Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Beautiful Dive into Feudal Japan
Feudal Japan has never been portrayed so stunningly in video games, and while Ghost of Tsushima is a noteworthy mention, Assassin’s Creed Shadows achieves a unique sense of immersion. This game invites players into a vibrant world that feels alive, compelling exploration with its breathtaking landscapes.
After an intensive 82-hour journey, the experience blurred the lines between reality and gameplay. From the first climb to a temple, players are mesmerised by the rich historical context and detailed environments, all set during Japan’s Sengoku period in 1579 as the nation approached unification under Lord Oda Nobunaga.
Players assume the roles of Naoe, a shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary African samurai. Their intertwined destinies begin with a dramatic mission sparked by a stolen box crucial to Naoe, igniting a quest that channels themes reminiscent of Kill Bill, filled with high-stakes targets and intricate betrayals.
Locations like Kyoto and Osaka are expertly crafted, showcasing the diverse influences of Portuguese traders and Jesuit missionaries, which enrich the storyline. Unlike previous titles, the narrative prioritises the characters’ experiences over the overarching Animus framework, focusing strictly on the thrilling journey of Naoe and Yasuke as they navigate a tumultuous historical moment.
Naoe embodies stealthy resourcefulness, while Yasuke introduces raw power into gameplay. Their seamless switching allows for strategic gameplay, though Yasuke’s unveiling in the latter half brings an exhilarating burst of combat capability. The game is replete with quests that range from castle infiltrations to quirky tasks like collecting flower seeds for a romantic subplot, creating a sense of liveliness throughout the sprawling map, which varies in difficulty as players progress.
Shadows excels in combining cultural elements with gameplay, highlighted by a memorable quest line involving a tea ceremony. The hideout feature reappears, offering a base for weapon upgrades and personalisation, fostering a sense of attachment as players cultivate alliances.
Combat is both brutal and satisfying, with distinct skill trees for Naoe and Yasuke that cater to their unique play styles. Engaging with a variety of enemies, the experience demands tactical thinking, all while delivering weighty weapon handling and an engaging assassination mechanic that minimises guided approaches, enhancing the thrill of tracking down foes.
Despite the occasional AI quirks, Shadows ensures a captivating experience filled with a blend of humour and heartfelt storytelling. The game rewards exploration and curiosity, reinforcing its standing as one of the most compelling entries in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is currently available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, with a starting retail price of $80. Early access was provided by Ubisoft ANZ for review purposes.