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Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun – Aiko’s Choice is a standalone stealth-tactics expansion that critics generally received well. Its strengths are the series’ deliberate, challenging approach and polished execution; the main reservation in the reviews covered here is that it can feel short. You do not need the original game to play it, according to the official PlayStation and Nintendo UK listings.
What is Aiko’s Choice?
Aiko’s Choice is a standalone expansion set within the story of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. It follows Aiko, a kunoichi, and her companions as they face her former sensei, Lady Chiyo. The Steam description places the stealth-strategy game in Japan around the early Edo period. Steam lists Mimimi Games as developer, Daedalic Entertainment as publisher, and December 6, 2021 as the release date. Steam store listing · Metacritic game details
Do you need the original Shadow Tactics?
No, according to the official PlayStation Store and Nintendo UK product pages, which state that the original game is not required. Store availability and product details can vary by region, so check the listing for your platform and country before buying. PlayStation Store · Nintendo UK
What do the reviews say?
PC critics: generally favorable
Metacritic’s PC critic page reports an 83/100 Metascore from 15 reviews: 13 positive, two mixed, and none negative. Metacritic labels the result “Generally Favorable.” This is a PC critic aggregate, not a score for every platform, and the figures are a page snapshot retrieved in 2026. Metacritic PC critic reviews
#1 Best Overall
- Play as five completely different characters, each with their own unique skill sets
- Conquer seemingly impossible challenges where you are outnumbered ten to one
- Find dozens of creative and strategic methods to take out your opponents
- Jump from roof to roof and climb large buildings to attack the enemy from above
- Explore beautiful environments, taken straight from ancient, Edo period Japan
Steam players: a separate measure
Steam’s English-language user-review snapshot was Very Positive, with 93% positive among 1,230 reviews when retrieved in 2026. That percentage and review count reflect user submissions on Steam and can change; they are not directly comparable with Metacritic’s critic score. Steam store listing
Recurring strengths and the length caveat
The critic excerpts available through Metacritic point to a polished, challenging expansion that retains the series’ methodical stealth-tactics appeal. IGN’s review, dated December 3, 2021 and indexed there, also noted its relative brevity. That supports a qualitative caveat about perceived length, not a reliable completion-time estimate. Metacritic PC critic reviews
Rank #2
- Play as five completely different characters, each with their own unique skill sets
- Conquer seemingly impossible challenges where you are outnumbered ten to one
- Find dozens of creative and strategic methods to take out your opponents
- Jump from roof to roof and climb large buildings to attack the enemy from above
- Explore beautiful environments, taken straight from ancient, Edo period Japan
Is Aiko’s Choice worth playing?
It looks like a strong fit if you want deliberate stealth tactics, challenging scenarios, and another story set in the Shadow Tactics world. Its standalone status makes it accessible without the base game, though familiarity with the original may still appeal to players who want more of its setting and approach. If getting a long game is your priority, take the shortness caveat seriously: the sources cited here do not establish a verified number of hours, so no precise playtime claim is warranted.
How to interpret the scores
- Keep platforms distinct: the Metascore cited above is for PC critics. The evidence here does not establish whether console reviews differ.
- Keep critics and players distinct: Metacritic’s critic aggregate and Steam’s user percentage come from different groups and methods.
- Read beyond the number: consider whether a review prioritizes tactical puzzle-solving, level design, challenge, story, or game length.
- Treat snapshots as dated: critic totals and user-review counts can change, and storefront availability may vary by platform and region.
Availability and editions
Steam lists the game and also presents soundtrack and bundle content, including the original game, Aiko’s Choice, an artbook, and a strategy guide. That listing does not establish physical-edition availability or confirm that these items are sold separately on other marketplaces. The cited sources do not verify current prices or Amazon availability. Check the relevant storefront for current regional listings.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
Rank #3
- Play as five completely different characters, each with their own unique skill sets
- Conquer seemingly impossible challenges where you are outnumbered ten to one
- Find dozens of creative and strategic methods to take out your opponents
- Jump from roof to roof and climb large buildings to attack the enemy from above
- Explore beautiful environments, taken straight from ancient, Edo period Japan
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
