Shogun Showdown is a unique roguelike deckbuilder game set in a japanese inspired setting where you're main goal is to defeat the Shogun. Read our review to see what it did well, what it didn't do well, and if it's worth buying.
Shogun Showdown Review Overview
What is Shogun Showdown?
Shogun Showdown takes place in a pixelated world inspired by feudal Japan. Your goal is to defeat the Shogun, but first, you'll need to overcome his loyal servants and prepare yourself through rigorous training.
Shogun Showdown features:
⚫︎ Roguelike Deckbuilder
⚫︎ Turn-Based Combat
⚫︎ Pixel Art Style
⚫︎ Tactical RPG
⚫︎ Replay Value
 Steam |
$14.99 |
Shogun Showdown Pros & Cons
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
 Gorgeous Pixelated World Unique and Addicting Turn-Based Gameplay |
Weird and Inconsistent Difficulty Spikes |
Shogun Showdown Overall Score - 84/100
Shogun Showdown is like a cryptic Himitsu-Bako, a Japanese puzzle box with a fierce learning curve that can test your patience. But once you unlock its secrets, it becomes irresistibly addictive. This game masterfully weaves roguelike and deck-building elements into a tapestry of strategy and skill, and conquering it feels like earning a warrior's honor. With its stunning Japanese inspired pixel visuals and a soundtrack that gets your blood pumping, Shogun Showdown is not just a game—it's a trial by fire fit for any true shogun.
Shogun Showdown Story - 6/10
The game reveals bits of its lore when you defeat certain enemies, and while these snippets are intriguing, it would have been great to dive deeper into the story. Given the rich history and cultural depth of feudal Japan, there's so much more that could have been explored. Though it’s clear the game chose to focus on gameplay over narrative, although having a richer backstory would have added a lot more depth and context.
Shogun Showdown Gameplay - 9/10
If games like Slay the Spire or Necrodancer are your jam, this one might just hit the sweet spot. It blends fast-paced, combo-driven combat with rich strategic depth, crafting an experience that’s as challenging as it is rewarding. With a wide array of cards and character playstyles, every move counts—you’ll need to stay on your toes and think several steps ahead, because button mashing simply won’t cut it. Like any high-stakes duel, a single misstep can spell disaster. The only hiccup in this otherwise brilliant turn-based experience is the occasional difficulty spike that sneaks up on you during reruns, which can be a bit of a curveball.
Shogun Showdown Visuals - 9/10
The game skillfully combines shadows, color, and lighting to give its pixel art a distinctive flair, heavily inspired by the rich aesthetics of feudal Japan. Every environment and level feels like a unique piece of art, full of character and visual interest. It masterfully merges the delicate beauty of watercolor Japanese art, known as Gansai, with a bold and creative pixel art style, creating a visually stunning and endlessly captivating experience.
Shogun Showdown Audio - 8/10
The game has a really fun soundtrack that, while it might get a bit repetitive at times, never becomes annoying. It blends catchy 8-bit tunes with traditional Japanese instruments, creating music that’s both upbeat and energizing. It definitely gets you pumped up and ready to dive into the action.
Shogun Showdown Value for Money - 10/10
At $14.99, this game is a real bargain. You’re getting incredible value with its deep combat system and high replayability. Plus, it’s constantly updated with new characters, locations, boss fights, and quests, so there’s always something fresh to keep you engaged.
Shogun Showdown Review: A Game Fit for a Daimyo
Shogun Showdown feels like a mashup of Slay the Spire and Crypt of the Necrodancer, but with the combat intensity cranked up. This isn't a game where you can just button mash; every move counts, almost like a high-stakes poker game. It might look simple, but it demands careful planning before each action, making it a unique turn-based experience.
You start with just two cards and play as a single character, the Wanderer. The game incorporates movement into its turn-based system, so when you move, it’s also your enemy's turn to act. Every action, even turning around or skipping a turn, uses up your moves. You’ll get hints about what the enemy will do next, as you can see their upcoming skills or actions.
During your turn, you can play and rearrange cards as you like. These cards include various weapons like spears, katanas, dual blades, or arrows, each with different effects and ranges. When you activate an action skill, you'll execute all the attacks you’ve lined up, making for a strategic and engaging combat experience.
That's why I say this game is heavy on strategy. Don’t be fooled by the pace—it might feel like it’s not turn-based because actions can happen so quickly. My advice? Take your time and really evaluate your enemies. Typically, you’ll face three waves per level, with anywhere from 3-6 enemies spawning one after another. These can range from quick, one-hit foes that rush at you, to tankier enemies that take their time.
It’s a true roguelike, so it can be pretty frustrating, especially since it’s one of the tougher ones out there. Expect to die and restart a lot. But if you’re patient and plan your moves carefully, you’ll find yourself handling waves better over time.
Enemies can sometimes drop healing items or other goodies to help you out, and after every level, there are shops where you can upgrade your cards or pick up bonus ones.
My only real gripe is the inconsistent difficulty spikes. Sometimes, replaying a level can feel like a breeze, while other times it’s ridiculously hard. This can be really annoying when you just want to get through levels you’ve already beaten. I hope they tweak the difficulty to make it more consistent.
Overall, this game tests your patience and strategy, but it’s incredibly rewarding if you stick with it. The adrenaline kicks in with the stellar soundtrack and epic boss battles, making it a thrilling experience.
Pros of Shogun Showdown
| Things Shogun Showdown Got Right |
|---|
|
Gorgeous Pixelated World Unique and Addicting Turn-Based Gameplay |
Gorgeous Pixelated World
The game is a visual masterpiece, with art direction that truly shines. The backgrounds and locations are breathtaking, from serene bamboo groves to majestic mountainous regions—each scene feels like a love letter to Japan's diverse landscapes. You can see the care and research poured into every detail. The use of shadows is particularly striking, breathing life into the pixelated world and making it feel vibrant and dynamic. The characters are equally impressive, drawing inspiration from Japanese nomads, with the Ronin standing out as my personal favorite—a design that perfectly blends tradition with a touch of modern flair.
Unique and Addicting Turn-Based Gameplay
This game is definitely one of the toughest roguelikes I've played, but it's also easily one of the most fun. It’s not a rhythm game, but it almost feels like one because movement is so crucial to the turn-based gameplay. It’s a bit like a tactical RPG, such as Fire Emblem, but with a fighting game perspective and a card-based combat system. While it’s not as complex in terms of card mechanics as something like Slay the Spire, it’s packed with combos that are incredibly satisfying to pull off. As you progress, the difficulty ramps up, but you can really feel yourself getting stronger, and there’s nothing more satisfying than clearing a wave without taking a hit.
There are also several heroes to choose from, but my favorite is still the original Wanderer. I love the unique ability to pass through enemies—it’s a great support skill that helps with positioning, especially in crowded areas.
Cons of Shogun Showdown
| Things That Shogun Showdown Can Improve |
|---|
|
Weird Difficulty Spikes |
Weird and Inconsistent Difficult Spikes
The main issue I’ve had with this game is how unpredictable the difficulty can be, especially when you die and have to replay levels. It feels like the difficulty isn’t consistent—sometimes a level is surprisingly easy with just a few enemies, and other times it’s chaotic, with way more enemies than you’d expect. This inconsistency can really dampen the experience, especially when you just want to get through levels you’ve already beaten. It can feel unfair and really mess with the momentum of your run.
Is Shogun Showdown Worth It?
The Game is An Absolute Must-Buy!
Despite its difficulty issues, the game shines with its addictive and in-depth turn-based combat. It’s perfect for those who thrive on a challenge, and with all the new updates rolling out, now is a great time to jump in. It’s definitely worth the price, offering tons of replay value and plenty of excitement.
| Steam |
$14.99 |
Shogun Showdown FAQ
What are the New Updates in Shogun Showdown?
Here's the new content that will be added for the game:
⚫︎ New location added
⚫︎ New enemies and boss fights
⚫︎ Added more cut scenes
⚫︎ 7 New Skills Added (Rogue Retail, Seiryu's Scale, Fenghuangs's Feather, Two-Faced Dancer, Overflow Guard, Chilling Combo, Odd Curse)
⚫︎ 6 New Quests
⚫︎ 7 New Tiles
⚫︎ New Hero: Chain Master
⚫︎ New Stats Page
How Many Characters are Playable in Shogun Showdown?
⚫︎ The Wanderer
⚫︎ The Ronin
⚫︎ The Shadow
⚫︎ The Jujitsuka
⚫︎ The Chain Master
Game8 Reviews
You may also like...
Shogun Showdown Product Information
 |
|
| Title | Shogun Showdown |
|---|---|
| Release Date | September 5, 2024 |
| Developer | Roboatino |
| Publisher | Goblinz Publishing, Gamera Games |
| Supported Platforms | PC(Steam) |
| Genre | Roguelike, Deckbuilder, RPG |
| Number of Players | 1 |
| Rating | Not Rated |
| Official Website | Shogun Showdown Website |
