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Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

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

2023

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

AvailableAug 17, 2023

PlatformXbox Series X, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, PC

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

Monster Scorecard

EXPAND ALL

Story and Narrative

Expand for full analysis

TL;DR

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew impresses with humor, character depth, and vibrant storytelling, especially around its ghost ship and captain. However, critics identify significant flaws in narrative coherence and the disconnect of side missions, leading to a mixed reception. While charming and imaginative, the execution of its tale leaves room for improvement, splitting opinions among players and reviewers.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR STORY

Story Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

72%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

26%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The story of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew has garnered a range of positive feedback from critics, highlighting its engaging characters and whimsical narrative. Reviewers like Wccftech and IGN praised the game for its humor and character development, with Wccftech noting a "fleshed out" narrative. Critics such as Malditos Nerds and Softpedia appreciated the depth of themes explored, including death and loss, while also emphasizing the intriguing plot surrounding the ghost ship, Red Marley, and its captain, Mordechai. The supernatural elements and unique character abilities were also well-received, with Metro GameCentral and SECTOR.sk pointing out the vibrant storytelling that enhances gameplay mechanics. Overall, many critics found the narrative to be colorful and filled with charm, appealing to fans of the pirate genre. Conversely, several reviewers pointed out significant shortcomings in the story's execution. Critics like Gamersky and Gamer.no described the narrative as dull and lacking depth, with Gamer.no specifically mentioning a loss of coherence towards the end of the game. The side missions were frequently criticized for feeling disconnected from the main storyline, as noted by PlaySense and GamingBolt, which detracted from the overall engagement. Riot Pixels echoed similar sentiments, describing the story as monotonous and overly focused on specific missions rather than a cohesive narrative arc. This sentiment was further reinforced by GameOver.gr, who suggested that the sandbox approach might dilute the central storyline, leading to a less impactful experience. The overall consensus among critics indicates a mixed reception for the story of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew. While many reviewers appreciated the humor, character development, and unique setting, others found the narrative lacking in depth and coherence. Critics like PC Gamer and GameSpot recognized the engaging elements of the plot, but the criticisms from Gamersky and Gamer.no suggest that the game falls short of its potential. Ultimately, while the game offers a colorful and imaginative take on pirate lore, the execution of its narrative leaves room for improvement, leading to a divided opinion among players and critics alike.

TL;DR

story and narrative

Gameplay Mechanics

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TL;DR

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew impresses with its engaging stealth mechanics and strategic depth, blending classic gameplay with unique teleportation and supernatural abilities. Critics praise its replayability and flexible mission approaches, but note issues like repetitive mission design and limited enemy variety. While some players may find the strategic planning challenging, the game is largely celebrated for its creativity and rewarding experience, making it a standout in tactical stealth gaming despite a few shortcomings.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR GAMEPLAY

Gameplay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

90%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

10%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The gameplay of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew has garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting its engaging mechanics and strategic depth. Many reviewers, such as Riot Pixels and Gamereactor UK, appreciate the blend of classic stealth mechanics with unique elements like teleportation and supernatural abilities. Critics like Gamersky and Malditos Nerds emphasize the strategic nature of gameplay, noting the importance of planning and character abilities in completing missions. The game’s isometric stealth design allows players to navigate through well-guarded areas with a variety of approaches, as highlighted by GameSpot and SECTOR.sk. Additionally, the freedom to choose mission order and character combinations adds to the replayability, making the gameplay experience feel fresh and dynamic, as noted by IGN Italia and GamingTrend. However, some critics have pointed out certain limitations within the gameplay. A recurring theme is the repetitiveness of mission design and enemy variety, which several reviewers, including Gamersky and INVEN, found to detract from the overall experience. Critics like Hooked Gamers and GameOver.gr also noted that while the game allows for experimentation, the limited enemy types can lead to a sense of monotony in encounters. Furthermore, while the tactical depth is praised, some players may find the gameplay mechanics, such as the need for trial and error and strategic planning, to be challenging or even frustrating, as mentioned by Softpedia and PC Gamer. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew offers a compelling and enjoyable gameplay experience, particularly for fans of tactical stealth games. While there are criticisms regarding mission design and enemy variety, the majority of reviewers, including Shacknews and Eurogamer Germany, agree that the game shines with its unique character abilities and strategic options. The engaging gameplay mechanics, combined with the freedom to choose how to approach missions, create a rewarding experience that encourages creativity and experimentation. As such, despite some drawbacks, the gameplay is considered very good, making it a standout title in its genre.

TL;DR

gameplay mechanics

Graphics and Visual Design

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TL;DR

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew impresses with its vibrant art style and detailed environments, making for a captivating visual experience, praised by critics like Press Start Australia and GameSpew. While the game's charming graphics resonate well on PS5 and Xbox Series X, concerns about visibility from its isometric view and some repetitive enemy designs have been noted. Overall, its artistic direction is a standout strength, but lacks the groundbreaking depth some expect from modern titles.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VISUALS

Visual Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

69%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment regarding the graphics and visual design of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is largely positive, with many critics praising its vibrant and stylized aesthetic. Reviewers such as Press Start Australia and GameSpew highlight the game's stunning art style and varied, detailed environments, contributing to an immersive experience. Critics like COGconnected and Shacknews commend the game's colorful and charming visuals, noting the effective representation of its pirate theme. The game achieves a solid performance on platforms like the PS5 and Xbox Series X, maintaining a consistent frame rate while delivering visually appealing character designs and environments, as noted by Finger Guns and XboxAddict. However, some criticisms emerge regarding the game's graphics. The So Videogames Podcast points out that the isometric view can make graphics appear smaller, potentially hindering visibility and engagement. Additionally, while many reviewers appreciate the overall design, some, such as XGN and Riot Pixels, describe the graphics as not particularly groundbreaking or remarkable, suggesting that they may lack the depth or emotional engagement expected from a modern title. Furthermore, there are mentions of repetitive enemy designs, as noted by Press Start Australia, which could detract from the overall visual experience. In summary, the consensus among critics is that Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew excels in its artistic direction and vibrant visuals, successfully creating a charming and immersive world. While some reviewers express concerns about visibility issues and the lack of depth in certain character designs, the majority appreciate the game's colorful aesthetic and attention to detail in environment design. Overall, the game's visuals are viewed as a strong asset, contributing positively to the gameplay experience, as echoed by critics like IGN and GameMAG, who celebrate its unique character designs and well-crafted environments.

TL;DR

graphics and visual design

Music and Sound Design

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TL;DR

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew impresses with its immersive sound design and pirate-themed soundtrack, hailed by critics for enhancing the game's adventurous spirit and character depth. However, there's some inconsistency in voice acting quality and minor issues with repetitive music tracks. Overall, the audio elements significantly boost the game's appeal, making them a standout feature despite a few drawbacks.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR SOUND DESIGN

Sound Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

71%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

29%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The sound design and music of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew have garnered a largely positive reception from critics, highlighting the game's ability to enhance immersion and atmosphere. Many reviewers, such as Eurogamer and GRYOnline.pl, emphasize the integral role of sound design, with Eurogamer noting how the thematic bong of the Red Marley contributes to the game's identity. Critics like Malditos Nerds and Vandal praise the soundtrack for its cheerful pirate-themed melodies, which effectively complement the game's adventurous spirit. Additionally, the voice acting has received commendation for its quality, with IGN and XboxAddict noting that it enhances character personalities and overall immersion. The dynamic nature of the music, as pointed out by KeenGamer, further enriches the gameplay experience by adapting to player actions. However, there are some criticisms regarding the sound design and voice acting that cannot be overlooked. While many voices are praised, some reviewers, like GamingTrend and Gamereactor UK, express mixed feelings about specific performances, indicating that not all voice acting is consistently strong. For instance, Suleidy's performance was described as grating, suggesting that while the majority of the voice acting is competent, there are notable exceptions. Additionally, some critics, such as SECTOR.sk, mention that certain soundtrack tracks may become repetitive over time, which could detract from the overall experience during extended play sessions. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew excels in its sound design and music, contributing significantly to the game's immersive atmosphere. While there are minor criticisms regarding the variability in voice acting quality and potential repetitiveness in some musical tracks, the majority of reviewers agree that the audio elements are well-executed and enhance the game's pirate adventure theme. With strong praise from outlets like Softpedia and XboxEra, it is clear that the audio work plays a vital role in the game's overall appeal, making it a noteworthy aspect of the gaming experience.

TL;DR

music and sound design

Voice Acting

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TL;DR

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew features widely praised voice acting that enhances its charm and narrative, with critics calling performances "superb" and "delightful." While most agree the voice work enriches player immersion, some highlight inconsistencies and a few unappealing performances. Overall, the consensus is that the voice acting is a standout element that brings characters to life and deepens the gaming experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR VOICE ACTING

Acting Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

74%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

26%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The voice acting in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew has garnered widespread acclaim from various critics, with many highlighting its significant contribution to the game's charm and narrative engagement. PlayStation Universe praised the voice acting as "superb," while Press Start Australia noted that the characters feel "authentic and compelling." The So Videogames Podcast emphasized the "outstanding" performances that enhance player connection through engaging banter. Critics like IGN and Malditos Nerds echoed this sentiment, describing the voice performances as "delightful" and "strong," respectively, which adds depth and personality to the characters. Overall, the majority of reviews reflect a strong appreciation for the voice acting, with many noting how it enriches the player's experience and immersion in the game world. However, not all feedback was entirely positive. Gamereactor UK mentioned that the voice acting can be "hit and miss," suggesting some inconsistency in quality. GamingTrend specifically pointed out that while the voice acting is generally well-received, one character's voice, Suleidy's, was described as "particularly unappealing." This indicates that while the majority of performances are praised, there are instances where the execution may not resonate with all players. Additionally, some critics, such as COGconnected, described the voice acting as merely "entertaining," hinting at a lack of standout moments compared to others. In summary, the overall consensus among critics is overwhelmingly positive regarding the voice acting in Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew. While there are minor criticisms regarding specific performances and some inconsistencies, the general sentiment is that the voice acting significantly enhances the game's narrative and character depth. Critics like SECTOR.sk and XboxAddict emphasized how the voice work brings characters to life and contributes to an engaging experience, reinforcing the notion that the voice acting is a strong point of the game. The majority of reviewers agree that it plays a crucial role in immersing players in the vibrant world of the game.

TL;DR

voice acting

Technical Performance

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TL;DR

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew impresses with strong graphics and smooth 60 FPS across platforms, particularly on PS5 and PC, earning solid praise for optimization. Quick loading times on PS5 enhance gameplay, though critics flag camera control and minor bugs across systems as areas needing improvement. Xbox Series X reviews are mixed, with some praising performance while others note issues. Overall, despite some drawbacks, the game delivers a commendable technical experience.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR TECHNICAL PERFORMANCE

Tech Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

50%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

50%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The technical performance of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew has garnered generally positive feedback across various platforms. On the PlayStation 5, critics like Finger Guns and PlayStation Universe highlight the game's impressive graphics and consistent 60 FPS performance, noting that it closely matches that of mid-to-high-end PCs. The quick loading times and mid-mission saving features, praised by PlayStation Universe, enhance the gameplay experience, especially after setbacks. On PC, the consensus is similarly favorable, with many reviewers, including Games.cz and IGN France, commending the game's excellent optimization and stability, even on lower-end machines. The game runs smoothly on various configurations, as noted by Impulsegamer, who achieved high frame rates on a mid-range setup. However, there are some drawbacks noted by critics across platforms. On PS5, GameSpew mentions that while the framerate is mostly solid, loading times can be lengthy, and the camera control can be unwieldy. TheSixthAxis also points out issues with character movement and planning clarity, which could detract from the overall experience. On PC, while many reviewers, such as COGconnected and Eurogamer, acknowledge the game's stability, they also report minor bugs and technical issues, including mission bugs and occasional crashes. Critics like IGN Italia highlight camera management problems that can hinder gameplay, suggesting that while the performance is generally good, there are areas that need improvement. The overall consensus among critics is that Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew delivers a solid technical performance across all platforms, with notable strengths in graphics and optimization. While the PS5 version benefits from quick loading times and a smooth framerate, it faces challenges with camera control and loading durations. The PC version is praised for its stability and optimization but is not without its minor bugs and control issues. Xbox Series X reviews indicate a mixed bag, with some critics reporting no issues, while others mention potential technical or graphical problems. Ultimately, while there are some criticisms, the game is largely seen as a well-optimized experience that performs admirably on both consoles and PC, as highlighted by critics like Eurogamer Germany and Vandal.

TL;DR

technical performance

Replay Value

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TL;DR

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew impresses with its non-linear missions and character synergies, enticing players to experiment and replay for completion. However, concerns about repetitive mission design and limited crew options could lead to player fatigue. Critics agree it’s a solid choice for tactical enthusiasts, but its replay value may falter over time due to design limitations.

SCORE DISTRIBUTION FOR REPLAY VALUE

Replay Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

56%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

42%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The opinions regarding the replay value of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew highlight several positive aspects that contribute to its appeal among players. Many critics, such as GameSpew and Press Start Australia, emphasize the game's non-linear mission structure, which encourages experimentation and allows players to tackle challenges in various ways. The inclusion of badges for in-game achievements and character upgrades, as noted by PlayStation Universe and GameGrin, further incentivizes players to replay missions for completionist satisfaction. Critics like Eurogamer and PC Gamer also point out the significance of diverse character synergies and flexible difficulty settings, which enhance the replay experience by allowing players to explore different strategies and character combinations. However, there are notable criticisms regarding the game's replay value. Metro GameCentral and Gamersky express concerns about the repetitive nature of mission design, suggesting that while the game may initially engage players, it could lead to fatigue over time. Critics such as Riot Pixels and Shacknews echo this sentiment, highlighting the potential for repetitive environments and limited crew expansion, which may hinder the overall replay experience. Additionally, some reviewers, like Gamer.no and GamingTrend, mention that although the game encourages experimentation, the reliance on certain character abilities can lead to a lack of variety in playthroughs. Overall, the consensus among critics is that Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew offers a mix of significant replay value and potential limitations. While many reviewers, including IGN Italia and Malditos Nerds, praise the game's encouragement of experimentation and diverse mission approaches, others caution that repetitive elements may diminish long-term engagement. Ultimately, the game appears to cater well to tactical fans who appreciate the depth of character combinations and strategic gameplay, but it may not sustain replay interest for all players due to its design choices.

TL;DR

replay value

Overall Verdict

MONSTER

OVERALL SCORE DISTRIBUTION

Monster Score

Positive Reviews (80-100)

88%

Mixed Reviews (50-79)

12%

Negative Reviews (0-49)

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

The overall sentiment surrounding Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is predominantly positive, with many critics praising its engaging gameplay, vibrant visuals, and unique pirate-themed narrative. Reviewers such as IGN, GameSpot, and KeenGamer highlighted the game as a standout title in the stealth strategy genre, commending its blend of humor and tactical depth. The graphics and sound design received accolades, with TheXboxHub noting the game's visual appeal and challenging gameplay. Critics like Metro GameCentral and Malditos Nerds emphasized the game's ability to deliver a captivating experience, making it a worthy addition to the developer's portfolio and a potential franchise starter. However, some reviewers pointed out notable shortcomings that detract from the overall experience. Critics like Gamersky and Gamer.no expressed concerns about repetitive gameplay and a lack of narrative depth, suggesting that these issues may hinder the game's memorability. PlaySense and Press Start Australia echoed similar sentiments, mentioning pacing problems in side missions and the repetitiveness of enemy encounters. Moreover, Slant Magazine raised concerns about the game's character diversity and the challenges of balancing multiple character abilities, indicating that while the game has great ideas, it may fall short in execution. Despite the mixed feedback regarding certain aspects, the consensus among critics leans towards a strong endorsement of Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew. Many reviewers, including PC Gamer, GameGrin, and Eurogamer Germany, celebrated the game as a significant achievement in the stealth genre, successfully blending engaging gameplay with a rich narrative. While some critics noted areas for improvement, the majority found the game to be a compelling experience that appeals to both genre veterans and newcomers alike. Overall, this title seems to resonate well with players, establishing itself as a noteworthy entry in the tactical stealth landscape.

TL;DR

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is hailed as a standout in stealth strategy, with critics praising its engaging gameplay, vibrant visuals, and unique pirate narrative. However, some reviewers point out issues like repetitive gameplay and lack of narrative depth. Despite these shortcomings, the consensus is overwhelmingly positive, making it a must-play for tactical enthusiasts and a potential franchise starter.

MONSTER

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.

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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.

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100

Eurogamer Germany

Aug 17, 2023

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

Overall, Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is praised as a significant achievement in the stealth genre, offering depth, flexibility, and enjoyment.

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100

Games.cz

Aug 17, 2023

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

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is praised as a near-perfect tactical stealth strategy game that builds on its predecessors while introducing new elements, offering a rich and enjoyable experience.

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GamingTrend

Aug 16, 2023

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

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is praised as a significant improvement over its predecessors, delivering a fresh and enjoyable tactical experience.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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KeenGamer

Aug 17, 2023

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

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a satisfying pirate adventure that combines a compelling story with engaging gameplay and impressive audio-visual elements.

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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.

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