The highly anticipated action RPG, “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows,” is nearly here, and the excitement surrounding it continues to grow. Being a new addition to such a vast franchise as “Assassin’s Creed” naturally garners attention, but there are still numerous reasons for fans of the series, particularly veterans, to be thrilled about “Shadows.” Here are five compelling reasons for long-term “Assassin’s Creed” enthusiasts to eagerly await “Shadows.
FEUDAL JAPAN, AT LAST
Ever since the Assassin’s Creed series began, fans have been eagerly anticipating a game set in feudal Japan, and at last, that dream is becoming reality. The allure of virtual historical exploration and immersive open worlds has always been one of Assassin’s Creed’s greatest attractions, making the idea of a 16th century Japan setting particularly enticing for many. From Ancient Egypt in Origins to Renaissance Italy in Assassin’s Creed 2, through late Industrial London in Syndicate and beyond, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has consistently brought captivating locations and time periods vividly to life. As such, expectations are high that Shadows will continue this tradition by skillfully recreating the Sengoku-era Japan setting.
Undeniably, Japanese settings in video games have a captivating allure, and this is evident from the success of games like “Ghost of Tsushima” five years ago, which won over many players with its immersive Japanese backdrop (some even argue it impacted the sales of “Assassin’s Creed”). More recently, “Rise of the Ronin” also showcased some intriguing aspects in its setting. With the upcoming release of “Shadows”, there’s anticipation that it will continue this trend. The map previewed so far suggests a promising blend of urban cities filled with stunning architecture and beautiful countryside locales, hinting at an engaging experience.
THE LEADING DUO
In the Assassin’s Creed series, it is common to have multiple main characters, such as the Frye twins in Syndicate and Kassandra and Alexios in Odyssey. However, for the first time, Shadows will equally focus on two leading characters at once, allowing players to switch between them freely (with some exceptions for individual quests). So far, both Naoe and Yasuke are proving to be intriguing protagonists.
There are numerous factors contributing to this, including Yasuke being the first Assassin’s Creed protagonist based on a real historical figure, while Naoe presents as a traditional assassin with a heart-wrenching past. What makes it even more intriguing is their contrasting traits: Yasukе, the samurai, excels in combat, whereas Naоe, the shinobi, emphasizes stealth and agility. Allowing players to choose between these two characters for most of the gameplay, given their distinct playstyles, is an intriguing decision, one that we’re eagerly anticipating.
RENEWED EMPHASIS ON STEALTH
From day one, I’ve always found “Assassin’s Creed” to be a stealth-oriented series. However, it appears that in recent years, it has veered away from this core aspect. Fortunately, “Mirage” brought us closer to the original formula in 2023, but the three action RPG spin-offs have been more about action than stealth. Luckily, it seems like “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is going back to its roots, and even leaning towards a heavier emphasis on stealth gameplay compared to what we’ve seen since the franchise rebranded with “Origins”.
I’m thrilled about Naoe’s enhanced arsenal! She’ll now be able to assume a prone position, creep around stealthily, squeeze through narrow openings, hide in cramped spots, and even submerge underwater. As a seasoned shinobi, she’ll have an array of tools at her disposal, such as smoke bombs for concealment, shuriken to take down foes from afar, and bells to divert their attention. Not forgetting the iconic Hidden Blade, the game developers are also incorporating a new interactive light and shadow system, opening up exciting possibilities for stealth gameplay. While we’re eagerly waiting to witness how it all harmonizes, one thing is certain – our anticipation is skyrocketing!
CLASSIC PARKOUR RETURNS
As a dedicated fan of the Assassin’s Creed series, I can’t help but appreciate the stealth and parkour elements that have always set these games apart. While it’s true that titles like Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla have introduced some changes, there’s no denying that the parkour mechanics in these games are a significant shift from what we’ve seen before in Assassin’s Creed.
However, I’m thrilled to share that just like Mirage did in 2023, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is promising to bring us back to the classic feel of parkour that we loved in earlier Assassin’s Creed games.
In simpler terms, the “climb anywhere” approach from the Origins trilogy won’t be present in Shadows. This means that the game designers will need to consider specific climbing spots and handholds again. The shift back to realistic climbing mechanics is exciting for fans of the franchise, especially since Shadows promises a broader moveset, featuring Naoe, the series’ most agile protagonist yet, who also carries a grappling hook. And let’s face it, no game gets any worse when a grappling hook is introduced!
NEW APPROACH TO EXPLORATION
It’s accurate to observe that the world design and exploration in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla sparked differing opinions among players. On one side, the game’s grand ambition, vast scale, and abundance of content are worthy of admiration, at least from a basic perspective. However, the same qualities – excessive content and the focus on size for its own sake – are also what many critics point to as the game’s major flaws. These issues have been a concern for a large segment of the Assassin’s Creed fanbase, who hope they will be addressed in future installments. Fortunately, according to the developers of Shadows (the next game), this is definitely on their agenda.
In contrast to previous statements by the developers of the upcoming “Assassin’s Creed Shadows,” it has been clarified that this title will not be as expansive as its 2020 counterpart. The game world is expected to resemble the size of Ancient Egypt in “Assassin’s Creed Origins” and will offer a playtime of approximately 30-40 hours, potentially extending far beyond that with additional side content. However, it is not intended to be a minuscule game by any means; instead, it aims to present a manageable yet sizeable experience. This stands in contrast to “Valhalla.”
Beyond its size, “Shadows” also promises a novel approach to exploration. Ubisoft has emphasized a more organic world that will encourage players to follow their curiosity and be captivated by the sights within the game. While this is easier said than achieved, we hope that “Shadows” delivers on its promise, as it would be disappointing if the Japanese edition of “Assassin’s Creed,” which fans have eagerly anticipated for a long time, failed to fully exploit its setting.
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2025-03-10 01:41