Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks a bold new direction for Ubisoft’s long-running historical action series. Set in 16th century feudal Japan, Shadows introduces dual protagonists and refined gameplay that combines ninja stealth with samurai swordplay.
A Tale of Two Heroes
For the first time in the franchise, players control two distinct characters:
Naoe - The Shinobi
Naoe is a young female ninja trained in the arts of stealth and subterfuge. Her gameplay focuses on:
- Parkour and acrobatics for traversing environments
- Stealth kills using throwing stars and smoke bombs
- Grappling hook for vertical mobility
Yasuke - The Samurai
Based on the historical African samurai, Yasuke offers a more combat-focused playstyle:
- Heavy armor and powerful melee weapons
- Ability to block and parry enemy attacks
- Devastating finishing moves and executions
The contrasting abilities of these characters allow players to approach missions with varied tactics. Naoe excels at infiltration and assassination, while Yasuke can engage in direct combat against multiple foes.
Refining the Assassin’s Creed Formula
Shadows builds on systems introduced in recent entries while bringing back some classic elements:
Stealth Overhaul
- New “Observe” mechanic for scouting areas and marking targets
- Improved Eagle Vision with more limited range through walls
- Dynamic lighting system where shadows provide concealment
Combat Improvements
- More deliberate, tactical swordplay compared to previous games
- Breakable enemy armor that requires targeting weak points
- New parry system that rewards precise timing
RPG Elements
- Skill trees for both characters to unlock new abilities
- Gear and weapon upgrades with unique perks
- Dialogue choices that impact some story moments and relationships
A Living, Breathing Japan
Ubisoft has crafted a visually stunning recreation of Sengoku-era Japan:
- Sprawling cities with intricate architecture and crowded streets
- Lush countryside dotted with shrines, farms, and military encampments
- Dynamic weather and seasons that affect gameplay and stealth options
The game’s open world is designed to be more focused than recent entries, with a greater emphasis on meaningful side content over map-clearing busy work.
Technical Prowess and Requirements
Shadows pushes the graphical boundaries for the series, particularly on next-gen consoles and high-end PCs. The Mac version, a first for mainline Assassin’s Creed, comes with some caveats:
- Requires Apple Silicon (M1 or newer) Macs
- Optimal performance on M1 Pro/Max or M2 Pro/Max chips
- May struggle on base M1/M2 models, especially MacBook Air
Players can expect stunning visual fidelity, with detailed character models, lush environments, and fluid animations that bring feudal Japan to life.
A New Chapter for Assassin’s Creed
Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents an exciting evolution for the franchise. By combining the stealth-action roots of earlier games with refined RPG systems and a captivating historical setting, Ubisoft has crafted an experience that should appeal to longtime fans and newcomers alike.
While Shadows doesn’t reinvent the Assassin’s Creed wheel, its dual protagonists and richly realized feudal Japan setting offer a fresh take on the series’ established formula. For players with capable hardware, it’s a visually stunning and content-rich adventure through one of history’s most fascinating periods.