Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun is a tactical real-time strategy game where stealth and cunning are needed to get through each of the 13 missions. The game is based on events during Japan’s Edo period which went from about 1600 to 1800 AD.

There are 5 playable characters and any number of these may be available depending on the mission. They each have their own skills and abilities so you’ll need to figure out when to use each character and for what situation.

Shadow Tactics Characters

Hayato – Is the main character and you’ll use him for most missions. His skills are the ninjato strike, the shuriken throw and the stone throw for distracting guards.

Mugen – Is the second character you’ll meet and is a tough samurai. His attacks are the Katana and Sword Wind and he can throw a bottle of Sake to distract opponents. Mugen is so strong that he can throw items onto rooftops and carry people and run at the same time.

Takuma – Is used for support. He carries a rifle and has limited ammo so make sure you’re aware of how many bullets you have remaining. The other skills are the use of grenades, either sleeping or explosive and the Kuma Tanuki which is a tamed animal.

Yuki – Is a thief and is more agile than the other characters. Her skills include the use of a dagger, setting traps and using the flute to lure enemies.

Aiko – Is also an assassin but is able to use disguises to get to places other characters can’t reach. She can use hairpins to attack enemies and a sneezing potion to blind opponents for a short while.

Shadow Tactics Walkthrough

Mission 1 – Osaka Castle
Mission 2 – Nakasendo Road
Mission 3 – Imai Town
Mission 4 – Tsuru Mountain
Mission 5 – Lord Yabu’s Palace
Mission 6 – Hida Village
Mission 7 – Suganuma Village
Mission 8 – Kanazawa City
Mission 9 – Kage-sama’s Camp
Mission 10 – Mount Tsuru (Prison)
Mission 11 – Matsuyama City
Mission 12 – Myogi Pass
Mission 13 – Sunpu Castle

Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun received good reviews from critics and currently has a rating of about 96% on Steam. The game was developed by German video game software development company Mimimi Productions and published by Daedalic Entertainment. It’s available for Windows, PS4, Xbox One, Linux and the Mac.