Developed by Roboatino and Published by Goblinz Publishing & Gamera Games, Shogun Showdown is a turn-based rogue-lite strategy RPG with a, never seen before, addictive gameplay loop.
Playing games for review has its ups and downs, mostly downs but every bad game with below-expectation gameplay and story is all worth it in the end for that one big fish, that one game that really makes you love gaming again. I can confidently say, with many hours on this turn-based addiction, Shogun Showdown is that game.
The little Shogun Showdown
Not a lot in terms of story, at least not worth harping on about. But there is a plot, I think.
You are a shogun who is trying to defeat these shadowy figures. Every time you get overwhelmed and die, you get reincarnated and must return to fight them all once more.
This continues till you reach the end and kill all the big baddies that the game has to offer. I would not know. I for the life of me could not get to the end.
Speaking of which, let’s talk about gameplay.
A brand new gameplay
Feel free to correct me on this but my experience with Shogun Showdown has been one of awe. The gameplay loop of this game is unique to me.
Before getting into the details. I would like to give the skimmer an idea of what I mean. It is the dark souls of turn-based combat.
The gameplay loop in itself is quite simple. You play on a 2d track where you can turn and walk left or right. The track starts at four platforms up to 8 depending on the round. Each movement, including turning, takes one turn.
You attack by using these cards provided to you, each requiring a certain amount of turns to recharge after use. Selecting a card and using them both count as different turns.
So that was the short of it but it gets complicated.
After each win, you get either a new card or an upgrade for your cards. The upgrades could be more damage or less cooldown but also fire damage, poison damage, etc.
This being a Rogue-lite, once you lose, you must start from the beginning. However, winning gives you special skull points which can be traded at the main menu for brand new upgrades.
This is only the tip of the iceberg. The more you play, the more things unlock. From new characters, weapons and even permanent skills. It is a genuine addictive hoot of a time!
My Addiction
I have not felt like this since I first got into Vampire Survivors. However, unlike Vampire Survivors, this game never reaches a point where you just have to quit. The systems at play make it so that you can keep on going because the games are quick and the upgrades are very heavily impactful to the gameplay.
I have been addicted to this since my first play through and even now as I write this review, I feel the urge to go back in and play my heart out.
Shogun Showdown is a rare gem. One of those games that hook you from the very first round and keep pulling you back for more. The addictive gameplay loop, the strategic depth, and the thrill of unlocking new cards, upgrades, and characters are all part of what makes it so compelling.
Shogun Showdown is the kind of game that reminds you why gaming is such an incredible experience. And trust me, once you start, you’ll be just as hooked as I am.
Now if you’ll excuse me, there’s a Shogun to reincarnate.
