Starting Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings a rush of excitement. Picture this: a samurai and a shinobi staring back from the menu in an Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan. For fans who’ve waited years, it’s a dream come true. Yet, after sinking over 55 hours into the Azuchi-Momoyama era, mixed feelings emerge. The game’s standout feature fuses samurai power with shinobi agility, crafting what feels like the pinnacle of Assassin’s Creed gameplay. On the flip side, the story delivers just enough to satisfy without the emotional punches or sci-fi layers that defined earlier entries. That said, the engaging mechanics make it easy to overlook the straightforward plot.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows shines brightest in its deliberate pace. Everything unfolds thoughtfully, mirroring the era’s historical figures and their measured lives. Gameplay offers freedom to approach tasks your way, while the narrative simmers slowly as protagonists uncover secrets. The opening bursts with intensity, tracing Yasuke’s shift from enslaved warrior to Oda Nobunaga’s trusted samurai, leading assaults on regions like Iga—Naoe’s homeland. If you’re familiar with the series, Naoe’s path to becoming an Assassin feels predictable, especially since the classic Assassins versus Templars conflict takes a backseat here.
Yasuke and Naoe’s journeys revolve around revenge, but they rarely surprise. Predictable turns aside, their voice acting in Immersive Mode adds depth—Yasuke switches to Portuguese when needed, enhancing realism. His calm demeanor clashes with his ferocious battles, while Naoe’s fiery spirit complements her stealthy existence. Interactions with the world and its inhabitants captivate, even if the overall tale lacks spark.
Dual Protagonists: Yasuke and Naoe in Action
The game quickly piles on objectives, much like Valhalla or Odyssey. A board of targets expands rapidly, including the sinister Shinbakufu group behind the protagonists’ woes. Most time goes to investigating these masked foes through conversations, infiltrations, and data gathering, culminating in assassinations. The setup stays routine, but execution keeps things fresh.
Switching between Yasuke and Naoe mid-mission revitalizes play. The world accommodates both styles seamlessly—open areas for Yasuke’s brute force, hidden paths for Naoe’s stealth. Whether sneaking past guards or charging through, the choice feels empowering.
Mastering Yasuke’s Samurai Style
As Yasuke, combat demands precision. Parries and enemy reads turn fights into intense duels. Weapons like the massive club deliver satisfying crunches, and abilities flip battles dramatically.
Naoe’s Shinobi Stealth Excellence
Naoe excels in shadows. Climbing castles, dodging patrols, and silent takedowns evoke classic Assassin’s Creed vibes, refined here to perfection.
Combat System: Refined and Rewarding
Shadows’ battles stand out as the series’ toughest yet most polished. Timing parries rewards with devastating counters, while mistimed moves punish harshly. Era-specific gear adds flair—swords, spears, and clubs each with unique perks.
Progression ties into this beautifully. Mastery Points unlock abilities tailored to your weapon choice, building custom loadouts. To access higher tiers, boost Knowledge Rank via world activities, creating a natural exploration loop.
Gear floods in constantly, offering afflictions like poison or fire that enhance strategies. It’s addictive, pushing you to experiment and refine your approach.
Building Your Perfect Loadout
- Focus on parry-heavy perks for defensive play.
- Stack damage boosts for aggressive Yasuke runs.
- Prioritize stealth enhancements for Naoe missions.
Challenges in Combat Balance
The system shines in one-on-one encounters but can overwhelm in crowds. Learning enemy patterns becomes key to survival.
Exploration in Feudal Japan
Japan’s landscapes immerse you fully. Seasons shift dynamically—winter snow slows movement, summer sun dazzles, autumn winds rustle orange leaves, and spring sakura paints paths pink.
Sounds enhance the vibe: crickets by lakes, storms in forests. Visually, it’s the prettiest Assassin’s Creed yet, with light filtering through trees creating breathtaking moments.
Navigating the Terrain
Mountains guide travel along paths, leading to shrines and villages. It’s more directed than past games, reducing aimless wandering.
Hidden Gems and Side Activities
Stumbling on scrolls or viewpoints feels rewarding, even if predictable. The joy lies in movement itself—leaping rooftops or charging fields.
The Hideout: Customization Hub
Your base blends utility with beauty. Gather resources to add facilities that aid progression, like forges or training grounds.
Customize with statues, pets, and foliage to craft a serene garden. It’s optional but appealing for those loving the aesthetic.
Practical Builds for Progression
Start with essentials: weapon upgrades and skill trainers boost Yasuke and Naoe efficiently.
Aesthetic Touches
- Add cherry trees for seasonal flair.
- Place lanterns for nighttime ambiance.
- Include animals like foxes for lively details.
Modern-Day Elements in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
The series’ sci-fi roots take a backseat here. Longtime fans might miss the deep Templar-Assassin clashes and modern-day intrigue that hooked us before. Shadows signals a shift toward pure historical fantasy, which works for newcomers but leaves veterans wanting.
The new Animus system handles modern segments. It dishes out free gear for hitting random objectives—no paywalls speed it up, though cosmetics and map bits cost extra. Vignettes pop up occasionally, but they feel tacked on, disconnected from the feudal action.
Why the Backburner Approach?
Ubisoft leans hard into Japan’s history. That fantasy shines, yet blending it with sci-fi magic made past games unforgettable. Shadows prioritizes immersion over those thrills.
Gear Rewards Breakdown
Unlockables tie to challenges, encouraging varied play:
- Stealth kills for Naoe cosmetics.
- Combat streaks for Yasuke armor.
- Exploration scans for universal boosts.
Templar Conflict and Shinbakufu Antagonists
The Shinbakufu drive the plot as masked villains sparking revenge. Investigations peel back their layers through hideouts and chats. Climax brings Templars into focus, but it fizzles without buildup.
Late-game reveals nod to lore, yet lack punch. No grand conspiracy—just personal vendettas wrapping neatly.
Investigation Loop Steps
- Gather intel from locals or documents.
- Infiltrate camps for clues.
- Piece together the target’s identity.
- Execute the assassination your way.
This rhythm holds steady, elevated by protagonist swaps.
Visuals and Audio Mastery
Shadows captivates the eyes and ears. Dynamic weather mirrors Japan’s moods—blizzards hamper speed, typhoons rage. PS5 Pro elevates it: ray-traced light dances through foliage, casting golden hues.
Audio seals the deal. Wind whispers, wildlife chirps, blades clash with weight. Immersive Mode voices adapt languages fluidly, pulling you deeper.
Seasonal Impacts on Gameplay
| Season | Visual Highlight | Gameplay Effect |
| Spring | Sakura blossoms | Clear paths, boosted visibility |
| Summer | Blinding sunrises | Heat haze reduces enemy detection range |
| Autumn | Fiery foliage | Leaves hide footsteps for stealth |
| Winter | Deep snowdrifts | Slows movement, enables snowball distractions |
These changes keep traversal fresh across playthroughs.
Progression Deep Dive
Mastery Points fuel ability trees, with Knowledge Ranks gating tiers. Farm them via shrines, lost scrolls, and side gigs. Gear drops abound, each with perks like bleed or stagger.
Builds emerge naturally—tank Yasuke or glass-cannon Naoe. It’s balanced yet demanding, rewarding smart choices.
Unlocking Higher Tiers
- Complete 10 world events for Rank 2.
- Collect 50 scrolls for Rank 3.
- Finish regional quests for max.
Loops blend combat, exploration, and upgrades seamlessly.
Platforms and Performance
Tested on PS5, it runs buttery smooth at 60fps. PS5 Pro cranks visuals to 11 with sharper details. Xbox Series X/S, PC, Mac, and Switch 2 follow suit—optimized for steady frames.
Load times vanish thanks to SSD tech. No hitches mar the flow, even in massive castle raids.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Review Verdict
After credits roll, the story fades fast. Gameplay lingers, urging return trips. Yasuke’s rampages and Naoe’s prowls deliver unmatched highs—shinobi stealth perfected, samurai fury unleashed.
It’s not flawless. Narrative predictability and light lore disappoint. Still, core loop trumps all.
Pros and Cons at a Glance
| Pros | Cons |
| Dual protagonists refresh missions | Story lacks twists and emotion |
| Refined, challenging combat | Minimal sci-fi/Templar depth |
| Stunning seasonal Japan visuals | Directed exploration feels linear |
| Deep customization in Hideout | Predictable main quests |
Worth it for action fans. Ever wondered if feudal Japan could host the best Assassin’s Creed yet? Shadows proves it can, gameplay first.
Shadows carves its spot in the series. Yasuke and Naoe etch memories like Ezio or Kassandra. When mechanics reign supreme, this delivers.