2023’s Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a game I will always advocate for. One of the best strategy games in recent years, you can think of it as a stealth-driven blend of Commandos and XCOM with a crew of magical pirates. It’s the final release from indie developer Mimimi Games, who previously brought us Shadow Tactics and Desperados 3, but stepped away from development at the end of that year. Now, the team has partnered with indie strategy publisher Hooded Horse, known for the likes of Manor Lords and Against the Storm, to ensure its ultimate game will be preserved for the long haul.
After launching two DLC expansions for Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew, Mimimi founders Dominik Abé and Johannes Roth announced the studio would close, stating that the team was “proud of what [it was] able to accomplish” but explaining that the “heavy personal toll” over 15 years meant that the developer had sailed its course. Mimimi delivered a final parting gift for its magnificent swansong strategy game with the launch of Shadow Gambit mod tools, but now one year on it has another update.
Hooded Horse’s new partnership with Mimimi will see it take over publishing duties across both PC and console, including its add-on content. “Shadow Gambit is in its final form, and we’re excited to be partnering with Hooded Horse for its ongoing commercial needs,” Roth says of the deal. “We’re very impressed by their approach to indie publishing and are confident they will help the game reach even more people.”
“We are honored and humbled that Mimimi chose us to be a part of Shadow Gambit’s journey,” Hooded Horse CEO Tim Bender remarks. “This game is the pinnacle of stealth strategy games, and we’re looking forward to helping it maintain the long-term success it deserves.”
If you’ve never checked out Shadow Gambit, or Mimimi’s catalog in general, I’d heartily suggest doing so. Their games hit a specific genre niche that isn’t seen often enough, and they started strong and became true masters of their craft by the time this final game arrived. The Cursed Crew is packed with personality and plenty of interesting tactical choices at your disposal. You don’t just have to take my word for it, however – 93% of user reviews on Steam also recommend Shadow Gambit.
Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is out now on Steam – you can download a free demo to try it out for yourself. The full game is priced at $39.99 / £34.99, or $69.65 / £59.81 for the complete edition including all DLC. Head here to take a look.
Alternatively, check in on the best indie games in 2024 to ensure you haven’t missed any more hidden gems, or slip surreptitiously into one of the best stealth games.
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