I know this is going against the grain some. A lot of this game is very good. Visually very appealing. Very good controls (I played on the Steam Deck and had zero issues). Really distinct characters with unique mechanisms, nifty new twists in levels (I liked the disappearing snow footprints), and the combinations of the characters really changes how you play. I also liked the Shadow mode that lets you create a simultaneous string of actions to pull off big moves, though I am not sure I truly "got it" and ever truly took advantage of it.

But, the game starts to get really hard. I lost interest after I finished Mission 5 (assassinating Yobu at his castle). The level was so tightly patrolled that it felt like a very tedious, trial and error slog of slowly peeling back and onion to do anything. I spent 30 minutes after I finally assassinated the target just trying to sneak my characters out to the escape point as they added even more guards and patrols. When the game focused on cool powers and figuring out the fun way to do something? I enjoyed it. I liked the experiment. But, by level 5 it just went from "neat puzzle sandbox" to "tedious puzzle" and I put it down after completing the level.

I think the true way they want you to play this is going through the game to learn the levels and the mechanisms. Then, go BACK through to pull off more challenging requirements, or do it without killing or being seen. That all seems fun if you have infinite time and really want to invest. But, I wish the game's approach to difficulty went a different path and not just "infinite guards." It's very cheap, so I definitely got my money's worth the for the 7 hours I played. Still, if asked, I wouldn't recommend it. Not my favorite stealth game.

I wanted to enjoy this game with a gamepad yet it wouldn't work with my Xbox 360 controller, even though it states it supports gamepad. Deal breaker for me.

Challenging gameplay that can be solved with careful planning and quick thinking alike! Great sound effects, music,characters and story. Would strongly recommend to anyone interested in a tactical stealth game!