Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

93%
Game Brain Score Based on 1,360 reviews
  • story
  • gameplay
  • graphics
Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew Game Cover
Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is simply the best example of the genre MiMiMi helped create.
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Assemble a pirate crew and embrace magical powers in this stealth strategy game

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Reviews

93%
Audience ScoreBased on 1,360 reviews
story190 positive mentions
grinding24 negative mentions
  • Another masterpiece by Mimimi with a great story and interesting characters.
  • The game features a lot of additional end game content, enhancing replayability.
  • The gameplay mechanics are refined, allowing for creative strategies and character combinations.
  • The game can feel repetitive due to revisiting the same islands for multiple missions.
  • Some characters feel overpowered, making the game easier than previous titles.
  • The story and character development are less engaging compared to Mimimi's earlier games.
  • story879 mentions

    The story of "Shadow Gambit" has received mixed reviews, with some players appreciating its engaging characters and humorous tone, while others find it lacking depth and coherence compared to previous titles like "Desperados 3" and "Shadow Tactics." Many reviewers noted that the non-linear mission structure and the ability to choose characters for each mission provide a fresh approach, but this flexibility sometimes leads to repetitive gameplay and a diluted narrative experience. Overall, while the game offers a fun pirate-themed adventure with unique mechanics, its story may not resonate as strongly with all players.

    • “The story is intriguing from start to end, every character is memorable and lovable (with stellar voice acting performances from everyone), the art direction and designs of both the environments and the characters (enemies included) are outstanding.”
    • “The story keeps it moving at a nice pace without becoming dull, along with creating a nice world with which to explore.”
    • “The integration of the save-reload with the plot was fairly well done, and the individual character missions were all quite enjoyable.”
    • “The story is boring me to death so far.”
    • “The story had no real importance, mostly because it focuses most of the plot on learning about someone you'll never really meet.”
    • “The main story is very predictable and not very inspiring.”
  • gameplay334 mentions

    The gameplay in "Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew" is widely praised for its polished mechanics, engaging stealth tactics, and the introduction of unique character abilities that enhance strategic options. While some players note a sense of repetition due to limited enemy variety and similar mechanics to previous titles, the game offers a satisfying blend of creativity and challenge, particularly with its innovative save/load mechanic integrated into the narrative. Overall, it maintains the core elements of the genre while providing a fresh experience that appeals to both fans and newcomers alike.

    • “I love the pace of the game, game mechanics, and characters.”
    • “The gameplay is smooth, complex, and incredibly enjoyable.”
    • “The core gameplay loop is excellent in itself, but the many characters with their different abilities add ample variety to the experience.”
    • “So cheaply made it seems, by the amount of bugs and just horrible time-wasting gameplay.”
    • “The gameplay definitely suffered from the company's earlier games.”
    • “The gameplay is mostly the same: easy to learn but hard to master.”
  • graphics75 mentions

    The graphics of the game receive mixed reviews, with some praising the vibrant and unique art style that fits the theme well, while others find it too cartoony and distracting, detracting from immersion. Many players appreciate the detailed environments and character designs, noting that the visuals are polished and enjoyable, though some express disappointment compared to previous titles. Overall, the graphics are generally considered satisfactory, contributing positively to the gameplay experience despite some technical issues and personal taste variations.

    • “The game was masterfully developed, with stunning graphics and an engaging storyline that kept me hooked from start to finish.”
    • “Every design and aesthetic decision comes off as deeply considered, resulting in a game that is immediately a joy to play.”
    • “High level of polish on every aspect of this game: addictive intuitive gameplay, vibrant graphics, wonderful music and sound design, dialogue and writing are both clever and superbly wrought, and the voice over talent is ridiculously good.”
    • “On a personal note, the graphical style does not suit my tastes; it's not gritty and real enough, it's too cartoony and for me spoils the immersion.”
    • “The only complaint I have is the graphics and soundtrack could be better.”
    • “Combining poor graphics with a buggy tutorial, I gave up.”
  • music45 mentions

    The music in the game has received widespread acclaim, with many reviewers highlighting its ability to enhance the immersive experience and evoke the game's pirate theme. The soundtrack is described as fantastic, atmospheric, and fitting perfectly within the game's context, contributing to the overall high-quality presentation alongside graphics and voice acting. While some noted a desire for more rhythmic variety, the consensus is that the music is a standout feature, making it a memorable aspect of the game.

    • “The atmosphere, music, characters, and voice acting are all top tier.”
    • “The music is great and super atmospheric.”
    • “In addition to the gameplay, the game boasted an impressive soundtrack that added to the overall immersive experience.”
    • “I would have liked more punch from the music as it lacks a standout rhythm and portrait variations for the cast.”
    • “The only complaint I have is the graphics and soundtrack could be better.”
    • “I hate that this has to be Mimimi's swan song but it's one hell of a swan song.”
  • replayability40 mentions

    Overall, the reviews highlight a mixed perception of replayability across various games. While many players appreciate the open-ended levels, diverse character combinations, and numerous challenges that enhance replay value, some express that the gameplay can become repetitive or lacks depth over time. Games that offer flexible team choices and varied mission objectives tend to be praised for their high replayability, making them more engaging for players seeking to explore different strategies and approaches.

    • “The world is much more alive and interesting, with each island having its own quirks and oddities that really ratchet up the replay value.”
    • “Hundreds of challenges make each map very replayable.”
    • “The multiple start points and objectives give the game a replayability that should be almost endlessly interesting.”
    • “When developers make not much effort to keep the gameplay interesting enough with good story, cutscene animations, user interface, NPC interactions, replay value, and progression system, it doesn't help much to make more gamers take a liking to this genre.”
    • “Map and mission design also seems like a downgrade compared to previous games because authors were clearly aiming for quantity (replayability) at the expense of quality.”
    • “There is little replayability (for me), but that doesn't really matter given it's inexpensive.”
  • humor38 mentions

    The humor in the game is widely praised for its witty dialogue, funny characters, and light-hearted tone, providing a refreshing contrast to the more serious themes of previous titles. Players enjoy the comedic interactions among the crew and the humorous quests, although some find certain dialogues to be a bit cheesy or cringeworthy. Overall, the game successfully blends humor with engaging gameplay, making for an entertaining experience.

    • “The characters are hilarious and the art is beautiful.”
    • “Extremely high production values, funny dialogue, great characters, and challenging puzzles await as you solve the pirate mystery.”
    • “Great game mechanics, great story and not to mention all these hilarious moments with your undead crew.”
  • grinding24 mentions

    Reviews indicate that grinding in the game is often perceived as tedious and repetitive, with players expressing frustration over having to replay the same maps multiple times and navigate through excessive dialogue and side quests. While some appreciate the character upgrades and dynamic gameplay, many feel that the overall experience lacks the charm and innovation of previous titles, leading to a sense of monotony and diminished value. Despite these criticisms, a few players still found enjoyment in the game, suggesting that the grind can be manageable if balanced with engaging elements.

    • “Eventually it just felt like I was grinding through them just to see the story move forward, and then realized the story was pretty light anyway, so I stopped playing.”
    • “The amount of dialogues one has to sit (or click) through + the forced side quests are tedious, and revisiting the same maps over and over again feels like getting less value for your money compared to Shadow Tactics and Desperados III.”
    • “It completely lacks the charm the previous games held; it's riddled with bad decisions and tedious content, and I'm sincerely disappointed.”
  • character development17 mentions

    Character development in the game is a mixed bag, with some players praising the unique character designs and memorable personalities, while others find the overall development lacking, particularly in comparison to previous titles by the developer. Although there are glimpses of growth in a few characters through side missions and interactions, many feel that the opportunities for meaningful development are limited, resulting in a somewhat underwhelming experience. Overall, while the art and creativity shine, the depth of character growth does not meet the expectations set by the game's engaging premise.

    • “Plus, it's got some great character development in its main cast.”
    • “But what really made me want to write a positive review about this game is everything built on top of the gameplay: the character design is amazing, both visually and aurally, and in terms of their highly memorable personalities. Each of your crewmates gets to shine thanks to lots of interactions in-between missions on your ship, the Red Marley.”
    • “The developers at Mimimi Games have done a fantastic job at creating compelling characters, and in this game, they have a stellar job of bringing their characters to life with their backgrounds, side stories, and character development that ties to the main story.”
    • “Feels like they made a game for a much younger audience, with goofy characters and close to zero character development. I found only one companion that actually 'went through' something serious and grew from her experiences, changing her viewpoint and maturing. The suspension from the previous game is nowhere to be found.”
    • “A game like this doesn't offer too many opportunities for real character development, and just like in their other games, Mimimi does that as well as possible.”
    • “The integration of the save-reload with the plot was fairly well done, but the individual character missions were quite enjoyable. However, the 'crew tales' were more hit-or-miss; the problem is that the 'any time' nature of those essentially disallows character development.”
  • stability12 mentions

    Overall, the stability of the game is generally positive, with many users reporting a bug-free experience and smooth performance. However, some players have encountered frustrating glitches and bugs, particularly in tutorials and character abilities, which can detract from the overall enjoyment. Despite these issues, a significant number of players have not experienced any game-breaking problems.

    • “It is bug-free and runs smoothly.”
    • “Another amazing game, Mimimi! Everything I expected from you guys, and bug-free from what I have played so far.”
    • “There were no glitches that interfered with gameplay, and the crew members delivered absolutely amazing voice acting.”
    • “Combining poor graphics with a buggy tutorial, I gave up.”
    • “And, there are some frustrating glitches.”
    • “It's a bit buggy and some of the crew is way more useful than others (some of them are no use at all).”
  • atmosphere10 mentions

    The game's atmosphere is widely praised for its creativity, strong music, and engaging characters, contributing to a vibrant and immersive experience reminiscent of a fantastical "Pirates of the Caribbean" setting. However, some players feel it falls short compared to titles like Desperados 3 and Shadow Tactics, particularly in terms of depth and narrative cohesion. Overall, the atmosphere is considered a highlight, enhancing the game's narrative and enjoyment.

    • “The atmosphere, music, characters, and voice acting are all top tier.”
    • “Completely nailed the atmosphere.”
    • “The atmosphere is great, the setting, the characters, and the story are great and enjoyable.”
    • “I really liked it, although it doesn't quite come close to Desperados in terms of atmosphere.”
    • “If you expect the game to be similar in quality to Desperados 3 and Shadow Tactics due to the story and atmosphere they embodied, this one will be quite a disappointment.”
    • “The hub area in the form of the Red Marley (the ship) adds so much to the narrative and atmosphere of the game.”
  • emotional7 mentions

    The emotional aspect of the game is characterized by its wholesome and heartwarming moments, particularly through engaging character interactions and side stories that evoke a sense of nostalgia and respect for the creators. While some players appreciate the depth of character development and the challenge of emotional choices, others feel that the game lacks the profound emotional growth seen in previous titles, leading to mixed feelings about its overall impact.

    • “It's truly heart-wrenching to realize that we won't be receiving any more of your masterful creations, but I wholeheartedly respect the decision.”
    • “Interesting character interactions and companion individual quests; if you pay attention to the dialogue, you can find some specific wholesome inferences.”
    • “- Heartwarming, interesting, mysterious character's side story.”
  • optimization6 mentions

    Overall, the optimization of the game is praised for its smooth performance and lack of bugs or glitches, making it a satisfying experience. However, some users noted that performance may drop when battery-saving settings are applied, which can affect frame rates. Despite this, the game remains highly regarded for its overall optimization.

    • “Look, there's no denying Shadow Gambit is an extremely optimized and satisfying game to play.”
    • “- no bugs, glitches or performance issues”
    • “Recommend limiting the wattage or performance to increase your battery life when on the road, lowering the normally silky smooth frame rate with battery.”
    • “Recommend limiting the wattage or performance to increase your battery life when on the road, lowering the normally silky smooth frame rate.”
    • “Performance-wise, the game tanked a bit.”
  • monetization1 mentions

    The game's monetization strategy has faced criticism due to its lack of advertising and the challenges of launching amidst major titles like Baldur's Gate 3 and Starfield, which may have overshadowed its success.

Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

Critic Reviews

85% average critic score

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Play time

14hMedian play time
23hAverage play time
6-64hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 4 analyzed playthroughs

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