Assassin's Creed Shadows: Ubisoft's Ambitious Return to Feudal Japan
Ubisoft has officially unveiled Assassin's Creed Shadows, the latest entry in their long-running historical action series. Set in feudal Japan during the tumultuous Sengoku period, this installment marks a significant shift for the franchise in both setting and gameplay.
Dual Protagonists in a Rich Historical Setting
Shadows features two playable characters:
- Naoe: A female shinobi from the Iga province, specializing in stealth and agility
- Yasuke: Based on the historical African samurai who served Oda Nobunaga, focusing on combat prowess
This dual-protagonist approach echoes previous titles like Assassin's Creed Syndicate, allowing players to experience different gameplay styles and perspectives on the unfolding narrative.
Gameplay Innovations
While full gameplay footage has yet to be revealed, Ubisoft has teased several new features:
- Dynamic lighting and shadow systems to enhance stealth mechanics
- Prone crawling for increased stealth options
- Non-lethal takedown choices for a more pacifist approach
- Grappling hook mechanics for improved vertical traversal
- Customizable weapon crafting, including katanas
- Seasonal changes affecting both environment and NPC behavior
Technical and Design Choices
Creative Director Jonathan Dumont has stated that Shadows will be slightly smaller in scale compared to recent entries, more akin to Assassin's Creed Origins in terms of map size. This could potentially address criticisms of bloat in previous games.
Release and Availability
Assassin's Creed Shadows is scheduled for release on November 15, 2024. It will be available on PC through Ubisoft Connect and the Epic Games Store, as well as on PlayStation platforms.
Mixed Reception and Controversy
Initial reaction to the announcement has been mixed. While many fans are excited to see the series finally tackle feudal Japan, others have expressed disappointment in the lack of gameplay footage in the reveal trailer. The inclusion of Yasuke as a protagonist has also sparked debates about historical accuracy and representation.
A Long-Awaited Setting
Interestingly, Shadows represents a significant shift in Ubisoft's stance on the setting. In 2012, then-creative director Alex Hutchinson had stated that feudal Japan would be a boring setting for an Assassin's Creed game. This reversal, coming over a decade later, may be influenced by the success of competing titles like Ghost of Tsushima.
As more details emerge about Assassin's Creed Shadows, it remains to be seen whether Ubisoft can deliver on the promise of this highly anticipated setting while addressing the concerns of long-time fans and newcomers alike.