Shogun Showdown >> Game Review

Like chess with ninjas++

It’s not actually that much like chess in many ways, and quite a lot like chess in many others, though either way it’s damn good and it’s Shogun Showdown (also on Nintendo Switch and Playstation. ‘Don’t just move, think first’ is perhaps the most concise summary of the gameplay, this is a game of strategy, thinking at least 1 or 2 moves ahead all the time. Looking at gameplay videos you might be put off by the simplicity, thinking it looks too easy and not worth the money. At first glance, it does look like a straightforward game where you are a ninja and move backwards and forwards and kill enemies using weapons. However, the variety of upgrades and the combinations in which they can be used to execute combos makes it addictive, fun and definitely recommended. Even better, there is a free demo version available on all plaforms so you can try before you buy.

The gameplay is simple, you can only move horizontally (backwards and forwards) in each area, enemies spawn in waves and you need to kill all of them to move onto the next area. You collect coins along the way to buy upgrades at shops on route and enemies also drop items. This all sounds very much like standard roguelike fare and not worth the time and effort you may be thinking. However, Shogun Showdown represents a very polished version of this familiar theme and beating the game will require many hours of rather enjoyable gameplay.

Just be warned, this is not a game for the casual gamer that likes to smash a few buttons, win a level and move on. To progess you will need to think about your next (as well as the next) move and with limited inventory space, managing items and upgrades also requires a bit of thought. There are many weapons, move upgrades and difficulty levels to unlock and this will take even a hardened gamer many hours to achieve making it excellent value for money. All round if you like strategy, turn-based, chess-like, roguelike/roguelite games then this is one of the best to have been made in the last decade and you should get it today. The only other similar turn-based game that I can think of that kept me hooked for this length of time is Into the Breach and both are definitely worth playing if you haven’t.

Get it on Steam

Get it on Nintendo Store

Get it on Playstation Store

THE GOOD…

• Many hours of gameplay at a low price
• Lots of weapons & special moves to unlock
• Requires thought, not mindless gaming
• Kid friendly, cartoon graphics
• Multiple characters & difficulty levels
• Replayable, pixel roguelite everyone should play
• Try before you buy free demo version

THE NOT SO GOOD…

• Difficult in the beginning
• Not for everyone
• Slow paced
• Not much else really - it is quite good

Video