Steampunk and samurai aren’t an obvious mix, but Shadow of the Road makes a convincing argument that they belong together. This upcoming turn-based tactical RPG from indie studio Another Angle Games takes the samurai era and cranks it up to eleven with a mix of steampunk technology, supernatural Yokai, and a shifting political landscape. After going hands-on with a demo and diving into a developer-led walkthrough, it’s clear that this game is aiming to bring something fresh to the tactical RPG genre while delivering a cinematic, character-driven experience.
A World of Steampunk and Spirits
The game drops you into an alternate-history Japan where the Emperor, backed by steampunk technology, faces off against the magic-fueled Shogunate. The world is dripping with atmosphere—gunpowder smoke mingles with the eerie glow of supernatural forces, and blood splatters coat the battlefield like a Tarantino fever dream.
The world of Shadow of the Road feels alive, thanks to its branching paths and immersive lore. Side quests and optional encounters dot the landscape, giving you reasons to stray from the main story. One such detour led to a mysterious corpse, kicking off an investigation that hinted at the deeper supernatural elements lurking beneath the surface. The developers made it clear: in this world, you never truly know who is friend or foe—anyone could be hiding their true Yokai nature.
This dynamic adds an unsettling edge to exploration, making every interaction feel like it could turn into a fight for survival.
A Tactical Dance of Steel and Strategy
On the battlefield, Shadow of the Road ditches the typical round-based turn order for a fluid initiative timeline inspired by Othercide. Instead of rigid turns, actions flow dynamically, meaning that using delayed but powerful attacks can shift your placement in the sequence. Planning around this system adds a strategic depth that goes beyond just positioning and ability use—you have to think about how your actions will affect the flow of battle.
A key feature of combat is the ability to interrupt enemy attacks. If an enemy is preparing a devastating blow, landing a well-timed strike can cancel it, netting you a bonus action in return. This risk-reward system forces you to carefully read the battlefield, prioritizing threats while managing your own cooldowns and positioning.
There’s also a clear focus on character customization and progression. Each playable character comes with a skill tree that changes based on the choices you make in the game. Some skills will remain locked unless your character’s personality aligns with them, reinforcing the idea that your roleplaying decisions have mechanical consequences.
A Samurai Story with Shades of Gray
The story follows two Ronin—Akira and Satoru—who begin their journey in exile, searching for a way back to the Shogunate. However, morality in Shadow of the Road isn’t black and white. While samurai values are often associated with honor, the game challenges that notion, hinting that rigid adherence to tradition may not always be the right path. Depending on your choices, you can shape the fate of your characters, their relationships, and even the skills they acquire.
Throughout the demo, the developers emphasized how characters and narrative beats are inspired by real historical figures—much like Kingdom Come: Deliverance. While Shadow of the Road takes creative liberties with its supernatural and steampunk elements, it still aims to capture the tensions of the time period.
Final Thoughts
From the glimpses we’ve had so far, Shadow of the Road looks like a promising entry into the turn-based RPG space. The blend of tactical combat, deep character customization, and a world filled with both historical and supernatural intrigue gives it a unique identity. Its dynamic initiative system and Yokai-infused storytelling add layers of depth beyond what you’d expect from a traditional samurai RPG.
With its release planned for early next year across multiple platforms, Shadow of the Road is shaping up to be a must-play for fans of tactical RPGs, samurai epics, and supernatural thrillers alike.
