For years, the Assassin’s Creed fans have wanted a proper game set in feudal Japan. Ubisoft has finally answered that call with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a title that transports players to the late 16th century. Assassin’s Creed Shadows not only allows us to explore Japan’s rich environment and learn more about its history, but also brings a breath of fresh air into the series. At least in some aspects.
With its beautiful visuals, upgraded combat mechanics, and a deep and interesting narrative, does this game give new life to the franchise while remaining true to its roots? Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows live up to the huge expectations set by its predecessors? Find out what I think about it below!
[Warning: Light spoilers from Assassin’s Creed Shadows are below!]
The story in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a tale of two broken people
Unlike previous “old & new” entries centered around a singular protagonist (Desmond and Layla), Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a dual-character narrative and abandons a modern-day story. This game focuses on the journeys of Naoe, a trained and ruthless shinobi (a.k.a. ninja), and Yasuke, the legendary African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga, whose stories cross paths.
Naoe’s storyline is deeply personal. She is a member of the Iga Shinobi (also known as Iga-ryū). The game begins with her witnessing the destruction of her homeland at the hands of rival warlords and ambitious generals seeking control over Japan. With her clan decimated, she goes on a journey to get her revenge and discover herself. Her journey is the one that makes her life connected to the larger Assassin-Templar conflict. As we navigate and experience Naoe’s journey through the treacherous and now political Japanese landscapes, we learn that her enemies are not only the warlords seeking domination, but also a shadowy organization influencing events from behind the scenes (our known Templars, without whom there wouldn’t be Assassin’s Creed franchise).
Yasuke, on the other hand, presents a story rarely explored in video games. A historical figure becomes a playable character and a pivotal part of the story. His character is written as a part of a greater intrigue. He was brought to Japan as a servant to Jesuit missionaries before rising through the ranks to become a respected samurai under Oda Nobunaga. The game shows his struggle to be accepted in a foreign land, his undeniable commitment to the samurai code, and the internal conflict he faces as he begins to question the motives of those he serves. Yasuke’s journey is one of identity and belonging, providing a deeply emotional counterpoint to Naoe’s more stealth-oriented revenge tale.
The intertwining stories of these two characters make for an interesting narrative. Unlike some previous Assassin’s Creed titles, which have been criticized for predictable plots and sometimes bending history way too much, Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers a very interesting story filled with moral dilemmas, betrayals, and historical events that shape Japan’s future.
As a person who loves both history and Assassin’s Creed games, I’m really happy to see this game’s commitment to historical authenticity. It is really good, and to see real-life figures like Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi playing significant roles in this drama makes my heart warm. It takes me back to Assassin’s Creed II and the decisions that the studio made to make Leonardo da Vinci a huge part of Ezio’s story.
Gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
After playing for around 25-30 hours in this game, I can easily say that Ubisoft has made significant improvements to the core gameplay mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows. They refreshed the combat, changed traversal, and stealth systems to better suit the game’s setting and to be more balanced.
Yasuke and Naoe have different combat styles that fit perfectly with their different playstyles and fighting techniques. Yasuke, as a samurai, wields a heavy katana, which allows him to make brutal and heavy strikes that deal a lot of damage. His weaponry equipment is full of traditional weapons like naginata, kanabo, and even firearms known from this time. His combat approach is methodical, relying on precise timing, parries, and devastating counterattacks, that make it easier to defeat certain enemies.
Naoe, in contrast to Yasuke’s rough fighting style, is a master of stealth and agility. Her arsenal includes kunai, blow darts, smoke bombs, and a grappling hook that allows for unprecedented mobility. While she can engage in direct combat, she is at her best when striking from the shadows. The game’s improved parkour system allows her to navigate rooftops seamlessly, similar to classic titles like Assassin’s Creed II or Assassin’s Creed Unity.
One of the most exciting aspects of Assassin’s Creed Shadows to me is its changed and upgraded stealth mechanics system. It borrows the best elements from the Assassin’s Creed series, and allows players to do some amazing stealth kills. Naoe’s gameplay is reminiscent of Splinter Cell, where patience and strategic movement are key to defeating enemies without getting spotted. Tall grass, dark alleyways, and traditional Japanese architecture provide great hiding spots. But, the ability to destroy lanterns, and other sources of light or to cause distractions is a great way to make you feel like a ninja assassin.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows features one of the most breathtaking open worlds Ubisoft has ever created. The map is huge, and it involves cities like Kyoto, Kobe, and Osaka. It also has a dynamic weather system and a day-night cycle that directly impacts gameplay. As far as the mechanics go, those here are great. If we wait long enough, the snow will melt or the rain will dry. Another great addition, for example, is a nighttime that provides better cover for Naoe’s assassinations, while weather like heavy rain can mask the sound of Yasuke’s movements in battle to help him be undetectable for a while.
Activities in the world range from traditional side quests to unique cultural experiences. Players can partake in tea ceremonies, practice calligraphy, and even engage in sumo wrestling matches. The world is populated with richly detailed NPCs, each with its routines and reactions to player actions, making Japan feel alive. What is also worth mentioning is keeping the traditional Japanese culture, according to which you can’t enter a house that is not yours in shoes, which is a tiny detail, but one worth mentioning.
Connection to previous games and technical aspects
While Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces us to a new and fresh setting and characters, it remains deeply connected to the Assassin’s Creed lore. The central conflict between the Assassins and Templars continues to be a part of another fascinating narrative, with both factions fighting for control over Japan’s future.
Visually, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is nothing short of stunning. Even though a lot of people will not agree with me, utilizing Ubisoft’s Anvil engine helps the game deliver those breathtaking environments, and show different character animations, and realistic physics. The attention to detail is excellent, beginning with the reflection of cherry blossoms in the water to the way armor clinks when Yasuke moves.
The game’s soundtrack is a part of the game that will always be impressive no matter what. It features a mix of traditional Japanese instruments and cinematic orchestration. The voice acting is top-notch, with actors delivering performances that breathe life into their respective characters. Ubisoft also offers full Japanese voiceovers, ensuring an immersive experience for players who want authenticity, which is another good addition to the game.
Final thoughts on Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is another Assassin’s Creed game with outstanding storytelling, world-building, and some not-so-bad gameplay innovation. They successfully merged iconic history elements from feudal Japan with interesting and deep characters. Whether you’re a longtime fan or a newcomer, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers an experience that is both interesting and deeply satisfying.
This is the Assassin’s Creed experience fans have been waiting for and it delivers in every way. If you’re an Assassin’s Creed fan like me, you will love this game as much as I do.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is now available to play on PlayStation®5 & Xbox Series X|S, PC, Steam and more! Have you played it yet? What did you think? Let us know on social media @mycosmiccircus, or @TheCosmicCircus.com on Bluesky.
Game Review: Assassin’s Creed: Mirage
Black Myth: Wukong: A Tough and Rewarding Journey In Itself
