Shogun Showdown

A must-play for fans of tactical challenges, this innovative blend of tactical combat, deck building, and roguelike mechanics is sure to be a hit with its Japanese theme. Patience and precision are vital, as you'll need to carefully plan your every movement and attack.

At first glance it looks like a platformer, but don't be fooled: a platformer this isn't, and it has plenty of challenges in store if you're a fan of in-depth tactics.

The story is set in Shogun-era Japan, but this has minimal influence on the game beyond its artistic direction.

Best get one thing straight from the outset: Shogun Showdown is an immediate breath of fresh air thanks to its unique approach to the genre.** There's no expansive open world here; instead you get a linear space made up of five to nine tiles. You can only move left and right, but this superficial simplicity belies some real strategic depth.

The core gameplay mechanic is based on managing a deck of times. You start off with basic attack cards like a pair of swords and a bow, but then you can add more tiles to this deck. You can then position and stack these tiles, visually represented by Mahjong tiles, and use them in order. Every turn, you can choose an action such as advance, fall back, change direction, use a special ability, or choose to add a tile to the attack deck. Planning and managing your tiles is essential to winning battles and overcoming challenges.

In practice it's very straightforward, and there's a mini-tutorial to get you used to how it works. On the wooden stand at the bottom of the screen, an "arrow" attack tile causes two damage and takes five turns to cool down. To use it, just slide it onto the attack deck above the character, where you can already see a pair of swords. Building this deck and then using it at the right moment makes the results all the more rewarding.

We liked the pixel art design that both looks good and suits the game's whole atmosphere. The polished aesthetic and graphical details enhance the sense of immersion in this world inspired by feudal Japan.

Our favourite part? The system used to manage your attack deck. It is hugely satisfying to plan and execute powerful combos. Each turn becomes a strategic challenge where planning and precision are key to turning a challenging battle into a resounding victory. The gameplay's focus on planning proves to be uniquely rewarding, and makes each victory that much more precious.

Our tip to help you on your way?

• Optimise your attack deck: take the time to plan and organise your tiles to maximise their effect. A well-managed deck can make all the difference on the battlefield.

• Use the terrain: sometimes, it's better to stay where you are and let the enemies come to you rather that rushing in to attack. Adapt your strategy to suit the situation in hand.

• Experiment with tiles: try different combinations of tiles to find out which ones work best with your own playstyle. Experimentation is key to refining your strategies.

With its pixel art graphics and innovative gameplay mechanics, Shogun Showdown is a great game for casual gamers as well as those seeking a more intense experience. If you're a fan of strategy and games with great replayability, then this game is made for you.