Unlock the Secrets of Kuji-Kiri in Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Story Meets Gameplay!

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Each primary Assassin’s Creed game, along with many of the series’ side installments, features an expansive open-world design and is packed with content. While this wealth of content may not always lead to a truly engaging open-world adventure, it certainly offers plenty to explore. For instance, every naval fort and Templar Hunt in Assassin’s Creed: Black Flag can be found alongside 100 feathers to hunt down in Assassin’s Creed 2. In the latest installment, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, you’ll find a variety of open-world activities to participate in.

Similar to previous games like “Origins”, “Odyssey”, and “Valhalla”, the open-world in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is enormous and brimming with activities. With 109 Viewpoints to synchronize, 36 temples each containing a few hidden scrolls, every corner of the map in “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” offers something for players to discover and mark off their expanding list of tasks. However, one of the most captivating side activities in “Shadows” are its Kuji-kiri quests, which skillfully combine gameplay and storyline.

How Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Kuji-Kiri Blends Gameplay and Narrative

Kuji-Kiri Is a Way for Naoe to Focus Her Mind

Kuji-in, often known as the “Nine Hand Seals,” is a meditation technique that involves performing a specific sequence of hand positions while focusing one’s mind. This practice seems to have originated from Taoist followers. There’s another similar practice called Kuji-kiri, where instead of making nine distinct hand gestures, followers make nine “cutting” movements, either with their hands in the air or on paper using a brush.

In “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” Naoe utilizes Kuji-kiri as a means to center herself, quiet her whirling thoughts, and recall her past experiences. With each sequential slice, the surroundings gradually fade, and the soft toll of a bell that accompanies her hand movements becomes progressively more audible. This process repeats until the world loses its color, Naoe’s anxieties and duties momentarily vanish, and the young ninja is able to reexperience her memories.

Kuji-Kiri’s Gameplay Mechanics Encourage Players to do the Same

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, gamers are invited to embark on an emotional journey reminiscent of Naoe’s during these instances. Once the Kuji-kiri minigame commences, players are guided to press four buttons sequentially, in sync with the rhythm of bell chimes.

As players synchronize their button presses with the audio cues, they find themselves increasingly drawn into the experience, enhancing their focus. In the second round, the screen no longer displays the button indicators, compelling players to recall the sequences on their own. Eventually, even visual prompts disappear, leaving only the sound and beat that the player has been subtly shaping. At this point, both Naoe (character) and the player share a single point of attention, creating a harmonious connection between the storyline and gameplay, the player and the character.

The Player’s Patience Is Quickly Rewarded

In Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ Kuji-kiri minigame, the blend of gameplay and storytelling is evident. Once the world transforms into a black-and-white scene, players are treated to a series of flashbacks about Naoe’s past. These flashbacks provide insights into her upbringing and relationships with figures such as her father, Nagato, and her mentor, Momochi Sandayu. These flashback moments offer players immediate rewards in the form of engaging story developments.

Completing Kuji-kiri sequences in Assassin’s Creed Shadows not only offers enjoyable gameplay, but it also gifts players with a Knowledge Point and generous amounts of XP. These rewards are the perfect finishing touch to one of this game’s most engaging side activities, as they enable you to unlock fresh abilities for Naoe.

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2025-03-26 16:34