Shields of Loyalty Review for PC, Xbox, PS5, and Switch.

Read our new Shields of Loyalty Review

Shields of Loyalty is a hardcore turn-based strategy RPG developed by Red Martyr Entertainment, clearly inspired by classics like Panzer General, Heroes of Might and Magic, and Fire Emblem. With its pixelated art style, permadeath mechanics, and deeply tactical battles, it revives the feel of old-school strategy while throwing in some modern polish.

This is not a game for the faint of heart—it demands forethought, planning, and sacrifice.

Story – War-Torn Fantasy

Set in the high-fantasy realm of Calradia, kingdoms have collapsed under the weight of war and betrayal. As a newly appointed general, you’re tasked with rebuilding an army, uniting fractured lands, and repelling a dark force that threatens to consume the continent.

Political intrigue
Side quests & world-building through NPC dialogue
Story delivery is mostly through text and static scenes—no voice acting or cutscenes

Gameplay – Tough, Tactical, Rewarding

Shields of Loyalty thrives in its deep, tactical gameplay. Each mission feels like a carefully crafted puzzle with dozens of solutions—and dozens of ways to fail.

Core Mechanics:

Turn-based, grid-style movement
Unit promotion & upgrade paths
Recruitment, morale, flanking, terrain bonuses
Resource management (gold, morale, food)

Permadeath is real—lose a unit and they’re gone for good, often taking hours of progress with them. Brutal, but rewarding.

Dynamic AI that adapts to your strategy—no brainless enemies here.

This is a strategy gamer’s dream, but casual players may find the difficulty unforgiving.

Visuals – Retro Aesthetic, Clean Interface

The pixel art style is consistent and polished. Characters, animations, and maps all exude a nostalgic charm, while UI elements are modern and readable.

Battlefields range from mountain passes and deserts to ruined cities and dungeons. Each map has strategic chokepoints and terrain interactions.

Sound & Atmosphere

The soundtrack is orchestral and moody, enhancing the tension of each battle. Sword clashes, fireballs, and unit cries are satisfying, though not groundbreaking.

There’s no voice acting, which might be a minus for those seeking immersion—but text presentation is clear and well-written.

Multiplayer and Modes

While Shields of Loyalty focuses on a deep single-player campaign, it also offers:

Skirmish Mode – Create your own battles
Permadeath Toggle – For those who want a more forgiving mode
No Online Multiplayer – A missed opportunity, but understandable given the scale

Platforms & Performance

Available on:

PC (Steam)
PlayStation 4 & 5
Xbox One & Series X|S
Nintendo Switch

Performance Summary:

Stable 60 FPS on all platforms
Smooth controls on gamepads and mouse
Nintendo Switch version plays well in handheld mode
Minimal bugs or crashes reported

Who Should Play This?

Strategy fans, especially those who enjoy:

Fire Emblem
Advance Wars
Panzer General
Wargroove
Disciples 2

It’s a game made with love for the hardcore strategy crowd.

Rating: 8 / 10 – A Thoughtful, Brutal Strategy Experience with Heart

Shields of Loyalty doesn’t reinvent the turn-based formula, but it perfects what fans of the genre already love. With brutal decision-making, rewarding combat, and nostalgic flair, it’s a gem for players who want every move to count.

If you’re ready to lose units, reload saves, and earn victory the hard way—this is for you.

System Requirements

Minimum:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS *: Windows 7/8/10 (64 bit version)
    Processor: Dual Core 2.4 GHz
    Memory: 8 GB RAM
    Graphics: 8 GB memory
    DirectX: Version 11
    Storage: 4 GB available space

Recommended:
    Requires a 64-bit processor and operating system
    OS *: Windows 8/10 (64 bit version)
    Processor: Quad Core 3.0 GHz
    Memory: 16 GB RAM
    Graphics: 16 GB memory
    DirectX: Version 11
    Storage: 4 GB available space