Ubisoft has finally delivered what fans have been begging for—Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes the long-running franchise into the heart of Feudal Japan, and it feels like a fresh blood-soaked breath of air. Swapping out the modern-day bloat and returning to the core of what made this series great, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is part stealth action, part cinematic storytelling, and all wrapped in a beautifully hostile world.
This time, you’re not just one assassin—you’re two. That duality is what makes Assassin’s Creed Shadows stand out. You play as Naoe, a nimble shinobi trained in the arts of stealth and shadow, and Yasuke, a towering African samurai based on the real-life warrior who served under Oda Nobunaga. It’s a game of contrasts, not just in gameplay but in tone, culture, and combat philosophy.
A Tale of Two Blades
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set in 1579 during the late Sengoku period, Shadows drops you into a Japan torn apart by political conflict and endless war. The story wastes no time throwing you into both protagonists’ lives—Naoe, driven by revenge and legacy, and Yasuke, a man grappling with honour, belonging, and violence.
Naoe represents everything Assassin’s Creed veterans love: stealth, parkour, and clever tools. She’s got a deadly kusarigama for sweeping attacks, throwing kunai for quick kills, smoke bombs to vanish like a ghost, and yes, the classic hidden blade. Her movement is fluid—wall-running, grappling, dive assassinating—it all feels fast and responsive. Ubisoft calls her the “fastest Assassin to date,” and they’re not exaggerating.
Then there’s Yasuke. This man is a tank, built for brutal face-to-face combat. Swinging a kanabo or naginata feels weighty and satisfying, and his ability to chain combos together with link-attacks keeps combat flowing. He’s also got a teppo (muzzle-loaded rifle) for ranged enemies, and his samurai armor lets him shrug off hits that would flatten Naoe. If you loved Bayek or Eivor’s heavier combat styles, Yasuke will feel like home.
The beauty of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is that you’re not locked into one approach. You can switch between Naoe and Yasuke depending on the mission or just your playstyle. Want to ghost through a castle, snuffing lanterns and throat-punching guards? Naoe’s your girl. Feel like walking through the front gate and making an example out of everyone? Yasuke’s your man.
Feudal Japan, Fully Realized
Assassin’s Creed Shadows nails the setting. From bustling castle towns to tranquil shrines tucked in misty forests, the world is detailed and dripping with atmosphere. Seasonal changes affect not only the visual style but gameplay too—snow muffles your footsteps, and rain might hide your approach.
Ubisoft’s world-building shines here. Each region reflects the chaos of the Sengoku period, with war camps dotting the land, civilians praying at shrines, and samurai patrols enforcing local rule. It’s not just window dressing, either. You’ll see villages caught in the crossfire, nobles plotting their rise to power, and moments of genuine cultural insight.
The game also introduces castle raids—large-scale infiltration missions that feel like handcrafted dungeons. They’re packed with guards, puzzles, and treasures, and they become your main test of mastery for both stealth and combat. Completing one with perfect stealth as Naoe or unleashing carnage with Yasuke feels equally satisfying.
Tight Mechanics, Deep Customization
One of the strongest updates to the formula is the refined parkour and traversal system. Naoe can sprint dodge, roll recover, grapple up rooftops, and slink through foliage like a shadow. The movement feels organic, and Ubisoft’s attention to detail means you’re not constantly fighting the controls.
Combat has depth without being overwhelming. Yasuke’s ability to mix weapon types in real time means you can experiment with different strategies, especially when facing different enemy types. Tougher enemies might require you to break their guard with a heavy kanabo before finishing them with a katana slash or rifle shot.
The game also offers customization through a hideout system, allowing you to upgrade and recruit allies, expand your influence with spies, and tailor your equipment and tools. It’s not a full-blown RPG system, but it adds a nice layer of ownership to your journey.
Presentation – A Visual and Audio Feast
Visually, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is stunning. Whether it’s the cherry blossoms blowing across a temple courtyard or the glint of your blade in the moonlight, the game captures Feudal Japan in breathtaking detail. The lighting system, especially during night missions, helps reinforce the tension and beauty of the setting.
Performance-wise, Ubisoft has wisely offered players a choice: You can prioritize visuals with ray tracing (perfect for screenshots and mood) or frame rate for smoother combat. Even on consoles, the game runs well, with minimal dips unless ray tracing is maxed.
The audio is equally impressive. The soundtrack is a blend of traditional Japanese instruments and modern orchestral elements. It knows when to stay quiet and when to swell, enhancing every sneaky kill or tragic cutscene. Voice acting is available in both Japanese and English, and both versions deliver strong performances—though the Japanese dialogue feels more immersive.
Room for Growth
No game is perfect, and Assassin’s Creed Shadows isn’t without its flaws. Some areas of the open world can feel sparse, especially between key mission zones. There’s also a bit of repetition in enemy types and objectives over time. While the dual protagonist system is fantastic, occasionally, the story pacing suffers from jumping back and forth.
Still, these are minor complaints in what’s otherwise one of the strongest Assassin’s Creed titles in recent memory.
Verdict
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is everything fans hoped it would be—a love letter to Feudal Japan, wrapped in stealth, honour, and bloodshed. Naoe and Yasuke are two of the most compelling protagonists the series has had in years, and the gameplay systems finally feel honed to a fine edge.
Whether you’ve been waiting since Ezio to feel that Assassin magic again, or you loved Origins and want another epic historical journey, Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Trailer
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The code was provided by the distributor.
I reviewed it, and then it was edited by my partner.
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