Assassin’s Creed Shadows Sequel: The Gift That Keeps on Giving

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Four years since the last mainline release, I’m thrilled to announce that this year, I’ll be stepping back into the world of Assassin’s Creed with Assassin’s Creed Shadows! This time around, we’re journeying to feudal Japan where two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, join forces to liberate Japan from a dominating and clandestine faction. After the more simplistic spin-off, Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Shadows is returning to the series’ modern RPG-style gameplay, but with an added twist – the unique playstyles of our protagonists promise a more diverse gaming experience!

The odds of a successful debut for “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” seemed slim given Ubisoft’s recent dip in quality and the stir caused by fans. Yet, an influx of favorable, firsthand previews from media outlets and creators hint that it could be worth watching. If “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” turns out to be a hit, Ubisoft might want to reconsider their past approach.

Why Assassin’s Creed Would Benefit From a Shadows Sequel

Despite the latest Assassin’s Creed installments achieving impressive sales figures, they haven’t managed to reclaim the legendary stature of the franchise’s earlier games. Characters like Ezio Auditore and Edward Kenway captivated players in the original Assassin’s Creed games, but since Black Flag, the series seems to have fallen short in creating impactful protagonists. While Bayek, Kassandra, and Eivor have had their moments, their narratives and character development paled in comparison to those of the past. The appeal of these newer characters has been dampened by Ubisoft’s tendency to focus on a single setting for each game. If Naoe and Yasuke prove as fascinating as hinted in previews for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft should follow Ezio’s example in shaping the series’ future direction.

Ezio Auditore: Assassin’s Creed’s Prodigal Son

Inquire about the preferred protagonist among fans of the “Assassin’s Creed” series, and you’ll find that many admire Ezio from “Assassin’s Creed 2”. The appeal of Ezio is not just due to his captivating charm and stylish attire, but also because he was the main character in three different games: “Assassin’s Creed 2”, “Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood”, and “Assassin’s Creed: Revelations”. By following Ezio’s storyline throughout these titles, players had the opportunity to develop a deeper connection with his character as they witnessed his personal growth. As a result, Ezio stands out as the most memorable character in the “Assassin’s Creed” franchise, and no other protagonist has managed to match his popularity yet.

Giving Naoe and Yasuke the Ezio Treatment

In the latest iterations of “Assassin’s Creed”, gamers have faced difficulties in finding a solid reference point within the intricate storyline. Despite growing fond of a game’s protagonist, their character and story often take a backseat with each new release, save for occasional mentions or hidden references. Adopting a strategy similar to that used with Ezio could be the key to making players feel more connected to the series.

If Assassin’s Creed: Shadows proves successful, Ubisoft might want to reconsider introducing a new protagonist and setting for the next installment. Instead, a sequel that continues the story of Shadows, similar to Brotherhood, has great potential. Given the long-standing demand for an Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan, many fans might be content to stay within this setting for another game. What’s more, further developing the narrative of Shadows would help distinguish characters like Naoe and Yasuke from other protagonists such as Eivor and Kassandra.

In a new approach, the characters’ tales wouldn’t be confined to a single game, allowing them time to unfold and evolve at their own pace. This would result in richer character development and gameplay experiences, as each character could have a more nuanced growth. Additionally, a sequel’s narrative would benefit from increased flexibility due to the presence of two distinct Assassin’s Creed characters, offering fresh opportunities for storytelling. If Ubisoft aims to rekindle the allure of the Ezio era, this method might just be the path they should take.

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2025-02-09 03:54