Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Everything You Need to Know About Ubisoft’s Next Big Hit!

assassin creed shadows

Introduction

Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows is finally here, promising an open-world feudal Japan adventure with dual protagonists. However, given Ubisoft’s financial struggles and declining review scores, the question remains: is Assassin’s Creed Shadows good enough to secure the franchise’s future?

What is Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has taken players through historical periods such as the Italian Renaissance, the American Revolution, and Ancient Egypt. Shadows sets its sights on feudal Japan, featuring samurai and shinobi combat, a first for the series.

Ubisoft’s Financial Struggles and High Stakes

Ubisoft has been in crisis mode following the underperformance of Star Wars Outlaws. Hundreds of layoffs and project delays have led to mounting pressure for Assassin’s Creed Shadows to succeed.


"They were expecting a Star Wars game last summer to be a huge hit, and it bombed, setting the company into crisis mode." – Stephen Totilo, Founder of Game File

Why Did Ubisoft Delay Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

Initially set for release in November 2024, Ubisoft pushed the game back to February 2025, then March, in hopes of refining the experience and avoiding another flop. But did the extra development time pay off?

Controversies Surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Elon Musk’s Tweet and the Backlash

Elon Musk tweeted, “DEI kills art,” criticizing Ubisoft’s inclusion of Yasuke, an African samurai, in the feudal Japan setting. This sparked a wave of online debates and a boycott attempt.

Japanese Gamers’ Concerns

Some Japanese players feel Ubisoft’s portrayal of their history is inaccurate, further fueling controversy. Historical accuracy has always been a challenge for the Assassin’s Creed series.

Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows a Fresh Start for the Franchise?

After years of declining review scores, Ubisoft needed Shadows to be a breakthrough. But does it innovate enough, or is it another formulaic entry?

Dual Protagonists: Yasuke and Naoe

One of the game’s standout features is the dual-protagonist system. Yasuke, a powerful samurai, offers brute force, while Naoe, a nimble shinobi, excels in stealth.

• Yasuke: Heavy armor, strong melee attacks, slower movement
  
  
• Naoe: Parkour skills, stealth assassinations, agility-focused combat.

Gameplay Mechanics and Combat

The game follows the traditional Assassin’s Creed formula but introduces a more refined combat system.

• Stealth Mechanics: Enhanced AI, new hiding techniques.
  
  
• Sword Combat: Samurai duels add weight and impact.
  
  
• Exploration: Open-world Japan with villages, temples, and castles.

Open-World Feudal Japan: A Dream Setting?

Ubisoft delivers a stunning recreation of feudal Japan, with detailed landscapes, bustling cities, and historical landmarks.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is Good, But Not Great. Is That Enough?

The game excels in world-building and combat variety but struggles with pacing. Early sections feel sluggish, making it difficult for players to stay engaged.

FAQs

1. Is Assassin’s Creed Shadows historically accurate?

• Ubisoft takes creative liberties, but some aspects are grounded in history.

2. Can you switch between Yasuke and Naoe freely?

• Yes, but only outside of combat, allowing strategic playstyles.

3. Does Shadows introduce new gameplay mechanics?

• Yes, refined combat, enhanced AI, and a more immersive open world.

4. Is Ubisoft’s future dependent on Assassin’s Creed Shadows?

• It’s a crucial release, but Ubisoft needs consistent hits to stabilize.

5. What are the biggest criticisms of the game?

• Sluggish pacing, occasional AI glitches, and concerns about historical accuracy.

6. Will Assassin’s Creed Shadows have DLCs?

• Ubisoft is likely to release expansions based on past trends.

Conclusion

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a solid entry in the series, but whether it’s enough to revive Ubisoft’s fortunes remains uncertain. While the dual-protagonist system and stunning world are highlights, the game plays it safe in many ways. Time will tell if this is the breakthrough Ubisoft desperately needs.