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

If you enjoy games that make you think ahead of the action, then you might find the next release in the highly popular Shadow Tactics series - Shadow Tactics Blades of the Shogun - Aiko's Choice – a worthwhile investment. This game builds on the hugely popular original game, and puts you in the position to control Aiko, one of the most popular characters from the original title.

Games that force you to think ahead are rare, but the level of tactical intrigue that you could find in the original Shadow Tactics made it an immediate modern classic. If you want to compare Shadow Tactics Blades of the Shogun - Aiko's Choice to a particular game, then it can only be compared to its predecessor. How, then, does this live up to that challenge?

Intelligent tactics that will push you to think

If you have ever played games like Desperados or Commandos, you will feel right at home with this particular release. The developers have done a fine job of managing to capture everything that makes this game feel so special. The art style, the gameplay loop, and the overall challenge involved makes Shadow Tactics Blades of the Shogun - Aiko's Choice a very enjoyable game indeed.

This standalone expansion for the original game will add more information about the character of Aiko. A skilled and stylish kunoichi, she was one of the most beloved characters in the original. However, little was known about her personality or her past – this expansion builds on this.

Your job is simple – work through the levels and help Aiko and her friends take out he numerous ghosts of the past. It is by no means an easy game, but it poses an enjoyable challenge that should be highly satisfying for anyone new to the strategy genre. Veterans, too, should find a refreshing challenge.

Modern tactics that encourages you to think outside the box (9/10)

If you even slightly enjoyed the original Shadow Tactics, this brings more of the same quality and satisfaction. Each level brings new challenges, forces you to really think clearly about what you are doing, and asks you to take different routes.

Often, you are asked to be unconventional with your solutions. In many ways, the numerous solutions to solve each puzzle means that you can take Hitman-style creative approaches to getting through each levels numerous obstacles.

Pros

• Intelligent AI means you are always on the precipice of being caught, making success fun
• Challenging game with numerous ways to complete and every level that you take on
• Brilliant character cast, good writing, and fun gameplay makes each level an interest

Cons

• Perhaps a little pricey for the length of the game, though still very fun to play through