Set in Japan around the early Edo period, Aiko's Choice is a stealth strategy game that takes place within the story of Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun. The expansion focuses on one of the main game's protagonists: the kunoichi adept Aiko. She is a master of camouflage and distracts enemies disguised as a Geisha. Although Aiko was certain that she left her old life behind her, Aiko's former sensei, the cunning spymaster Lady Chiyo, reappears from the shadows to challenge her. Together with her deadly companions she sets out to hunt down the ghosts of her past...

Carefully plan your every move

First things first. The opening to this game is not the most fluid I've ever encountered. In fact for a while I couldn't work out what on earth I was supposed to do. I just kept getting killed over and over again. Eventually I realised you needed to take control of Mugen, who could dispatch all of the guards in one quick move.

The story is rich and engaging. You control five skillful assassins, including Aiko, to sneak in the shadows between dozens of enemies. Aiko's companions include: Hayato, an agile ninja, who clears the way silently with his sword and shuriken. The mighty samurai Mugen, who prefers a more powerful approach and can defeat multiple foes at once. Yuki, a young thief, who places traps and decoys enemies towards their deadly fate. And the wise marksman Takuma, who relies on his sniper rifle and distracts enemies with his loyal pet companion Kuma.

Control five skillful assassins

How you play is up to you. Set traps, poison and distract your opponents. Or avoid enemy contact completely. Carefully plan your every move, use your characters' unique skills and execute your own ingenious tactics to outwit your enemies on the challenging missions that lie ahead.

This is a game that you learn as you progress... Meaning, that once you finish the campaign, you'll be eager to start again and use what you've previously learned in order to play through again with more confidence.

A challenging, rich storyline will keep you coming back for more.

8

Nick Smithson