Assassin's Creed Shadows Review

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Review: A Bold New Era for the Franchise

Introduction

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the latest entry in Ubisoft’s long-running historical action-adventure series. Set in feudal Japan—a setting fans have clamored for since the franchise began—Shadows delivers a fresh take on the Assassin’s Creed formula with dual protagonists, refined stealth mechanics, and a stunning open world. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.

Story & Setting: A Tale of Two Assassins

Shadows introduces two playable characters, each offering a distinct gameplay style and perspective on the conflict:

Naoe – A shinobi (ninja) trained in the art of stealth, Naoe relies on agility, silent takedowns, and gadgets like smoke bombs and kunai. Her story is deeply personal, driven by revenge and loyalty to the hidden Assassin Brotherhood.
Yasuke – Based on the real-life African samurai who served under Oda Nobunaga, Yasuke is a powerhouse who excels in direct combat. His narrative explores honor, identity, and the clash of cultures in 16th-century Japan.

The dual-protagonist system works brilliantly, allowing players to switch between them for different missions or approach situations in their preferred style. The intertwining stories provide depth, though Yasuke’s historical grounding makes his arc particularly compelling.

The game’s setting—Sengoku-era Japan—is breathtaking. From bustling Kyoto streets to serene cherry blossom forests and fortified castles, Ubisoft has crafted one of the most visually stunning worlds in the series. Dynamic weather and seasons affect gameplay (e.g., snow slows movement, rain masks sound), making exploration feel alive.

Gameplay: Stealth & Combat Evolved

Naoe’s Stealth Gameplay

Naoe’s missions emphasize classic Assassin’s Creed stealth:

Parkour & Verticality – She can scale buildings swiftly, hide in tall grass, and use grappling hooks for quick getaways.
Tools & Distractions – Smoke bombs, kunai, and poison darts return, alongside new gadgets like firecrackers to lure guards.
Social Stealth – Disguises and blending into crowds make a welcome return, adding depth to infiltration.

Yasuke’s Combat Focus

Yasuke’s playstyle is more aggressive:

Heavy-Hitting Samurai Combat – Parries, counters, and brutal finishers make swordplay feel weighty and satisfying.
Armor & Stamina Management – Unlike Naoe, Yasuke can wear heavy armor but must manage stamina during prolonged fights.
Siege Battles – Some missions involve large-scale conflicts, where Yasuke’s strength shines.

The game encourages switching between characters—some missions lock you into one, while others let you choose. This variety keeps gameplay fresh, though stealth purists may prefer Naoe’s sections.

RPG Elements & Progression

Shadows retains some RPG mechanics from recent entries but streamlines them:

Skill Trees – Separate paths for Naoe (stealth, agility) and Yasuke (combat, resilience).
Gear & Customization – Weapons and armor can be upgraded and modified, though the system is less bloated than Valhalla.
Base Building – A hidden village serves as a hub where you recruit allies, upgrade gear, and unlock new missions.

Graphics & Immersion

Stunning Lighting & Weather – Torch-lit castles, moonlit infiltrations, and thunderstorms enhance atmosphere.
Attention to Historical Detail – Architecture, clothing, and weaponry feel authentic.
Dual Audio Option – Full Japanese voice acting with English subtitles is highly recommended for immersion.

Performance is solid on next-gen consoles and PC, though ray tracing can be demanding. The 60FPS mode is the way to go for smooth gameplay.

Criticisms

No game is perfect, and Shadows has some flaws:

AI Inconsistencies – Enemies sometimes spot you too easily or fail to react realistically.
Repetitive Side Content – While main missions are strong, some side quests feel like filler.
Pacing Issues – Yasuke’s early missions are slower compared to Naoe’s high-energy stealth sequences.

Final Verdict: 9/10

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a triumphant evolution for the franchise, blending classic stealth with deep combat and a richly realized feudal Japan. The dual protagonists offer fantastic variety, and the world is one of Ubisoft’s best yet. While not without minor flaws, this is a must-play for fans and a great entry point for newcomers.

Buy If:

✅ You love stealth or samurai combat.
✅ You’ve waited years for a Japan-set AC game.
✅ You enjoy immersive open worlds with deep lore.

Skip If:

❌ You prefer purely action-focused gameplay (Yasuke’s sections may not be enough).
❌ Repetitive side quests bother you.

Final Score: 9/10 – A New High Point for the Series
Will you embrace the shadows? 🔥🗡️