Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew cover image

Links

CRITIK

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

Name: Comprehensive Review and Analysis of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew
Item: Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew
Author: Critik Editorial Team

2023

GenresIndie, Action, RPG, Stealth, Top-Down Perspective, Strategy, Military and Warfare, Single Player

AvailableAug 17, 2023

PlatformPlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC, Xbox Series X

DeveloperMimimi Games

Overview

Welcome to the Lost Caribbean! In this stealth strategy game, join a ghost ship with a living soul and assemble a cursed pirate crew. Embrace magical powers to defy the menacing army of the Inquisition, who stands between you and the mysterious treasure of the legendary Captain Mordechai.

Elsewhere

8.2

Game analysis

Critik Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive (80-100)

71%

Mixed (50-79)

29%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the story and narrative.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Story of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew are generally positive. Many critics praise the game for its engaging and entertaining narrative, filled with humor, whimsy, and historical fantasy elements. Critics like GameSpot, IGN, Impulsegamer, and Player 2 highlight the interesting characters, well-developed worldbuilding, and top-tier thematics that contribute to a delightful and enjoyable story. The game's setting, centered around a supernatural version of the Golden Age of Piracy, is also commended by critics such as Press Start Australia and The Games Machine for its charm and intriguing premise. The inclusion of side quests and character-related stories is also appreciated, as mentioned by Press Start Australia. However, there are some critics who express more mixed opinions about the story. Checkpoint Gaming mentions that the story is not particularly exciting, instead reveling in its supernatural and wicked vibes and themes. GamingBolt states that while the story does its job in keeping players engaged, it doesn't truly captivate them. These critics suggest that the story may lack depth or fail to fully immerse players in its narrative. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the story of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is enjoyable and entertaining, with positive elements such as quirky characters, engaging thematics, and a well-paced narrative. The game's supernatural slant, trial and error mechanics, and incorporation of historical pirate Caribbean elements are also appreciated. While there are some mixed opinions regarding the level of excitement or captivation the story offers, the majority of critics find the story to be a strong aspect of the game. The positive aspects of the story outweigh any negatives, making it a compelling experience for players who enjoy swashbuckling adventures and historical fantasy narratives.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Critics generally praise Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew for its engaging narrative, charming characters, and well-developed worldbuilding set in a supernatural Golden Age of Piracy. While some critics find the story lacking excitement, the majority agree that it offers an enjoyable and entertaining experience with positive elements like quirky characters and engaging thematics. Overall, the game's unique setting, side quests, and historical fantasy elements make it a compelling choice for players who enjoy swashbuckling adventures.

Gameplay Mechanics

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive (80-100)

90%

Mixed (50-79)

10%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the gameplay mechanics.

The majority of the critics praised the gameplay of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, considering it to be very good. One of the standout features mentioned by multiple reviewers is the variety of options available for approaching missions, with a focus on stealth and strategy. Press Start Australia highlights the "memory" mechanic that allows for experimentation and quick reloading, while GameSpew mentions the variety of skills available for each crew member. TheSixthAxis emphasizes the importance of planning and utilizing the strengths of each character, making it crucial for success. The game also offers a mix of real-time and planned strategy, as mentioned by XboxEra and GamingBolt. The core gameplay loop, as described by GameGrin, involves choosing crewmates with unique abilities to tackle each mission, encouraging experimentation and puzzle-solving. The gameplay is further enhanced by the ability to control crewmates individually or as a group, as mentioned by GamesRadar++. While the overall sentiment towards the gameplay of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is positive, there are a few criticisms raised by some reviewers. One of the common complaints is the initial clumsiness of the control scheme, as noted by Press Start Australia. However, several critics, including Press Start Australia and PC Games, mention that the controls become more natural with practice. Another criticism is the need for trial and error, mentioned by GamesRadar++, which suggests that some players may find the learning curve to be steep. Despite these minor drawbacks, the majority of the critics still found the gameplay to be enjoyable and engaging. In conclusion, the gameplay of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is highly regarded by the critics, with the majority expressing positive opinions. The game offers a variety of options for approaching missions, with a focus on stealth and strategy. The ability to control crewmates individually or as a group, and the importance of choosing the right crewmates for each mission, adds depth to the gameplay experience. The unique abilities and environment interactions, as mentioned by GameGrin, further enhance the core gameplay loop. While there are some minor criticisms regarding the initial control scheme and the need for trial and error, the overall consensus among the critics is that the gameplay of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is very good.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Critics rave about Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew's gameplay, praising its variety of mission approaches, stealth/strategy focus, and unique crew abilities. While some note initial control clumsiness and trial-and-error challenges, the majority find the gameplay engaging and enjoyable. With features like individual/group crewmate control and strategic planning, the game offers a rich experience that captivates players.

Graphics and Visual Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive (80-100)

78%

Mixed (50-79)

22%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the graphics and visual design.

The graphics and visual design of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew have received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the majority of critics. Many reviewers praised the game's stunning and charming art style, which creates a rich and spooky fantasy world. Press Start Australia commends the exceptional voice acting and compelling backstories of the characters, while COGconnected highlights the fantastic environments with a color-drenched fantasy style that is full of charm and detail. The distinct and visually appealing character designs, as well as well-crafted stage design accommodating different team compositions, are also appreciated by GameSpot. The game's isometric perspective with the ability to zoom in and out, mentioned by Gamereactor UK, adds to the positive visual experience. While the overall sentiment towards the graphics and visual design is highly positive, there are a few minor drawbacks mentioned by some critics. RPG Fan describes the visuals as dated but not bad, indicating that the game may not push the boundaries of graphical fidelity. Additionally, Press Start Australia points out that the enemy units lack depth and feel repetitive, which could impact the overall visual experience. In conclusion, the graphics and visual design of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew are widely praised by critics. The game's stunning and charming art style, exceptional character designs, and well-crafted environments contribute to a visually appealing experience. The positive feedback from critics such as Press Start Australia, COGconnected, and GameSpot further supports the overall consensus that the graphics and visual design of the game are very good. While there are some minor criticisms regarding dated visuals and repetitive enemy units, these do not significantly detract from the overall positive reception of the game's graphics and visual design.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Critics are raving about the graphics and visual design of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, praising its stunning art style, exceptional character designs, and captivating environments. While some mention minor drawbacks like dated visuals and repetitive enemy units, the overall consensus is highly positive. Press Start Australia, COGconnected, and GameSpot all commend the game's visuals, making it a visually appealing experience.

Music and Sound Design

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive (80-100)

60%

Mixed (50-79)

40%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the music and sound design.

The opinions of the critics regarding the Sound Design and Music of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew are generally positive. Many critics praised the voice acting in the game, highlighting the well-rounded characters and engaging performances. Critics such as RPG Fan and Impulsegamer specifically mentioned the competent or fantastic voice acting, which added to the overall enjoyment of the game. The dialogue was also well-received, with Press Start Australia noting that it was well-written and performed, with a tongue-in-cheek humor reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The audio work in the game was also praised, with Impulsegamer mentioning the fun and spirited audio that was in line with the mystical pirate setting. The soundtrack was enjoyable, according to XboxEra, and the cool pirate tunes mentioned by New Game Network added excitement and engagement. While the majority of the critics had positive opinions about the Sound Design and Music of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, there were a few minor negatives mentioned. Gamereactor UK pointed out that the voice acting was hit and miss, indicating that there may have been some inconsistencies in the performances. TheXboxHub mentioned that the enemies' vocalizations could become repetitive, which may have affected the overall immersion of the game. However, these negatives were relatively minor and did not significantly impact the overall sentiment towards the sound design and music. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the Sound Design and Music of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew are well done and contribute to the enjoyment of the game. The voice acting was particularly praised, with critics such as RPG Fan and Impulsegamer highlighting the competent or fantastic performances. The dialogue was also well-received, with Press Start Australia noting the humor reminiscent of the Pirates of the Caribbean franchise. The audio work, including the soundtrack and pirate tunes, added to the excitement and engagement of the game, as mentioned by New Game Network and XboxEra. While there were some minor negatives mentioned, such as hit and miss voice acting and repetitive enemy vocalizations, these did not detract significantly from the overall positive sentiment towards the sound design and music of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Critics rave about the voice acting, well-rounded characters, and engaging performances in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew. The sound design and music receive high praise for adding to the game's enjoyment, with mentions of well-written dialogue and a fun pirate-themed soundtrack. While some critics noted minor issues like inconsistent voice acting and repetitive enemy vocalizations, overall, the consensus is that the audio elements enhance the game's experience.

Voice Acting

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive (80-100)

50%

Mixed (50-79)

50%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the voice acting.

The opinions of the critics regarding the voice acting in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew are generally positive. Many critics praise the voice acting for adding authenticity and depth to the characters. Press Start Australia describes the voice acting as exceptional, making the characters feel authentic and compelling. IGN also mentions that the voice acting is delightful and adds to the characterization of each pirate. WellPlayed notes that the crew of the Red Marley brings personality and character to the game through their voice acting. These positive opinions highlight the effectiveness of the voice acting in bringing the characters to life and enhancing the overall gameplay experience. However, there are also some mixed opinions regarding the voice acting in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew. Gamereactor UK states that the voice acting is hit and miss, but overall the characters are pretty funny. This suggests that while some performances may be enjoyable, others may not meet the same standard. Impulsegamer mentions that the voice acting is exaggerated, which could potentially be a negative aspect for some players who prefer more subtle performances. Despite these mixed opinions, the negative aspects of the voice acting are not extensively discussed, indicating that any shortcomings are relatively minor. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that the voice acting in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a positive aspect of the game. RPG Fan praises the voice acting as competent or fantastic, with well-rounded characters and engaging performances. COGconnected simply states that the voice acting is entertaining. Wccftech mentions that the voice acting is good and adds to the immersion. XboxEra and TheXboxHub both highlight the well-done voice work that matches the characters perfectly, with TheXboxHub specifically mentioning the great voice acting in fully voiced cutscenes. These positive opinions, along with the limited negative feedback, suggest that the voice acting in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is generally well-received by both critics and players, contributing to the overall enjoyment of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Critics generally praise the voice acting in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew for adding authenticity and depth to the characters, making them feel authentic and compelling. While some mixed opinions exist, highlighting some performances as hit or miss, overall, the consensus is that the voice acting enhances the gameplay experience with well-rounded characters and engaging performances.

Technical Performance

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive (80-100)

46%

Mixed (50-79)

54%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the technical performance.

In terms of technical performance, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew received positive feedback on both the PlayStation 5 and PC platforms. Finger Guns praised the game's graphics and performance on the PS5, stating that there was virtually no distinguishing difference between it and a mid-to-high-end PC. They also highlighted the solid and constant 60 FPS achieved on the PS5. Impulsegamer also commended the game's smooth performance on PC, specifically mentioning that it ran smoothly on an RTX 3060 ti and Ryzen 5 3600 with max settings at 120fps. Player 2 mentioned that the game worked well with both mouse and keyboard and controller, scaling to a range of PC specs without any noticeable technical faults. However, there were some negative aspects mentioned by the critics regarding the technical performance of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew. GameSpew pointed out that while the framerate was mostly rock-solid on the PS5, loading times could be a bit long and the camera could be unwieldy. TheSixthAxis highlighted issues with character movement and unclear planning, as well as certain kill animations taking too long, potentially causing alarms. COGconnected and Checkpoint Gaming both mentioned encountering a few technical issues and bugs on the PC version, although they expected these to be patched. The Games Machine criticized the default keyboard configuration on PC, while WellPlayed mentioned minor bugs and issues with inputs on the same platform. Overall, the consensus among the critics is that Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew generally performs well on both the PlayStation 5 and PC platforms. The game received praise for its graphics, performance, and smooth gameplay experience on both platforms. While there were some minor technical issues and bugs mentioned by a few critics, these were not considered major detractors and were expected to be addressed through future patches. The game's ability to scale to different PC specs and work well with various input methods was also highlighted as a positive aspect. However, it's worth noting that some critics did mention specific issues such as long loading times, unwieldy camera controls, and occasional hitches during auto-saves.

TL;DR

technical performance

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew shines with top-notch technical performance on PS5 and PC, impressing critics with graphics and smooth gameplay. While some minor issues like long loading times and bugs were noted, they didn't overshadow the overall positive reception. Critics expect these hiccups to be fixed in future updates, praising the game's adaptability to different PC specs and input methods.

Replay Value

Click for more details

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive (80-100)

55%

Mixed (50-79)

45%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing reviews that specifically scored or critiqued the replay value.

The opinions of the critics regarding the replay value of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew are generally positive. Many critics highlight the game's non-linear gameplay and encourage experimentation, allowing players to tackle missions in different ways. GameSpew, Press Start Australia, Push Square, and TheSixthAxis all mention the game's replayability through various gameplay mechanics such as rewinding time, customizable options, and optional side stories that provide more depth to the characters. The game also offers multiple difficulty settings and customizable options, as mentioned by TheSixthAxis and GameSpot, which further enhance the replay value. Additionally, the game provides compelling peripheral systems and unlockable badges, as noted by GameGrin, and a multitude of reasons to continue interacting with it, including individual pirate side stories and specific training missions, as mentioned by Player 2. However, there are some criticisms regarding the replay value of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew. GamesRadar++ mentions that while the game encourages experimenting with different crewmates and their abilities, some abilities are more useful than others, leading to a tendency to use the same three crewmates. The recycled environments eventually felt stale to the reviewer. Slant Magazine also points out that some entry and exit points in the game are too out-of-the-way to bother using, which may hinder the overall replayability. Overall, the critics' consensus is that Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew offers a good amount of replay value. The game's non-linear gameplay, multiple character abilities, and customizable options provide players with different approaches and strategies, as noted by Push Square, GameSpot, and RPG Fan. The variety of objectives, side stories, and challenges mentioned by Wccftech, XboxEra, and GamingBolt also contribute to the overall replayability. While there are some criticisms regarding repetitive levels and certain entry and exit points, the positive aspects of the game outweigh the negatives, making it a worthwhile experience for fans of tactical gameplay and stealth, as mentioned by Player 2, WellPlayed, and GamingBolt.

TL;DR

replay value

Critics praise Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew for its non-linear gameplay, encouraging experimentation, and various mechanics like rewinding time and customizable options that enhance replay value. Despite some criticisms of repetitive levels and certain gameplay elements, the consensus is that the game offers a compelling and worthwhile experience for fans of tactical gameplay and stealth.

Overall Verdict

CRITIK

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Critik Score

Positive (80-100)

88%

Mixed (50-79)

12%

Negative (0-49)

Based on analyzing all available reviews that scored and critiqued the game.

Overall, the critics had a highly positive opinion of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew. The game was praised for its gameplay, visuals, narrative, and replayability. Finger Guns describes it as a "masterpiece on any system" and the best game Mimimi has made to date. GameSpew calls it a must-play for fans of stealth and strategy games, highlighting its well-crafted gameplay experience. Press Start Australia commends the visually stunning graphics, compelling narrative, and exceptional voice acting. They also mention that the game offers a decent amount of replayability and serves as a great introduction to the stealth strategy genre. Push Square states that the game leaves players feeling like tactical geniuses, emphasizing the engaging gameplay. COGconnected highly recommends Shadow Gambit, praising its challenging and entertaining stealth action and tactics gameplay, as well as its charming setting and story. God is a Geek describes it as an incredibly inventive, impeccably designed, and superbly paced stealth strategy game, making it the best example of the genre created by Mimimi. However, there were some criticisms mentioned by the critics. Press Start Australia notes that the enemy units lack depth and can feel repetitive. GamesRadar++ mentions that the gameplay can become repetitive and that the plot takes a backseat to the characters and side quests. Slant Magazine sees the game as a tentative step in an exciting new direction for the studio, but mentions the strain of coming up with eight characters with different powers as a drawback. WellPlayed mentions control issues and minor bugs as potential drawbacks. Despite these criticisms, the overall consensus among the critics is that Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a highly recommended game. The majority of the critics thought that the overall verdict of the game was very good. The game is praised for its gameplay, visuals, narrative, and replayability. It is considered a must-play for fans of the stealth and strategy genre, with Finger Guns, GameSpew, and Player 2 highlighting its excellence in these areas. The positive opinions from critics such as GameSpot, GameStar, and The Games Machine further support the overall positive consensus. While there are some minor drawbacks mentioned by a few critics, the overwhelming praise for the game's strengths solidifies its status as a highly regarded title.

TL;DR

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew receives glowing reviews for its exceptional gameplay, visuals, narrative, and replayability, being hailed as a masterpiece and a must-play for stealth and strategy fans. Despite minor criticisms about repetitive gameplay and character depth, critics unanimously recommend the game for its engaging experience and innovative design.

CRITIK

Reviews

85 reviews found

100

Finger Guns

PlayStation 5

Aug 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The review states that Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a high-performance wave-slicing ghost ship on PlayStation 5 and calls it a masterpiece on any system. It also mentions that the game is the best IP and the best game Mimimi have made to date.

Read full review

100

God is a Geek

Aug 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is an incredibly inventive, impeccably designed, and superbly paced stealth strategy game, making it the best example of the genre created by MiMiMi.

Read full review

GameGrin

Aug 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow Gambit is a near-perfect game for stealth strategy fans with a new sandbox approach.

Read full review

COGconnected

Aug 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a challenging and extremely entertaining stealth action and tactics game with a charming setting and story. It is highly recommended for fans of the genre.

Read full review

Impulsegamer

Aug 29, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a must-play for fans of the genre and offers a cerebral gameplay experience with a colorful narrative.

Read full review

Player 2

Aug 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, stating that it is a fantastic tactical game that surpasses the developer's previous work. It is described as right up there with the best the genre has to offer.

Read full review

GameSpew

PlayStation 5

Aug 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a must-play for fans of stealth and strategy games, with a well-crafted gameplay experience.

Read full review

GameSpot

Aug 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

The reviewer highly recommends Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew and expresses a desire for it to become a franchise.

Read full review

GamingBolt

Xbox Series X

Aug 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is an excellent, extremely replayable, and consistently enjoyable stealth experience that lives up to expectations with great aplomb

Read full review

Wccftech

Aug 16, 2023

AI-generated summary • May contain inaccuracies • See full review for precise details

An outstanding real-time tactics game with excellent level design and a wide variety of missions

Read full review