Assassin’s Creed Shadows Review: A Samurai and Shinobi Symphony

After years of anticipation, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has finally arrived in feudal Japan with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec, this highly anticipated title plunges players into the turbulent Azuchi-Momoyama period, offering a unique dual-protagonist experience that blends the disciplined artistry of the samurai with the stealthy lethality of the shinobi. Our extensive playthrough, spanning over 55 hours on the PlayStation 5, has revealed a game that excels in its core gameplay mechanics, delivering a deeply satisfying blend of action and stealth, even as its narrative struggles to reach the same lofty heights.

A New Era, A Dual Perspective

The initial moments of Assassin’s Creed Shadows are nothing short of a visual and thematic triumph. The sight of a samurai warrior and a shinobi assassin gracing the start screen is a powerful statement of intent from Ubisoft. For fans who have long dreamt of an Assassin’s Creed adventure set in Japan, the game delivers on this long-held desire. However, as with any long-awaited entry, a degree of trepidation accompanies the excitement. Would the final product live up to the meticulously crafted visions of feudal Japan that have resided in players’ imaginations for over a decade?

Our experience suggests that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a game of fascinating contrasts. Its most significant achievement lies in the seamless integration of samurai and shinobi gameplay, creating what can only be described as the ultimate Assassin’s Creed experience. The ability to switch between two distinct playstyles, each offering a unique approach to traversal, combat, and infiltration, is a masterstroke. Yet, the narrative, while functional, falls short of the emotional resonance and mind-bending twists that have characterized some of the series’ most beloved entries. While the overarching Assassin versus Templar conflict is significantly downplayed, the personal journeys of our protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe, are designed to be deliberate and measured, mirroring the contemplative spirit of the era. This pacing allows for a deep immersion into the world, encouraging players to approach objectives with careful consideration and strategic planning.

Yasuke and Naoe: A Tale of Two Warriors

The dual-protagonist system in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is more than just a gimmick; it’s the very engine that drives the gameplay experience. Players are given the freedom to choose between Yasuke, the formidable samurai, and Naoe, the agile shinobi, to tackle a vast array of missions. This choice is not merely cosmetic; it fundamentally alters how players interact with the world and its challenges.

Yasuke’s Path: Strength and Honor

Yasuke’s narrative arc is that of a warrior transitioning from a life of servitude to becoming a trusted samurai under Oda Nobunaga. His journey begins with a dramatic portrayal of his rise to power, culminating in his involvement in the conquest of the Iga region, Naoe’s homeland. Playing as Yasuke often involves a more direct and forceful approach. His combat style is characterized by brutal efficiency, leveraging powerful melee weapons like the Tanto, which, in this context, refers to a formidable, club-like weapon rather than its historical Japanese dagger counterpart, making for an impactful visual and gameplay experience. When Yasuke enters a conflict, there is little subtlety. He is a force of nature, capable of cleaving through swathes of enemies with devastating combos and visually spectacular abilities. The gameplay mechanics for Yasuke lean into the visceral thrill of samurai combat, emphasizing parries, timed dodges, and the devastating impact of heavy weaponry.

Naoe’s Path: Stealth and Precision

Naoe, on the other hand, embodies the classic shinobi archetype. Following a personal tragedy, her quest for revenge is driven by stealth, infiltration, and the precise execution of assassinations. Her gameplay is centered around utilizing the environment to her advantage, employing a variety of tools and techniques to remain unseen. Climbing across rooftops, scaling castle walls, and utilizing hidden pathways are all integral to Naoe’s playstyle. Her arsenal includes traditional shinobi weapons, such as shuriken and kunai, alongside a lethal katana for close-quarters combat. The stealth mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows are refined and rewarding, allowing players to meticulously plan their approach, eliminate targets silently, and vanish back into the shadows before their presence is even detected. The contrast between Yasuke’s overt displays of power and Naoe’s elusive precision is a constant source of tactical depth and player agency.

The ability to seamlessly switch between these two protagonists allows for a dynamic and adaptable gameplay experience. If a stealth approach as Naoe proves too challenging, players can opt for Yasuke’s brute force to clear an area. Conversely, if Yasuke’s direct confrontation leads to overwhelming odds, a quick switch to Naoe might offer a path to infiltrate the objective undetected. This fluidity in gameplay ensures that Assassin’s Creed Shadows remains engaging and consistently offers new ways to approach familiar challenges.

The Narrative: A Satisfactory, Yet Unremarkable, Journey

While the gameplay in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a resounding success, the narrative falters slightly in its execution. The overarching story, which sees Naoe and Yasuke pursuing the masked figures of the Shinbakufu, responsible for the initial tragedy that sets their journeys in motion, is a serviceable framework for the action. However, it rarely deviates from predictable plot points. The investigations, which form a significant portion of the early game, often involve a repetitive cycle of speaking to NPCs, infiltrating enemy strongholds, gathering intel, and ultimately assassinating the identified target. This quest-focused structure, while common in open-world RPGs, feels somewhat bland in its setup and resolution.

Despite the narrative’s shortcomings, the performances of the voice actors, particularly when utilizing the “Immersive Mode” with its variable voice acting, elevate the character interactions. Yasuke’s stoic demeanor provides a compelling counterpoint to the often explosive and brutal actions he undertakes. Naoe’s fiery personality, tempered by her disciplined shinobi upbringing, creates a captivating duality. While their individual stories may not keep players on the edge of their seats with unexpected twists, the nuanced performances make inhabiting their roles a genuine pleasure. The real disappointment lies in the missed opportunities for a more compelling narrative, one that could have truly amplified the impact of these well-realized characters.

Gameplay Mechanics: Refined and Rewarding Combat

Assassin’s Creed Shadows excels in its moment-to-moment gameplay, particularly in its combat system. The developers have crafted a refined and challenging combat experience that rewards skillful play. The reliance on parries, timed dodges, and careful observation of enemy attack patterns makes each encounter feel meaningful. This is arguably the most difficult Assassin’s Creed to date, but this challenge is precisely what makes the combat so satisfying. Every victory feels earned, a testament to the player’s mastery of the mechanics.

The progression system further enhances the combat experience. Unlocking new abilities through Mastery Points allows players to tailor their playstyle to their preferred weapon and approach. The requirement to level up a Knowledge Rank by engaging in various in-world activities before unlocking additional tiers of abilities creates a satisfying loop of exploration, combat, and character development. This system encourages a holistic engagement with the game’s world, rewarding players for their dedication to both direct confrontation and environmental interaction. The influx of gear and weaponry, each with unique perks and afflictions, adds another layer of depth, allowing for further customization and strategic planning in combat.

Exploration and Environment: A Feast for the Senses

The world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a breathtaking testament to the visual artistry of Ubisoft Quebec. The changing seasons dramatically alter the landscape, offering a visually diverse and immersive experience. From the deep, hindering snow of Winter to the blinding glare of the Summer sun, each season presents unique environmental challenges and aesthetic qualities. Autumnal forests ablaze with vibrant orange hues and the serene beauty of Spring’s Sakura blossoms create stunning vistas. The attention to detail in the environmental audio is equally impressive, with the sounds of crickets and frogs accompanying lakeside coasts, and the rustling of leaves and howling winds adding to the atmosphere during stormy weather. On the PlayStation 5 Pro, the visual fidelity is simply outstanding, with light filtering through towering trees creating an almost painterly effect.

The game’s exploration, while somewhat more linear than its predecessors due to Japan’s mountainous terrain, is still highly curated and engaging. Players are guided along natural and man-made pathways, leading to discoveries of hidden shrines, quaint villages, and other points of interest. This curated approach ensures that players are consistently presented with new and interesting discoveries, even if the element of surprise is somewhat diminished. The act of simply moving through this meticulously crafted world, whether it’s climbing to a viewpoint or discovering lost scrolls within ancient temples, is a pleasure in itself.

The Hideout serves as a central hub for progression and customization, further allowing players to immerse themselves in the game’s Japanese aesthetic. By collecting resources, players can build additional facilities that aid in their journey and personalize the surrounding scenery with statues, pets, and trees. While our focus remained primarily on practical upgrades that advanced Yasuke and Naoe’s progression, the depth of customization available at the Hideout is sure to appeal to fans who appreciate the game’s exquisite art direction.

The Sci-Fi Element: A Fading Echo

A point of contention for longtime fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise is the diminishing presence of the science-fiction elements and the core Assassin versus Templar conflict. Assassin’s Creed Shadows continues this trend, relegating these aspects to the fringes of the experience. The modern-day narrative, linked to a new but somewhat poorly implemented Animus system, primarily serves as a conduit for unlocking free gear and cosmetic microtransactions. While the concept of earning rewards through in-game activities is appreciated, the overall integration of the modern-day segments feels disconnected from the main narrative and gameplay.

Furthermore, the central conflict between the Assassins and the Templars only truly emerges in the final hours of the game, and its impact is unfortunately muted. While we understand the series’ shift towards focusing on historical fantasy, it feels as though Ubisoft may have overlooked the unique appeal that the intersection of history and science fiction once provided. For those who have followed the series since its inception, this narrative shift represents a significant departure from what made Assassin’s Creed so compelling in the first place.

Conclusion: Gameplay Reigns Supreme

Despite the narrative’s tendency to be merely “satisfactory,” Assassin’s Creed Shadows ultimately succeeds due to its exceptional gameplay. The fusion of samurai and shinobi combat is a revelation, offering a dynamic and deeply engaging experience that rarely falters. Controlling Yasuke is a “bloody blast,” a testament to the satisfying weight and impact of his combat, while Naoe provides the most refined stealth experience the series has seen in years.

As a dedicated fan, each Assassin’s Creed game holds a special place in our personal gaming history. From Ezio’s intricate conspiracies to Edward’s swashbuckling pirate adventures, Bayek’s poignant tale of loss and love, and Kassandra’s unforgettable journey, the series has consistently delivered memorable experiences. Assassin’s Creed Shadows adds its own chapter to this legacy, serving as a powerful reminder that in the realm of video games, exceptional gameplay is often king. The sheer joy of embodying Yasuke and Naoe, wielding their unique skills and navigating the vibrant world of feudal Japan, is a powerful testament to the developers’ commitment to delivering a truly remarkable gameplay experience.

Score: 8.5 / 10

This score reflects a game that, while not perfect in its narrative delivery, offers a compelling and highly enjoyable gameplay experience that stands as a strong entry in the long-running Assassin’s Creed franchise. The strengths in combat, exploration, and the unique dual-protagonist system far outweigh the narrative’s shortcomings, making Assassin’s Creed Shadows a must-play for fans of the series and newcomers alike.