For years, I watched from the sidelines as the Assassin’s Creed franchise evolved. Friends would rave about historical settings, intricate conspiracies, and the thrill of leaping from rooftops. Yet, something never quite grabbed me. The sheer scale felt daunting, the gameplay loops appeared repetitive, and honestly, I just didn’t get the hype. That was until I experienced Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Set in the captivating world of feudal Japan, this installment has done something no previous game in the series could: it made me a believer.
My initial hesitation stemmed from a perception of the games as overly complex and demanding a significant time investment. Open-world fatigue is real, and the idea of another sprawling map filled with icons felt more like a chore than an adventure. However, the moment the gameplay details for Shadows emerged, showcasing the dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, my interest piqued. Naoe, a nimble shinobi, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai, offered a contrast that immediately felt compelling.
Playing as Naoe feels like a return to the series’ stealth roots, a style I’ve always appreciated in games. Her ability to use shadows to her advantage, grapple across rooftops, and execute swift assassinations is incredibly satisfying. I found myself meticulously planning my infiltrations, using the environment to my advantage, and relishing the moments when a well-timed shuriken took down a distant guard. The return of walking assassinations, a feature I briefly enjoyed in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, adds a layer of fluidity to her gameplay that makes stealth feel truly empowering.
Yasuke, on the other hand, provides a completely different experience. His combat is brutal and direct. Wielding heavy weapons like katanas and kanabo, he can take on multiple enemies head-on. Initially, I worried his gameplay might feel clunky compared to Naoe’s agility, but his powerful strikes and ability to break through defenses offer a rewarding sense of strength. The developers at Ubisoft Quebec have clearly put effort into making both characters feel distinct yet equally engaging.
The seamless switching between Naoe and Yasuke during missions adds a tactical layer I didn’t expect. There were instances where I used Naoe to scout an area and eliminate key threats silently, then switched to Yasuke to deal with larger groups of remaining enemies. This dynamic interplay between stealth and open combat feels fresh and prevents the gameplay from becoming monotonous.
Beyond the compelling protagonists, the setting of 16th-century Japan is a character in itself. The world is stunningly beautiful, from the snow-covered landscapes of winter to the vibrant foliage of spring. The level of detail is remarkable; bustling towns feel alive, and ancient temples exude a sense of history. The dynamic weather system and changing seasons further enhance the immersion, making the world feel truly dynamic. I often found myself simply stopping to admire the scenery, a testament to the visual fidelity achieved by the AnvilNext engine.
One aspect that particularly impressed me is the improved stealth mechanics. Vanishing into the shadows requires crouching or going prone, which feels more grounded and strategic than simply pressing a button. The absence of avian scouting forces players to rely on Naoe’s “Observe” mechanic, encouraging careful exploration and environmental awareness. This change makes stealth feel more challenging and rewarding.
The hideout system is another feature that has significantly enhanced my experience. Recruiting allies with unique abilities, like Gennojo who can stun enemies or Oni-Yuri who specializes in poison, adds a strategic element to mission planning. The ability to customize and expand the hideout provides a sense of progression and personalization beyond just character upgrades. It feels like a home for our protagonists and their growing network of allies.
Even the combat system, which I often found overwhelming in past Assassin’s Creed games, feels refined and impactful in Shadows. Whether I’m trading blows with a katana as Yasuke or using Naoe’s kusarigama to control the battlefield, each encounter feels deliberate and engaging. The ability to summon recruited allies for assistance during combat adds another layer of tactical depth.
While the core gameplay loop of exploring, infiltrating, and assassinating remains familiar, the unique setting, the contrasting playstyles of Naoe and Yasuke, and the refined mechanics have breathed new life into the formula for me. This isn’t just another Assassin’s Creed game with a different skin; it feels like a significant step forward for the franchise.
I’ve spent hours exploring the intricate world, completing side quests, and uncovering the stories of the people who inhabit this digital Japan. I’ve felt the thrill of a perfectly executed stealth takedown and the satisfaction of overcoming a challenging group of enemies in open combat. Assassin’s Creed Shadows has managed to capture my attention and hold it in a way that previous installments never could.
Perhaps it’s the allure of the historical setting, the compelling narrative woven around the intertwined stories of Naoe and Yasuke, or simply the evolution of the gameplay mechanics. Whatever the reason, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has finally shown me the appeal of this beloved franchise. I’m no longer a skeptic on the sidelines; I’m an Assassin, ready to embrace the shadows of feudal Japan. This game is not just a welcome addition to the series; for me, it’s the entry that finally made the Creed click.
