When “Assassin’s Creed Shadows” came out in March 2025, it took players to feudal Japan in the 16th century, which is a setting that fans of the series have been waiting for a long time.
This game was made by Ubisoft Quebec and has two main characters: Yasuke, an African samurai who is based on a real person who served under Oda Nobunaga, and Naoe Fujibayashi, a skilled shinobi. Having two characters gives you a lot of different ways to play, combining traditional samurai fighting with sneaky ninja moves.
The way medieval Japan is shown in the game is nothing short of stunning. Every setting is carefully designed, from the busy streets of Kyoto to the peaceful countryside of Iga province. This creates a world that is full of historical details. The care for cultural accuracy is clear in the traditional building, period-appropriate clothing and soundtrack that includes classical Japanese instruments that make the experience more immersive overall.
“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” improves on the series’ tried-and-true gameplay while adding new features that fit the game’s setting. You can switch between Yasuke and Naoe, and each has their own way of playing. Yasuke fights directly and strongly with katanas and samurai armor. Naoe, on the other hand, focuses on speed and stealth by using ninjutsu methods and hidden weapons. Because of this, players are more likely to change their strategies to deal with new obstacles.
The pathfinder system is a notable addition that helps with navigation without relying too much on standard HUD elements. This feature improves exploration by guiding players through visual cues in the surroundings, which makes the process of discovery feel more natural. Additionally, the auto-follow feature lets you move along with non-playable characters without any problems, which makes traveling more interesting.
The plot weaves personal stories of loyalty, betrayal and national identity set against a background of political unrest. Yasuke’s journey is about finding a place to join and being accepted in a new country, while Naoe’s is about duty and personal freedom. Their stories overlap and differ, giving us a full picture of how society worked at the time.
The fighting system is both fluid and difficult, and it rewards players who can time their moves perfectly and plan ahead. To win fights, players must learn how to parry, dodge and take advantage of enemy weaknesses.
The famous weapon Igan Sunset, which you can get early in the game, has a perk that makes the escape strike ability go in slow motion, which could make the game easier. This can give players more power, but it may also make the game less challenging for people who want a tougher experience.
“Assassin’s Creed Shadows” is a great example of Ubisoft’s commitment to making games that combine interesting gameplay with historical settings. It shows feudal Japan in a fair and realistic way, giving players a clear look into an interesting time.
It might not completely change the series, but it does a great job of improving the things that have made Assassin’s Creed a favorite. “Shadows” is a fun and interesting adventure, whether you’re a longtime fan or a newbie drawn in by the game’s setting.
