Desperados III Review Summary

Unique characters and multiple solutions per level elevate the stealth tactics, though a cliché story, repetitive loop, and clunky UI hold it back.

Unique and useful characters: The diverse cast of characters is praised for unique abilities, distinct personalities, and making each one feel useful and memorable.

Multiple solutions per level: A core strength is the many ways to approach and complete each level, offering creative freedom and high replayability through multiple solutions.

Exceeds Shadow Tactics precedent: Many players view this game as a worthy successor to Shadow Tactics, praising it as a masterpiece that improves on its predecessor with better controls and a more enjoyable experience.

Strong stealth tactics mix: Combining strong stealth mechanics with tactical depth, the game is seen as a meticulously crafted stealth strategy title.

Superb soundtrack and audio: The game's soundtrack and audio design are consistently highlighted as excellent, adding greatly to the overall experience.

Story is mediocre and cliché: The story is widely considered decent but unremarkable—average, conventional, and at times cliché or cheap. It does not elevate the game and is often skippable.

Too similar to Shadow Tactics: Many reviews state Desperados III feels almost identical to Mimimi's previous game Shadow Tactics: Blades of the Shogun, with similar skills, enemy types, and gameplay loops. Players expected more innovation and instead felt they were playing an expansion rather than a full sequel.

Repetitive gameplay loop: The gameplay becomes repetitive after the initial novelty wears off, with a similar puzzle structure throughout. The late game is described as monotonous and feels like a chore.

Clunky UI and controls: The user interface and controls (especially keyboard/mouse) are often reported as inconvenient, clunky, or uncomfortable. Issues include poor camera control, misleading pathfinding, and awkward default key bindings.

Unfair achievement design: Achievements and badges are criticized as unfair, hidden until after a mission, or requiring tedious grind (e.g., 200 kills with one skill). This design conflicts with stealth/no-kill playstyles and demands replaying missions.

Real-time tactical stealth with planning: The core gameplay is stealth-focused real-time tactics with a planning mode, similar to Commandos and Shadow Tactics. Players pause time to queue actions and execute them simultaneously, emphasizing careful planning and execution.

Multiple paths and approaches: The game features isometric, puzzle-like levels with multiple paths and solutions. Players can choose between stealth or direct combat approaches, offering high mission variety.

Western themed tactical stealth: The game is set in the Wild West, blending a cowboy theme with tactical stealth gameplay. The western setting is a key differentiator from other games in the genre.

High replayability via save-scumming: Players report high replayability due to the ability to reload saves to perfect each approach. The multiple strategies per level encourage repeated playthroughs.

Challenge badge system: A badge system rewards players with challenges for completing levels under specific conditions, adding extra goals beyond main objectives.

Exceptional overall stability: Multiple users report the game runs without crashes, lockups, or bugs, and is notably more stable than 'Blades of the Shogun'. One user completed 60 hours without encountering any issues.

Satisfying technical features: The game supports ultrawide monitors, 360-degree camera rotation, native joystick support, and offers good graphical and key rebinding options.

Good Steam Deck compatibility: The game plays well on Steam Deck, though initial control adjustments may be needed. Users confirm it works on the platform.

Classic RTT fans rejoice: The game is highly recommended for fans of Commandos, Desperados, and Shadow Tactics, as well as classic real-time tactics and stealth strategy games.

Strong overall recommendation: Many reviewers give the game a strong overall recommendation, with some rating it 10/10 and calling it a no-brainer purchase for genre fans.

Great for newcomers: The game is recommended for players new to the real-time tactics genre, as well as those unfamiliar with previous games in the series.

Good value for money: Reviewers find the game worth its price, with some specifically recommending it when on sale for under $20 or even under $5.

Tactical stealth gem: Reviewers praise the game as a true gem for stealth tactics fans, suitable for those who love well-thought-out plans and stealth tactical gameplay.

Community fair range: $14.99 - $29.99.

Game completion: 60.0h.

Story completion: 35.0h.

Session length: 1.5h.

The game is not immediately fun; players report it becomes engaging only after mastering basic controls and unlocking the first few skills or characters, typically by the second or third mission.

Friction: steep learning curve for genre newcomers; need for patience and precision; awkward character switching and skill coordination at first.

Unlock drivers: unlocking new characters and abilities; getting past the tutorialized first missions; learning to combine skills for creative solutions.

Genre Veteran / Franchise Fan: Methodical planning using character synergies, precise timing, and exploiting environmental tools; often plays on hardest difficulty to maximize strategic depth. Motivation: Reviving the classic RTT experience with refined mechanics and challenging levels that honor the genre's legacy. Stance: buy.

Casual Story-Seeker: Utilizes Beginner or Normal difficulty, takes time to explore levels, focuses on narrative progression and character moments rather than optimization. Motivation: Enjoying a compelling story and accessible tactical gameplay without frustration. Stance: sale.

Completionist / Badge Hunter: Replays levels multiple times to perfect routes, uses higher difficulties for badge requirements, meticulously plans actions to minimize reloads. Motivation: Achieving 100% completion, collecting all badges and achievements, and mastering speedruns. Stance: buy.

Steam Deck: The game runs well on the Steam Deck with native Linux support, good performance, and great visuals. There is minor friction in controls requiring adaptation and the touchscreen helps in complex scenarios, but no major technical barriers like crashes or unreadable UI are reported.

Linux and Proton: The game runs flawlessly on Linux Mint and Steam Deck based on user feedback. No Linux-specific issues, crashes, or required tweaks are reported.

Monetization: The game uses a traditional DLC model with no microtransactions, loot boxes, or pay-to-win mechanics. One review criticizes DLC map pricing as high, but this is a base price/DLC complaint, not evidence of predatory monetization. The positive review explicitly praises the absence of anti-consumer practices.

External guides: User feedback is positive and does not contain any complaints about needing external data. The game appears to be self-contained, resulting in a low Wiki Tax score.

Studio disbandment impact: Players express regret that the developer studio Mimimi has disbanded. This raises concerns that similar high-quality games from the same studio will not be produced in the future.