The game is set in an alternate version of the Golden Age of Piracy, in which a mysterious curse has revived the dead and granted them with supernatural abilities.

[2][3] Shadow Gambit: The Cursed Crew is a real-time tactics video game played from an isometric perspective.

While there are multiple ways for players to enter an island, they must escape through "Tear Into The Below", a portal that magically transports the crew back to their ship, the Red Marley, which also serves as the game's hub area.

For instance, a large boulder can be dropped onto an enemy, killing them without alerting nearby hostile units.

[5] The game also features a quick-save system, allowing players to quickly rewind time after making an undesired tactical error.

[6] Shadow Gambit features a fantasy backdrop, allowing the team to significantly expand character skills.