Shadow Tactics is incredibly difficult and highly engaging due to the way it blends real time strategy, stealth, and excellent character design. In addition to its hardcore gameplay, gorgeous cinematography, and a captivating plot, one thing that makes Shadow Tactics stand out is its character design. Each character is well crafted and unique, both in their personality and, more importantly, in their gameplay. No two characters feel the same, and each character is highly rewarding to learn for their own reasons. Despite the well balanced design of these characters, some are more powerful than others.
1. Ōshiro Mugen
Oshiro Mugen is a Samurai loyal to the Sensei, who values honor (and Sake) above all else. He is an absolute powerhouse on the field, for the following reasons:
pros:
- Sword Wind: With Mugen's Sword Wind Ability, he can take down three enemies in one one attack. This ability leads to Mugen having the highest kill count in almost every mission he's a part of.
- Samurai Takedown: Mugen is the only character who can take down enemy Samurai on his own.
- Double Body Carry: Due to his large size and immense strength, Mugen is able to pick up two dead bodies at once, and move fairly quickly with them.
- Sake: Mugen's Sake is an excellent trap for enemies, luring them over to its location from a considerable distance.
cons:
- Agility: Mugen cannot climb ladders or use grapples, and he is one of the slowest characters. He cannot swim.
- Noise: It can be difficult to remain stealth with Mugen, as he makes a lot of noise
2. Yuki
Yuki is a cunning thief who focuses on trapping and luring enemies. She is one of the most endearing characters in the game, a young and tough girl who lived a harsh life.
Pros:
- Little Trap: Yuki's Little Trap ability is a unique and extremely satisfying ability to use.
- Bird Call: Yuki can make a bird noise which will lure enemies to her location
- Quiet: Yuki is very quiet, making her a great option for a stealth approach.
- Agility: Yuki is very quick, can use grapples, and can balance on thin beams.
Cons:
- Body Drag: Due to her small size, Yuki cannot lift up bodies and has to drag them, which is quite slow.
3. Hayato
Hayato is a member of the Iga clan of Ninjas, and has an icy personality, being primarily driven by money. He initially clashes with Mugen's sense of honor, however throughout the game he develops integrity and a sense of justice.
Pros:
- Shuriken: Hayato's Shuriken is the only quiet ranged weapon in the game, making him a valuable asset.
- Rock: Hayato has a rock he can throw to lure enemies to a specific location
- Agility: Hayato is very quick, can use grapples, and can balance on thin beams.
Cons:
- Uninteresting: Hayato is very straightforward, and can feel a bit bland compared to other characters
4. Takuma:
Takuma is a wise old man and an expert sniper. He is also a skilled munitions manufacturer, he crafts explosives for himself and gifts the group matchlock pistols.
Pros:
- Sniper Rifle: Takuma's Rifle is incredibly powerful and satisfying to use. Once you get him up to a high location, this weapon becomes a powerful and deadly tool.
- Kuma: Kuma is Takuma's adorable pet tanuki, who can run around the map and let out a cry to attract guards.
- Grenades: Takuma has gas grenades, which are silent and stun enemies, and explosive grenades, which kill but are loud.
Cons:
- Low Ammo: Takuma has low ammo, and his rifle can only be used a certain number of times per level.
- Agility: Due to his wooden leg, Takuma has low speed, and he cannot swim.
- Body Drag: Takuma has to lift up bodies and drag them, which is quite slow.
Aiko
Aiko is an intelligent and rational kunoichi, as well as a skilled spy and a master of disguise. She is blessed with the virtue of patience, and strikes when the time is right.
Pros:
- Disguise and Distract: Aiko has the ability to put on a disguise, which she can use to walk freely among enemies and distract guards.
- Sneezing Powder: Aiko can throw a vial of sneezing powder which will cause enemies to briefly lower their viewcones significantly.
Cons:
- Disguise Pickup: In order to use the disguise ability, Aiko must first pick up a disguise from a location on the map, typically one that is difficult to access.
- Body Drag: Aiko has to lift up bodies and drag them, which is quite slow.
So, while Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun does have well balanced characters, some of them have more utility and are used more frequently than others. Ultimately though, the game requires each character's presence to perform the deadly dance that is Shadow Tactics.
