assassins. The signature shadow mechanic is a delight to use, and the cherry on top of an impressively flexible core combat system, whilst large missions give you endless opportunity to get creative.Oh, and it all looks and plays wonderfully well on Switch 2. With mouse mode, improved loading times, and solid performance to boot, there's precious little to criticise with this all-timer. Now, give us Desperados 3 and Shadow Gambit!

Eurogamer

Jeffrey Matulef·Aug 9, 2017

Critic75/100

Agreement—

There's not much more satisfying than seeing a good team come together, something Shadow Tactics developer Mimimi no do…

Push Square

Ken Talbot·Jul 25, 2017

Critic90/100

Agreement—

A welcome return to a type of stealth-strategy that hasn't been seen on PlayStation for many a moon. The period setting forms a great backdrop for the action, missions are steeped in atmosphere, and the central characters are just plain cool. Lack of co-op is a missed opportunity, but the addictive challenge badges will keep you coming back for more. Shadow Tactics: Blade of the Shogun is a serious tactical treat..

PC Gamer

Fraser Brown·Jan 17, 2017

Critic92/100

Agreement—

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is secretly last year’s best stealth game.

GameSpot

Daniel Starkey·Dec 18, 2016

Critic80/100

Agreement—

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a real-time tactical stealth game with gorgeous levels and clever mechanics.

Polygon

Carli Velocci·Dec 16, 2016

Critic—

Agreement—

Shadow Tactics is a return to form for a genre that hasn't received nearly enough love

IGN

T.J. Hafer·Dec 15, 2016

Critic82/100

Agreement—

Irritating camera aside, Shadow Tactics weaves the unique abilities of its characters into a fun, smart stealth game.