Assassin’s Creed Shadows has certainly made waves in the gaming community, particularly with its choice of protagonist, the historical Black samurai Yasuke. This decision has sparked a flurry of discussions around cultural representation and historical accuracy, prompting Ubisoft to respond to critics amid the game’s development challenges, including two delays. As the anticipation builds, industry analysts are keenly observing what Shadows may signify for the future of expansive open-world games, especially as Ubisoft seeks a much-needed success.
What You Need to Know
What is it: A stealth-action adventure set in feudal Japan.
Release Date: March 20, 2025
Expect to Pay: / £60
Developer: Ubisoft Quebec
Publisher: Ubisoft
Reviewed on: RTX 2080 Super, Intel Core i9 9900KS, 32GB RAM
Multiplayer: No
Steam Deck: Verified
Link: Official site
In terms of gameplay, Shadows offers a refreshing approach to loot mechanics. Players can expect a generous distribution of legendary items, with the added benefit of a flexible engraving system. This feature allows players to apply perks found in chests to various gear, creating a personalized arsenal that can lead to formidable combinations. As I navigated through the game, I found myself accumulating an extensive collection of helmets, armors, and weapons, each with unique enhancements that contributed to an exhilarating gameplay experience.
Ubisoft’s rendition of 16th-century Japan is visually striking, with cities like Kyoto bustling with life. However, the interactivity within these vibrant locales leaves much to be desired. Despite the presence of numerous civilians, merchants, and guards, the limited interactions available can make the world feel somewhat hollow. For instance, while the city is alive with activity, players can typically engage with only a handful of merchants, and the consequences of actions, such as attacking guards, are minimal. This lack of depth in the city’s dynamics detracts from the immersive experience that earlier titles in the Assassin’s Creed franchise successfully delivered.
Long Road Ahead
As I delved deeper into Shadows, my initial impressions began to shift. The game prompted me to reflect on my expectations of the Assassin’s Creed series and whether my critiques of its characters and narrative were valid or simply a product of my own biases. Returning to the game after completing the main storyline, I found myself drawn back into its rhythm—selecting targets, strategizing my approach, and executing stealthy assassinations became a comforting ritual.
The sheer scale of Shadows is impressive, with navigation designed to challenge players. Instead of straightforward markers, players receive vague clues about locations, encouraging exploration and discovery. This design choice transforms even routine tasks into engaging mini-adventures, reminiscent of a game of Geoguessr. As I immersed myself in this aspect, I realized that my enjoyment stemmed from a newfound appreciation for the game’s mechanics and the freedom it offered.
Shadows is not a title meant to be consumed in one sitting; it invites players to return at their leisure, allowing for a more relaxed exploration of its expansive world. With over 30 castles to conquer, I anticipate revisiting Shadows well into 2025 and beyond, as it promises to satisfy my cravings for stealth gameplay while offering a plethora of content to explore.
