As a series literally steeped in history, Assassin’s Creed has certainly evolved from a more humble assassination romp into a full-blown roleplaying experience as of late. While the recent Mirage pared things back, the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows will set the tone for this flagship franchise from Ubisoft. From what we have seen, both longtime and new fans have much to get excited about after the Ubisoft Forward showing.
The first being the setting of ancient Japan, a much-requested time period that fans have been clamouring for. Not only are we going to get to live out the assassin fantasy in the Land of the Rising Sun, but the development team has gone even further with the addition of dynamic weather that affects gameplay, and a heavier emphasis on the stealth roots of Assassin’s Creed.
At the heart of it all lies the dual protagonists of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Naoe and Yasuke, each bringing a different slice of the action. The former is much more tailored for the shadows, whereas the latter is your go-to for brute force.
A versatile grappling hook allows for stealthy in-air assassinations and greater mobility, while the use of the kunai and her custom Hidden Blade make for swift eliminations. Naoe has access to a diverse arsenal of tools to strike from the shadows. While more vulnerable in close combat, she can skillfully deflect, dodge enemy strikes, and retaliate with lethal precision, using light, her surroundings, and structures around her to topple her foes.
Yasuke is tailored for direct confrontations, relying on his exceptional combat skills and mastery of Samurai weaponry. Whether wielding the Katana for decisive strikes, opting for raw power with the Kanabo, or engaging opponents from a distance with a lethal flint rifle called Teppo, he can handle multiple enemies at once. The ability to switch between the two at will gives rise to increased flexibility and freedom as you tackle missions, making it possible for different scenarios to pan out.
In a bid to further create an immersive experience, players must tap into the Spy Network in Assassin’s Creed Shadows in order to uncover more useful information about their targets and strike when the time comes. Add to that dynamic weather that can change enemy patterns, reduce or increase visibility, and make it possible to mask your footsteps, and the art of assassination just got elevated.
There’s still plenty of time before the November 15 release date of Assassin’s Creed Shadows on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, and PC, but for now, everything seems to be on the right path for this iconic franchise.
