After nearly two decades and countless games, Assassin’s Creed has finally turned its gaze to feudal Japan, and Assassin's Creed Shadows does not disappoint. This latest entry in the series embraces the iconic stealth action mechanics the franchise is known for, while incorporating some fresh tweaks and an exciting new setting that feels like a love letter to the world of samurai, shinobi, and ancient Japanese intrigue. With a fantastic pair of well-written protagonists, Shadows delivers one of the most exhilarating and immersive experiences in the franchise to date.
A New Era in Feudal Japan
Set during Japan's Sengoku period, Shadows bursts with the rich aesthetic of this era. The game introduces two complex leads, Yasuke, the warrior for justice, and Naoe, the last surviving member of the Iga clan's famed shinobi. Together, they form an unlikely but powerful duo that drives the story forward, offering complementary perspectives that give players an engaging narrative.
While the overall plot can feel a bit predictable at times—drenched in the traditional tropes of samurai fiction—the writing excels in keeping the drama morally complex and layered. Think Shogun meets the dark political intrigue of Assassin's Creed Valhalla, with a rich narrative woven tightly into the game’s combat and exploration systems.
The story is broken down into self-contained chapters, making it easy to dive into and enjoy in manageable segments. Each chapter introduces you to a new region of Japan, where you’ll interact with characters whose fates will sometimes intertwine with your own. This structure allows for a more natural flow and a less cluttered map, focusing the player’s attention on the core objectives and making sure that characters don’t fade into irrelevance after their stories are finished.
Gameplay Tweaks and Refined Combat
If you’ve played Assassin’s Creed Mirage, you’ll notice some familiar mechanics in Shadows, but they’ve been refined and expanded. The combat system, already more focused and intense since Mirage, is even tougher and more satisfying. Whether you’re wading into a massive battle or executing a stealthy kill, the game makes each encounter feel like it has weight. Yasuke’s brute strength contrasts perfectly with Naoe’s stealthy finesse, making the switch between the two characters feel natural. The addition of tougher enemies, higher stakes, and less hand-holding in terms of gameplay really pushes Shadows to new heights.
The game also introduces a more streamlined progression system, with simplified skill trees and an objective board that offers better task management. This is a much-needed change, as previous entries sometimes overwhelmed players with too many side quests.
The map is less cluttered, and it encourages players to explore without the nagging feeling that they need to “complete” everything. There’s a refreshing sense of freedom as you traverse Japan’s vast open world, taking time to explore castles, villages, and hidden shrines.
Exploration and Strategy: Less is More
One of the most impressive features of Shadows is the way it handles exploration. Gone are the days of being overwhelmed by a flood of icons and markers on your map. Instead, you’re encouraged to take in the scenery and uncover secrets naturally. High vantage points still offer a bird’s-eye view of your surroundings, but it’s up to you to investigate the areas below. This approach rewards curiosity, and you’ll often find yourself stumbling upon hidden activities or new challenges while out in the open world.
The new quest system is another highlight. You no longer have to wade through a sea of objectives—each task feels purposeful. You can easily organize your objectives by clues or profiles of targets that need eliminating, but the game makes you put in the effort to deduce the locations of these targets.
Scouting adds another layer of strategy, letting you gather intel about enemy forces, but at the cost of using up your limited resources. It's a nice touch that keeps you engaged and invested in the game's world, pushing you to make meaningful decisions rather than mindlessly checking off boxes.
Hideouts, Loot, and Cosmetics Galore
Between missions, you’ll return to your hideout, which acts as a hub for upgrades and progress. Here, you’ll craft gear, recruit allies, and personalize your base. Though I don’t care much for decorating a settlement, it’s clear that Shadows rewards players who invest time into customizing their hideout.The sheer number of cosmetics you can unlock during your journey is staggering, giving you endless ways to personalize everything from your weapons to your home.
The world activities scattered across Japan—whether they involve finding lost scrolls or challenging yourself with horse archery—offer light diversions that reward you with knowledge points.
These points can then be used to level up your characters, expanding their abilities and unlocking new skills. While some activities can feel repetitive (searching temples for missing scrolls), the overall system adds value to exploration, ensuring that every moment you spend in the world feels productive.
A Return to Glory for Assassin’s Creed
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a triumph in many ways. Its story may not always break new ground, but the world it builds is captivating and rich in detail, offering a perfect backdrop for Yasuke and Naoe’s journey. The new combat system is tougher, making you feel every strike, and the game’s refined exploration mechanics encourage organic discovery rather than checklist-driven play.
While Shadows isn’t perfect—some storylines feel underdeveloped, and there’s still room for improvement in the pacing of certain quests—it marks a promising return to form for Assassin’s Creed. The tweaks to its systems make for a more enjoyable and focused experience, and its beautiful feudal Japan setting is a perfect fit for the series.
It’s a game that both fans of the franchise and newcomers alike can dive into, and one that proves that Assassin’s Creed is far from finished. With its balanced mix of stealth, combat, and story, Shadows is a must-play for anyone who’s enjoyed the series in the past—and a new classic for those just joining the fold.
Rating: 9/10