Assassin's Creed: Shadows Review

A New Era For The Brotherhood.

The Assassin’s Creed franchise has long flirted with the idea of a feudal Japan setting, and with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft finally delivers on one of the most requested historical backdrops. Set during the turbulent Sengoku period, Shadows introduces a dual-protagonist system, offering players the choice between Yasuke, a towering African samurai based on historical records, and Naoe, a nimble and deadly shinobi. With its richly detailed world, refined mechanics, and gripping combat, Shadows promises to push the franchise into a bold new era. But does it succeed in blending its new ideas with the core Assassin’s Creed experience? Let’s dive in.

Setting & Story: A Land Divided

Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes place in the late 16th century, an era of chaos and political upheaval in Japan. The game’s open world spans multiple regions, from dense bamboo forests to bustling market towns, all teeming with life. Ubisoft’s Anvil engine renders Japan in breathtaking detail, capturing everything from cherry blossoms drifting in the wind to the intricate architecture of feudal castles.

The story follows two vastly different perspectives: Yasuke, an imposing warrior who has earned the respect of Japan’s elite, and Naoe, a kunoichi (female ninja) trained in the art of assassination. Their fates intertwine as they become entangled in a larger conflict between the hidden forces of the Brotherhood and the oppressive rule of warlords.

The narrative is solid but occasionally falls into predictable revenge-driven storytelling. While it effectively conveys the brutality of the period, it lacks the depth of political intrigue seen in games like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey or Origins. Yasuke’s journey of honour and belonging is compelling, but Naoe’s arc feels more in line with classic Assassin’s Creed storytelling, emphasising stealth, deception, and rebellion.

Gameplay: Two Paths, One Revolution

Ubisoft has taken significant steps to refine and modernise the Assassin’s Creed formula. The dual-protagonist approach isn't just a gimmick—it fundamentally changes how players approach missions.

• Yasuke’s Playstyle: Yasuke’s combat is brutal and direct. Wielding a katana, he relies on precise strikes, powerful parries, and a stamina-based combat system reminiscent of Ghost of Tsushima. Unlike past Assassin’s Creed protagonists, he cannot climb as effortlessly, reinforcing his role as a grounded warrior.

• Naoe’s Playstyle: Naoe embodies the traditional Assassin’s Creed experience. With an emphasis on parkour, stealth, and silent takedowns, she is a master of shadows. Her ability to use gadgets, including kunai, smoke bombs, and grappling hooks, adds a new layer of tactical depth.

Missions are designed to accommodate both playstyles, allowing players to tackle objectives using brute force or surgical precision. This level of choice is refreshing, and while some story missions lock players into a specific character, most allow freedom in approach.

The game also introduces a day-night cycle and dynamic weather system that directly impact gameplay. Rain muffles footsteps, allowing for stealthier infiltrations, while daytime guard patrols are more vigilant. These elements add an extra layer of immersion and strategy.

World & Exploration: Living History

Ubisoft has created one of its most intricate and reactive worlds to date. Townsfolk react to your actions, samurai patrols roam the countryside, and wildlife plays a more active role in the ecosystem. Temples, shrines, and hidden caves encourage exploration, with side quests that often tie into historical events or folklore.

The parkour system has been fine-tuned, especially for Naoe, making climbing and navigating rooftops feel smoother than in recent entries. Yasuke, on the other hand, is more limited in traversal, relying on strength to overcome obstacles.

The RPG elements from previous titles return, with skill trees tailored to each protagonist. Gear customization is also expanded, allowing players to forge unique armour sets and weapons, further differentiating their playstyles.

Combat & Stealth: A Fine Balance

Combat is a blend of Assassin’s Creed Valhalla’s weighty strikes and Sekiro’s precision-based engagements. Parrying and timing are more crucial than ever, forcing players to engage tactically rather than spam attacks. Enemies are more intelligent, utilising formations and countering repeated strategies.

Stealth has also been improved. Naoe’s grappling hook and wall-running introduce verticality, making assassinations feel more fluid. The reintroduction of social stealth, a fan-favourite feature missing from recent games, allows for blending into crowds and strategic misdirection.

Graphics & Performance: A Visual Masterpiece

Ubisoft’s attention to detail is staggering. The lighting engine captures real-time reflections in water, and particle effects enhance the atmosphere, whether it's cherry blossoms in the air or embers floating from a burning village.

On next-gen consoles and high-end PCs, Shadows runs at a smooth 60 FPS, though some minor texture pop-ins occur in densely populated areas. The game benefits from ray tracing, making nighttime assassinations illuminated by lanterns feel especially cinematic.

Sound & Music: A Sonic Tapestry

The soundtrack masterfully blends traditional Japanese instrumentation with modern orchestration, creating a score that enhances the game’s dramatic tension. Voice acting is strong, with both Japanese and English performances available. The sound design is impeccable—every clang of steel, whisper of the wind, and distant battle cry is finely tuned to immerse players.

Final Verdict

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a triumph in many ways. It successfully merges historical authenticity with engaging gameplay, offering two distinct playstyles that cater to different types of players. While the story occasionally treads familiar ground, its rich world, refined combat, and commitment to stealth mechanics make it one of the most well-rounded entries in the series.

For fans who have long waited for a feudal Japan setting, Shadows delivers in spades. It may not reinvent the wheel, but it polishes it to a near-perfect shine.

Score: 9/10

Pros:

✔ Breathtaking open world with historical accuracy.

✔ Engaging dual-character gameplay.

✔ Refined combat and stealth mechanics.

✔ Dynamic weather and day-night cycle add depth.

✔ Immersive soundtrack and sound design.

Cons: 

✖ The story lacks deep political intrigue.

✖ Some missions force character selection.

✖ Occasional technical hiccups in crowded areas.

Are you excited about the setting of feudal Japan? Which playstyle do you prefer—stealthy shinobi or powerful samurai? Let us know in the comments below!