Shadowveil: FIRST LOOK + How to MASTER the Crab Clan! 🦀🔥

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Published on March 5, 2025 11:12:08 AM ● Video Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-R_B5_E1ENQ

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Shadowveil: Legend of The Five Rings brings the rich, feudal world of Rokugan to life in a way that will delight fans of the tabletop RPG and card game. The game focuses heavily on the Crab Clan, the stalwart defenders of the Empire against the horrors of the Shadowlands, while giving nods to the other Great Clans through side missions and lore. For longtime fans, seeing abilities like Invocations and techniques from the 5th edition RPG translated into the game is a treat, and the attention to detail in capturing the setting is commendable.

Gameplay!

At its core, Shadowveil is an autobattler with roguelike elements. You take on the role of one of two siblings—Hida O-Ushi, the Crab Champion, or her studious younger brother Sukune—and lead expeditions into the Shadowlands while the other sibling manages operations back at the watchtower. The combat is automated, with your soldiers fighting independently, but the depth comes from your strategic decisions: equipping your party, leveling them up, and positioning them on small battle maps. You also have access to a handful of pre-battle abilities, though their usefulness varies. For example, explosive traps from the Engineer class can turn the tide of battle, while the Tactician’s targeted healing ability feels underwhelming in comparison.

The game’s progression system is where it shines. You’ll recruit characters, level them up, and equip them with skills and items found during your runs. Skills can be upgraded by combining duplicates, and items can be fused to create more powerful equipment. The branching paths of each run offer a mix of combat encounters, events, and rewards, creating a satisfying loop of risk and reward. While the autobattler genre might seem simplistic at first glance, Shadowveil adds layers of strategy through class synergies, adjacency bonuses, and skill sequencing, making it feel more like commanding an army than watching one fight on its own.

Visuals and Presentation!

The hand-drawn art style and stop-motion animations are divisive. Some players find them charming and evocative of the Legend of the Five Rings aesthetic, while others criticize the choppy, almost nauseating combat animations. It’s a bold artistic choice, but one that might not resonate with everyone. That said, the game’s overall presentation is stunning, with beautiful environments, detailed character designs, and stellar voice acting that immerses you in the world of Rokugan.

The Shadowlands and the Crab Clan’s Burden!

The story dives deep into the lore of the Crab Clan and their eternal struggle against the Shadowlands. Long ago, the Ninth Kami, Fu Leng, fell from the Celestial Heavens and landed in Jigoku, the Realm of Evil. His corruption created the Festering Pit of Fu Leng, the source of the Shadowlands Taint. As a member of the Crab Clan, you stand at the forefront of this battle, defending the Empire from oni, trolls, goblins, and other horrors. The game captures the grim determination and sacrifice of the Crab Clan, making you feel the weight of their duty.

Criticisms and Room for Improvement!

While Shadowveil has a lot to offer, it’s not without its flaws. The difficulty spikes can feel punishing, especially early on, and the lack of clarity around certain mechanics—like which cards can be combined—can be frustrating for new players. Additionally, the combat animations, while unique, are jarring and may detract from the experience for some.

Is It Worth Your Time and Money?

For fans of Legend of the Five Rings, Shadowveil is a must-play. It’s a love letter to the setting, filled with lore, strategic depth, and a sense of authenticity that only comes from a deep understanding of the source material. However, if you’re new to the IP or the autobattler genre, the $20 price tag might feel steep compared to other games in the genre. The demo is a great way to test the waters and see if the game’s unique blend of strategy and storytelling resonates with you.

Final Thoughts!

Shadowveil: Legend of The Five Rings is a promising first step into the world of Rokugan for video games. While it has its rough edges, it captures the spirit of the Crab Clan’s struggle and offers a surprisingly deep and engaging autobattler experience. If you’re a fan of eastern fantasy, samurai, and strategic gameplay, this game is worth checking out. Here’s hoping it paves the way for more Legend of the Five Rings games in the future.


Pros!

Faithful adaptation of the Legend of the Five Rings setting.

Deep strategic gameplay with roguelike elements.

Stunning art style and voice acting.

Cons!

Choppy combat animations may be off-putting.

Steep difficulty spikes and unclear mechanics.

Niche appeal for non-fans of the IP or autobattler genre.


Desecrators - 1.0 Launched on March 4, 2025!
Platform: PC (Steam)
Price: $24.99 USD
Link:
https://store.steampowered.com/app/2536960/Shadowveil_Legend_of_The_Five_Rings/