3DS Critic Reviews

Overall, the general feel of Shadow Wars is a solid turn-based strategy game -- even if its story backdrop, limited multiplayer, and character archetypes are short on originality.

The negatives are few and relatively minor: the storyline and characters are forgettable, the multiplayer is a little clumsy and the visuals could be better. However, the developers have done a superlative job of creating a turn-based strategy game that can, conceivably, be appreciated by newcomers to the genre as well as experienced strategists.

Shadow Wars is hands-down the best game available for the Nintendo 3DS among the launch titles. The plot is nothing to write about, but the turn-based tactical gameplay is engaging, and a full run of the game will last about 40 hours.

Something magical happens when you turn on the 3D. The look of game makes sense.

I enjoyed the characters, I enjoyed the strategy, there's a ludicrous amount of content, and there's even pass-the-handheld multiplayer for those into that sort of thing. Apart from the less-than-sizzling looks, this one's a must-have for any turn-based strat fan with a 3DS.

This will keep you staring at your 3DS until you eyes bleed. In a good way. [May 2011, p.67]

Hideously addictive, it's the kind of game that'll have you replaying missions in your sleep. If you like Advance Wars or Fire Emblem, this is the 3DS game for you.

Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is as satisfying of a tactical strategy game as Disgaea,Tactics Ogre, or Front Mission. The franchise may seem like an odd fit for the genre, but this is a wonderful implementation that feels in hte spirit of the Ghost Recon franchise while presenting a delightful strategic challenge. It lacks an engaging story and the multi-tiered progression systems of those other games, but those flaws are easy to overlook.

Even if it's possibly the least impressive showcase for the Nintendo 3DS technology, Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is a great turn-based strategy game, and definitely one of the best titles in the whole launch line-up.

Although Ghost Recon: Shadow Wars is definitely one of the best games of the launch, it is also a far cry from the "killer app" the platform needs largely due to its almost complete avoidance of any of the unique features the platform offers. With that said, it is also one of the only truly new and original titles for the 3DS among a number of rushed ports and perfunctory franchise entries.