When Commandos was released in 1998, it successfully combined real-time tactics with a focus on stealth. While other companies tried to copy the game's winning formula - there were Wild West, Star Trek, and Robin Hood-themed Commandos clones - none of these games could ever live up to the original. Until now, that is. The new king of sneaky real-time tactics is called Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, and it's out today.

The game is set in Japan's Edo period, and its story might actually be its weakest part, resorting to pulpy stereotypes. You've got your taciturn ninja, gruff samurai, an old geezer (who happens to own the most adorable pet tanuki), a young, talented street rat, and a versatile geisha. You know the kind. Together, they're up against the mysterious Kage-sama, who is pulling strings in the background, trying to overthrow the current Shogun. It's hardly inspired, but enjoyable nonetheless, and it also manages to tie all the missions together nicely.
Over the course of 13 varied and lengthy missions, you'll help these characters with their tasks, which mostly consist of causing mischief one way or another and not getting caught. The large maps let you experiment with different tactics, and there are always several ways to finish a level. Stealth is usually your only option, as even armor-clad Mugen is pretty squishy when facing a handful of guards, some of which are armed with muskets. Incidentally, I hope there's a special place in hell for...