Assassin’s Creed Shadows Review: Everything to Know

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to the tumultuous era of late 16th-century Japan, offering a rich tapestry of history, culture, and action. Set against the backdrop of the Azuchi-Momoyama period, this installment introduces two protagonists: Naoe Fujibayashi, a skilled kunoichi from the Iga clan, and Yasuke, an African samurai inspired by historical accounts. Their intertwined narratives explore themes of identity, loyalty, and survival amidst political upheaval.

Narrative and Character Development ★★★★☆ (4/5)

The game’s storyline delves into the personal journeys of Naoe and Yasuke as they confront the forces of Oda Nobunaga while grappling with their own pasts and aspirations. Naoe seeks vengeance for her clan’s decimation, employing stealth and cunning to dismantle enemy operations. Yasuke, navigating the complexities of being a foreigner in a rigid society, strives to find his place and honor. Their paths converge, leading to a partnership that balances Naoe’s agility with Yasuke’s strength.

The narrative structure allows players to switch between these characters, each offering distinct perspectives and gameplay styles. This duality enriches the storytelling, providing a multifaceted view of the era’s challenges and intricacies. The cutscenes, dialogues, and historical references make the game’s story compelling, though some moments lean on predictable Assassin’s Creed tropes.

Gameplay Mechanics ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Stealth and Combat

Assassin’s Creed Shadows builds upon the franchise’s established mechanics while introducing new innovations that enhance immersion.

• Naoe’s gameplay emphasizes stealth, utilizing traditional ninja tools like shurikens, kunai, and smoke bombs. Her ability to blend into shadows and perform silent takedowns offers a classic assassin experience.
• The return of the double assassination mechanic, absent in recent titles, adds depth to her playstyle.
• Yasuke’s combat style contrasts with brute strength, using the katana and kanabō. His sequences involve direct confrontations, reflecting the samurai’s honor-bound combat philosophy.

Ubisoft manages to keep both playstyles engaging, though Yasuke’s combat sometimes feels less fluid compared to Naoe’s ninja mechanics.

Open World and Exploration ★★★★★ (5/5)

The game features a meticulously crafted open world, encompassing nine Japanese provinces. Each region showcases unique landscapes, from serene temples to bustling villages, all rendered with historical accuracy. The dynamic weather system and seasonal changes affect gameplay, influencing factors like visibility and enemy behavior.

Players can engage in various side activities, including:

• Participating in tea ceremonies
• Crafting gear and weapons
• Building relationships with NPCs
• Engaging in historical battles

These additions enrich the overall experience, making the world feel alive. However, some side quests lack depth and feel repetitive over time.

Visuals and Audio ★★★★★ (5/5)

Leveraging the capabilities of next-generation consoles, Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers stunning visuals.

• The environments are lush and detailed, with breathtaking lighting effects enhancing the authenticity of feudal Japan.
• Character models exhibit intricate designs, and animations flow smoothly, contributing to immersive storytelling.
• The soundtrack blends traditional Japanese instruments with modern compositions, setting an atmospheric tone.
• Voice acting is available in multiple languages, including Japanese, allowing players to choose a more authentic experience.

Ubisoft has truly mastered the art of historical immersion in this installment.

Technical Performance ★★★★☆ (4/5)

On PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X, the game runs at a stable 60 FPS, ensuring fluid gameplay. The Anvil engine‘s enhancements facilitate dynamic lighting and environmental interactions, such as destructible props and realistic physics.

However, some players reported minor glitches, including:

• Occasional clipping issues
• AI pathfinding bugs
• Texture pop-ins in open-world areas

Ubisoft has acknowledged these issues and is actively working on patches to improve stability.

Critical Reception ★★★★☆ (4/5)

Assassin’s Creed Shadows has garnered generally positive reviews from critics and players. The game’s faithful recreation of 16th-century Japan, engaging combat systems, and the depth of its protagonists have been widely praised.

However, some critiques focus on:

• The game’s adherence to familiar RPG mechanics, which may feel repetitive for long-time fans.
• Balancing between the two protagonists, with some feeling Naoe’s stealth missions overshadow Yasuke’s combat segments.

Despite these minor flaws, Shadows stands as one of the strongest modern entries in the franchise.

Controversies and Challenges

The inclusion of Yasuke, a Black samurai, sparked debates regarding historical accuracy and representation. Some critics viewed this choice as an attempt at diversity, while others appreciated the spotlight on a lesser-known historical figure. Ubisoft defended their decision, emphasizing their commitment to showcasing diverse narratives within historical contexts.

Additionally, the game’s release faced delays due to Ubisoft’s commitment to polishing and optimizing the final product. Though frustrating for eager fans, the extra development time resulted in a more refined game.

Final Verdict ★★★★☆ (4.5/5)

Pros:

✔ Beautifully detailed open world with historical accuracy
✔ Engaging dual-character storyline
✔ Diverse gameplay mechanics blending stealth and samurai combat
✔ Stunning graphics, dynamic weather, and immersive audio
✔ Strong replay value with side quests and world-building elements

Cons:

❌ Some repetitive RPG mechanics
❌ Minor AI and technical glitches
❌ Yasuke’s combat could feel more refined

Overall Rating: 4/5 Stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆

Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands as a testament to Ubisoft’s dedication to blending historical settings with engaging gameplay. The game’s rich depiction of feudal Japan, coupled with the contrasting yet complementary playstyles of Naoe and Yasuke, offers a fresh experience within the franchise.

Despite minor shortcomings, such as repetitive side quests and occasional technical hiccups, the game succeeds in delivering an immersive and rewarding journey. Whether you’re a long-time fan or new to the series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows invites you to explore a world where honor, stealth, and strategy intertwine.