Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew

Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew asks for planning first and reflexes second, which is exactly why stealth fans tend to latch onto it. By our assessment, its strongest point is the cast of distinct pirate characters and the way their powers let a mission be solved in several different sequences. The obvious downside is that this kind of stealth game can become a puzzle of position and timing, so a messy mistake often means restarting a careful plan. In practice it has the feel of studying patrols, slipping into blind spots, and using each ability at the right moment rather than charging ahead. Compared with older tactical stealth games, it is lighter and more playful, with a cleaner fantasy-pirate tone and less grimness. Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a good fit for players who enjoy stealth sandboxes and careful setup, while action-first players will probably bounce off its patience and stop-start rhythm.