Assassin’s Creed Shadows – A New Dawn for the Creed?
Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally brings the franchise to feudal Japan, a setting fans have been demanding for years. With its dual-protagonist system, stunning next-gen visuals, and deep historical immersion, Shadows is an ambitious entry. But does it truly evolve the franchise, or is it another iteration of the now-familiar open-world RPG formula?
Story & Characters
Shadows introduces two playable protagonists: Naoe, a skilled shinobi seeking revenge, and Yasuke, a historical figure and the first recorded Black samurai. Their contrasting fighting styles and personal motivations create an engaging dynamic, offering two distinct perspectives on Japan’s war-torn Sengoku period.
Naoe’s storyline leans into traditional Assassin’s Creed themes—stealth, betrayal, and political intrigue—while Yasuke’s arc offers a fresh take on honor, power, and cultural displacement. The writing is strong, and character interactions feel more personal than in previous entries. However, some story beats fall into predictable revenge tropes, making the narrative compelling but not groundbreaking.
Gameplay & Combat
Ubisoft has refined the RPG mechanics introduced in Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, making combat feel more fluid and weighty. Naoe relies on speed, agility, and assassinations, embodying the classic Assassin playstyle. Yasuke, on the other hand, is a powerhouse, capable of breaking through enemy defenses with brutal strikes. The contrast between them adds variety, but Yasuke’s style sometimes feels at odds with the stealth-focused roots of the series.
Stealth has been improved with new tools, such as shuriken and smoke bombs, and environments are more interactive, allowing for dynamic assassinations. However, enemy AI remains inconsistent—sometimes they react believably, while other times they seem oblivious to bodies lying just a few feet away.
The open-world structure still follows Ubisoft’s familiar formula—side quests, collectibles, and strongholds to conquer—but the level of detail in feudal Japan makes exploration more rewarding. From bustling villages to serene temples, the world feels alive. Activities like tea ceremonies, calligraphy, and training with samurai masters add immersive depth beyond combat.
Visuals & World Design
This is easily one of the most beautiful Assassin’s Creed games ever made. The Anvil engine shines with stunning lighting, atmospheric weather effects, and intricate architecture. The changing seasons affect gameplay—rain can make rooftops slippery, while heavy snowfall impacts movement. Every frame feels like a work of art, capturing the mysticism and brutality of 16th-century Japan.
However, Ubisoft’s insistence on a massive open world means occasional performance issues, even on next-gen hardware. Some frame rate drops and minor texture pop-ins can break immersion, though patches may smooth these out.
The Verdict
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a gorgeous, immersive, and engaging journey into feudal Japan, offering strong storytelling and refined gameplay. While it doesn’t entirely shake off Ubisoft’s open-world fatigue, it successfully blends stealth, action, and historical authenticity in a way that should satisfy long-time fans and newcomers alike.
Pros:

Stunning visuals and world design

Two distinct protagonists with unique playstyles

Deeper stealth mechanics and engaging combat

Rich historical setting with cultural depth
Cons:

Ubisoft’s open-world formula still feels repetitive

Occasional AI inconsistencies and performance issues

Some predictable story beats
Final Score: 8.5/10
While Shadows doesn’t completely reinvent the franchise, it’s a step forward—and one of the best Assassin’s Creed games in years.