After a considerable wait, punctuated by two years and two delays, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows has finally arrived. Given the pre-release anticipation, the key question is whether the game lives up to the hype, or if this marks a potential turning point for the franchise.
As longtime readers know, I am a dedicated Assassin’s Creed enthusiast. My anticipation for this installment dates back to my experience with the original Assassin’s Creed, eighteen years ago. I distinctly recall envisioning settings in both the Viking Age – realized in Assassin’s Creed – Valhalla (previously reviewed by Senses) – and feudal Japan, the latter of which is now a reality.
Characters and Story
Shadows transports players to 16th century Japan, specifically the Sengoku period (the warring states period). The narrative follows Naoe, a female shinobi (ninja), and Yasuke, an African samurai based on a historical figure. Players will navigate Japan’s feudal society, exploring power dynamics within the nobility and the lives of ordinary citizens. The story benefits from the ability to switch between the two playable characters, a mechanic previously explored in the series, where specific missions often align better with a particular character’s skillset. While this can occasionally disrupt the narrative flow, it does not significantly detract from the overall experience.
Throughout the game, players follow Naoe and Yasuke as they navigate a Japan marked by conflict and war. Both characters face personal challenges and become entangled in political intrigue. Naoe grapples with her heritage and her role as an assassin, influenced by her father’s teachings. Yasuke confronts his identity as a foreign warrior in a society that views him as an outsider.
Graphics
The game presents a visually impressive experience at first glance. However, closer inspection reveals minor imperfections. It’s important to note that the environments are rendered beautifully. From the dense forests and vibrant meadows to the meticulously crafted Japanese architecture, the visual design is commendable. Minor color blending was observed in certain instances, but this is unlikely to be noticed by most players.
My primary concern lies with the rendering of characters and animals. Compared to Valhalla, which I considered graphically outstanding, Shadows represents a slight regression. Character models appear less natural, continuing a trend previously noted in Senses’ review of Assassin’s Creed – Mirage. Despite this, Assassin’s Creed maintains a competitive graphic standard within the current gaming landscape. Kingdom Come: Deliverance 2 is a notable exception that rivals its visual fidelity.
Game Mechanics
Significant changes have been implemented in the game mechanics, most notably a return to a more parkour-focused movement system. The animations, from forward somersaults to rooftop descents, feel fluid and realistic. A particularly welcome surprise is the distinct gameplay experience offered by each character. Naoe, being smaller and more agile, can effortlessly scale nearly any surface with her hands or grappling hook. Yasuke, in contrast, is larger and more muscular, resulting in slower movements and more labored climbing. His gameplay emphasizes melee combat and raw strength, while Naoe excels in stealth and assassinations. Overall, the game mechanics demonstrate a well-considered balance and contribute to an engaging player experience.
A minor drawback is the length of the prologue, requiring approximately forty-five minutes before open-world exploration is enabled. Additionally, the frequency and duration of video sequences may be excessive for some players. However, this is subjective and may appeal to those who prefer a more cinematic presentation.
Map
The game world occupies a middle ground between the more confined map size of Mirage and the expansive scale of Valhalla. Long boat journeys are unnecessary, and a higher density of fast travel points is available for unlocking. While initial exploration is required to unlock these points, navigation does not become overly tedious.
Summary – Assassin’s Creed: Shadows
Considering the aspects discussed above, Shadows maintains a high overall quality compared to other titles on the market. Featuring a compelling narrative and well-balanced game mechanics, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows offers both engaging entertainment and moderate challenge. In conclusion, I recommend considering this title if you are currently undecided.
Ubisoft provided a review copy for this assessment. The provision of materials does not influence our editorial objectivity.
