Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the fourteenth major installment in the acclaimed franchise, finally transports players to the long-awaited and beautifully realized setting of feudal Japan. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, this action-adventure RPG allows players to step into the shoes of two distinct protagonists: Naoe, a skilled Iga shinobi on a path of revenge, and Yasuke, the legendary African samurai serving Oda Nobunaga. Released on March 20th, 2025, for macOS, PlayStation 5, Windows, and Xbox Series X/S, with an iPadOS version to follow, does Shadows live up to the hype and deliver a truly immersive shinobi and samurai experience?
A Tale of Two Paths:
The narrative of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a compelling and bloody affair set against the turbulent late Sengoku period in 1581 Japan. The intertwining stories of Naoe and Yasuke, both seeking retribution against a common group of twelve masked individuals, offer a fresh perspective on the traditional Assassin’s Creed formula. While some reviewers found the overarching plot somewhat predictable and the Templar/Assassin conflict relegated to the final hours, the personal journeys of the two protagonists are generally praised. Naoe’s sharp wit and stealth-focused gameplay contrast well with Yasuke’s charismatic strength and brutal combat prowess.
Gameplay – The Way of the Shinobi and the Samurai:
Shadows truly shines in its gameplay, offering distinct experiences based on which protagonist you choose to play.
- Naoe: Embracing the “Shadows” in the title, Naoe’s gameplay emphasizes stealth, agility, and utilizing the environment to her advantage. Players can expect classic Assassin’s Creed stealth mechanics refined with new additions like a grappling hook for enhanced parkour and infiltration. Utilizing noise, light, and shadows is crucial for survival as enemies react dynamically to their surroundings. Her arsenal includes kunai, shuriken, and smoke bombs for distraction and elimination.
- Yasuke: As a powerful samurai, Yasuke’s approach is direct and combat-oriented. His gameplay revolves around brutal, precise attacks, blocking, and parrying. Players can master a vast array of traditional Japanese weaponry, including katana, kanabo, bows, and naginata, to overcome their foes. The combat system, while rewarding, is noted to be more punishing than previous entries, demanding careful attention to enemy actions.
The ability to switch between the two protagonists for most objectives offers a refreshing layer of strategic choice. While some reviewers noted that certain missions feel better suited for one character over the other (with Naoe often being the preferred choice for exploration due to Yasuke’s inability to stealth or parkour), the game impressively caters to both playstyles.
A Feast for the Senses – World and Visuals:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows presents a breathtaking and meticulously detailed rendition of feudal Japan. From sprawling castle towns and bustling ports to serene shrines and picturesque landscapes, the open world is a visual treat. Dynamic weather and changing seasons further enhance the immersion. On PlayStation 5 Pro, the game is consistently stunning, particularly the way light filters through the dense foliage. While exploration might feel slightly more linear than its RPG predecessors due to the mountainous terrain, the world is rich with hidden shrines, villages, and secrets to discover.
Refinements and Familiarity:
While set in a new era, Shadows doesn’t completely reinvent the core Assassin’s Creed experience. Players will still climb viewpoints, take down targets, and engage with historical figures. However, the game introduces welcome refinements to established systems, such as less cluttered maps and more focused skill trees. Elements from 2023’s Assassin’s Creed Mirage, like tougher combat, are also expanded upon. The homestead customization and the network of spies for gathering intel add new layers of engagement.
Potential Drawbacks:
Despite its strengths, some reviewers pointed out areas where Shadows falls slightly short. The overarching narrative, while featuring compelling character arcs, can feel thin and predictable at times. The late introduction of the Templar/Assassin conflict left some long-time fans wanting more of that core series element. Additionally, some technical aspects, like animation quality, were noted as inconsistent.
Conclusion:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a strong and visually stunning entry in the franchise, offering a compelling blend of stealth and action within the captivating setting of feudal Japan. The dual protagonists with their distinct gameplay styles provide a refreshing dynamic, and the world is a genuine joy to explore. While the overarching story and some familiar Ubisoft open-world tropes might not be revolutionary, the core gameplay loop, particularly the refined stealth and challenging combat, makes Assassin’s Creed Shadows a worthwhile journey for both long-time fans and newcomers eager to experience the way of the shinobi and the samurai. It stands as one of the more focused and rewarding entries in the modern Assassin’s Creed era.