After a long wait, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has arrived, and it delivers on a promise that fans of the series have eagerly anticipated for some time: the chance to embody the role of a ninja, often seen as the ultimate assassin. This latest addition to the franchise is being hailed as the ultimate Assassin’s Creed experience. You’ll once again dive into the Animus, but this time with a darker edge, as you control two protagonists in a stunning re-creation of Japan during the Sengoku period, a time marked by civil war and social upheaval in 1579.
Instead of the previous characters, selecting Naoe, a female ninja, will offer a unique experience as she significantly alters your gameplay strategy and journey. Just as envisioned, Naoe embodies her character perfectly. An expert in parkour and stealth, Naoe is an ideal choice when a more subtle approach is required. She skillfully navigates using light and shadow, leaping from rooftop to rooftop, employing a grappling hook to avoid detection by enemies below. This feature, reminiscent of Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, displays an on-screen indicator marking overhangs for rope attachment, enabling swift ascents to strategic vantage points or allowing you to soar above unsuspecting foes before silently descending for a lethal strike. Her fighting style is both graceful and deadly.
On one extreme lies the character Yasuke, a massive and imposing figure who exudes raw power on-screen. If you’re seeking a more direct approach instead of a gentle tactic, why not burst through the door with force, decimating your adversaries? This method is less about subtlety; Yasuke comes across as robust and powerful, his towering presence overwhelming every battle scene. However, it’s important to note that employing stealthy maneuvers can still help you gain an advantage over your opponents. But when the fighting begins, Yasuke’s heavy-handed combat style will quickly clear the path before you.
Throughout the ages, combat styles have undergone significant transformations, from the straightforward sword duels of Ezio Auditore to the complex skirmishes of Eivor Varinsdottir and Assassin’s Creed Shadows is no exception. Foes will attempt to surround you, frequently necessitating a strategic retreat or risking being overpowered. Attacks aren’t solitary strikes but rapid combos, requiring quick succession of parrying movements, vaguely reminiscent of Sekiro. The timing of the parry itself is versatile; an untimely execution will only slightly disorient your opponent, barely disrupting their balance, whereas a perfectly timed sword swing will provide ample opportunity for a devastating counterattack. For those preferring not to engage in a direct confrontation, assassinations remain as gratifying as before, with weaker adversaries being incapacitated in one swift strike. Larger or more heavily armored opponents might not yield at first attempt but this can be improved upon by acquiring new abilities within each character’s growing skill set.
Just like my recent adventures in Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, this upcoming game seems to offer a variety of unique combat skills at my disposal. For instance, I’ll be able to execute a swift charging dash to bridge the gap to my foe, or, my personal favorite, initiate an epic cinematic attack that momentarily turns the screen black and white, reminiscent of Akira Kurosawa’s masterful filmmaking, followed by a dramatic burst of vibrant red as I simultaneously strike down my enemy. Each weapon in the game seems to have its own skill tree, with numerous options opening up from the abilities menu as I progress through the game. Based on what I’ve seen so far, I can hardly contain my excitement to try out all these skills and immerse myself in this new gaming world.
In an open-ended environment, you’re free to explore the landscapes on foot or ride a horse for quicker travel, helping you reach distant lands found at the map’s edges. I must admit, this horse’s mane is incredibly realistic – it shines and sways during gallops, making me feel like I’m crouched in the saddle, poised to act instantly.
From blindly traversing a map filled with checkpoints, exploration has transformed into a more immersive and visually appealing journey. Key locations are only hinted at, while unexplored areas remain shrouded in mystery. The constant barrage of collectibles has been replaced by the need to climb and observe your surroundings. You’ll discover points of interest, mark them, and then decide whether to seek fortune or misfortune. This time around, exploration feels less like a guided tour and more like an adventure you must navigate on your own. There are camps filled with soldiers to raid, villages needing help, shrines to appreciate, and cranes to paint – just to name a few activities that will keep you engaged outside of the main storyline. Even the story quests have become subtler, with direct instructions being replaced by more cryptic clues. You’ll be told your target is in a specific area, but you’ll need to explore and find your own way to the impending confrontation.
As they delve deeper into their journey, our heroes might call upon scouts for assistance, gathering intel from across the globe, thereby simplifying the pursuit of their target or adding an extra weapon to the battle, thus creating a more balanced fight. With a simple button press, these summoned allies can become priceless in critical situations, and having a companion by your side greatly enhances focus during the rapid-fire action.
During my short stay in Japan, several practical enhancements significantly enhanced my experience. For instances when you’re required to follow NPCs, there’s an option to automatically adjust speed, eliminating the need to repeatedly stop and start running next to your companion. Additionally, you can adjust the general walking speed according to your preference. The already customizable Head-Up Display (HUD) can now be entirely hidden with a single click, increasing immersion and depth. Moreover, there’s an option to toggle paths to your destination, allowing you to tailor in-game guidance to your specific mood or skill level.
Ever since the original release of Assassin’s Creed on Xbox 360, I’ve been a devoted fan, investing countless hours into each game’s captivating worlds. Now, with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, I find myself brimming with anticipation. This installment seems more mature than ever before, and it promises to be a rollercoaster ride of adventure, with danger lurking at every turn. The characters, Naoe and Yasuke, intrigue me, and I can’t wait to learn about their pasts and see where their futures take them. Every moment spent playing so far has only intensified my eagerness, and I can hardly contain my excitement for the final release. So if you need me, I’ll be immersed in the bloody history of Japan, traversing its landscapes across dynamic seasons, and yes, petting every cat I encounter along the way.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is coming to PS5, Xbox Series S|X, and PC on March 20th.
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2025-01-23 20:16