Assassin's Creed Shadows: Navigating the Storm in Japan's Sengoku Period
"Ubisoft's Game of Destiny: The nickname for 'Assassin's Creed Shadows'"
They say every "Assassin's Creed" release comes with a tidal wave of fan outrage. And with good reason - the series has seen its fair share of ups and downs. Now, Ubisoft's latest installment, "Shadows," is aiming to navigate those choppy waters, riding the storm of discontent and reuniting the community. So, how well does the Japan-set adventure weather the challenges that have plagued the franchise?
Ah, "Assassin's Creed." A series with a passionate, and sometimes unforgiving, fanbase. Opinion is split: some long for the stealth and assassination-focused roots, others appreciate the RPG-style approach of the more recent installments. And let's not forget those who dream of a fresh start, yearning for bold changes. One faction wants more of the overarching storyline in the present, while another finds it dull.
And then there's the financial drama beneath the surface: plummeting stock prices and whispers of sales, adding pressure to an already strained Ubisoft. All this, compounded by a disgruntled fanbase, makes for a precarious position for "Assassin's Creed Shadows." This installment needs to bring the community together, to be the game that courses through the veins of the series. But can it achieve that mighty goal?
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A Tale of blood, loyalty, and Revenge
"Shadows" kicks things off with panache. Striking visuals, an electrifying score, and a healthy dose of action mark the early hours. Sure, Ubisoft sprinkles its own cliches to propel the story - a fallen parent, a campaign of vengeance against an ancient order, and a list of baddies to eliminate. But Naoe and Yasuke are engaging and captivating characters, each different and intriguing in their own right. Their bloody quest for retribution through 16th-century Japan makes for a thrilling ride.
This tale unfolds against the backdrop of the famous warlord Oda Nobunaga's reign. Yasuke, a slave turned samurai, arrives in Japan with Portuguese missionaries, soon gaining Nobunaga's favor and becoming a formidable warrior. As a black man in a country that knew little of foreigners, Yasuke is an outsider, seeking to find his place and identity. Meanwhile, Naoe, a shinobi from the Iga province, is hellbent on avenging her homemaker, slaughtered during Nobunaga's conquest. At first, they clash as enemies, but ultimately, they join forces.
One of the game's standout strengths lies in its show-stopping moments. Rain falls in sheets, lightning illuminates the landscape, and Yasuke takes on legions of foes. The stunning visual spectacle never grows old, adding an undeniable thrill to the campaign.
But as breathtaking as the big moments are, "Shadows" falters in the scenes in between. Some characters, particularly the supporting ones, feel underdeveloped and dull. Plot twists can seem forced or poorly setup, and important details often remain unexplained. Names are tossed about haphazardly, making it difficult to keep track of who's who without a scorecard. The development team tries to juggle too many stories, spreading themselves too thin.
At Amazon The game boasts a significantly streamlined experience compared to its predecessors, sporting around 40-50 hours of main story – a wise decision that benefits the plot. Ubisoft had the opportunity to tell the story more concisely and focused, but they didn't always capitalize on it with the legion of one-dimensional supporting characters. Flashbacks to the main characters' pasts prove a rare high note, with Naoe, Yasuke, and their closest companions front and center.
A feast for the eyes – almost
One thing that cannot be denied about "Assassin's Creed Shadows" is its visual flair. It's hard not to be taken aback by the sheer beauty of the game's landscapes, even after hours of wandering through Japanese cities and forests. With the ever-changing seasons adding a layer of excitement to exploration, "Assassin's Creed Shadows" stands as one of the most visually stunning games on the market when it comes to its natural vistas. However, there's a notable discrepancy in facial animations – they look phenomenal in cinematic cutscenes but rather monotonous during dialogues.
The drawback to Ubisoft's open-world formula is that exploration feels more like a chore than a joy. Meaningful side quests are mainly found through the quest menu, and you might only stumble upon trivial combat encounters along the roads. The most disappointing aspect: there's almost nothing to discover in the dense forests. They're so thick that it's impossible to push through, meaning all the exciting things happen along the main roads.
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A gameplay triumph
At its core, "Assassin's Creed Shadows" finds an elegant solution to the identity crisis between stealth and open-world RPG – it splits the difference by featuring two characters who embody each approach. Yasuke, the brute force, excels in combat, while Naoe is the agile stealth master, adept at infiltrating fortresses and eliminating enemy camps undetected. Switching between the two is quick and seamless.
Stealth and combat sequences are deeper and more engaging compared to previous titles, with more tools at Naoe's disposal. She can extinguish lights, use shadows to her advantage, and crawl unnoticed. However, "Shadows" still lags behind the complexity of games like "Hitman."
"Shadows" offers a diverse range of weapons and abilities, ranging from melee to ranged combat. New to the series are allies who can be called for reinforcements, and a skill system that allows for specialization in favorite weapons and assassin abilities.
Combat, while not reaching the depth of "Ghost of Tsushima," is a blast, offering a more arcade-style counterpoint. Surging through a fortress as Naoe's deadly shadow or engaging in intense brawls as Yasuke offer some of the game's most exhilarating moments.
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A quest system with a catch
We manage our quests through a sort of map with different categories: tasks related to Naoe and Yasuke's backstories, various factions we must bring down, and groups of people we can help. This provides a wide range of choices, allowing players to shape their own Japan adventure. However, the lack of a clearly marked main story means the narrative can become disjointed, mirroring the "to-do list" feeling common to Ubisoft games.
Many of the quests follow a predictable format: discover the location of the quest using clues, ride there, engage in dialogue, fight, scout, ride, talk, fight again. Repeat. After a few repetitions, this formula can become tedious. But "Shadows" regularly shakes things up, a necessary move to prevent monotony from setting in.
For those who enjoy subtitles, the story can be experienced in immersive mode, with characters speaking their respective languages. This Japanese and Portuguese voice acting is superb, adding authenticity to the game world. The German voice acting is solid as well.
Is it worth the investment?
"Assassin's Creed Shadows" steps up to the plate with a monumental challenge before it – and it delivers an admirable performance. Fans of "Origins," "Odyssey," and perhaps even "Valhalla" will find a refined, tailored version of those games in "Shadows," alongside new trends and risks taken by Ubisoft. But the company also caters to fans of the old "Assassin's Creed" feel with this Japan spinoff.
The tightrope act that "Shadows" walks, tipping more towards an RPG like "Odyssey," succeeds often but not always. The dual protagonist approach works well, and the gameplay is a blast, but the world is beautiful yet limited, and the story can feel disjointed. Organic exploration is seldom rewarded, and new quests are typically found through the quest menu. "Shadows" doesn't quite escape the "to-do list" issue inherent to the Ubisoft formula.
In spite of this, "Assassin's Creed Shadows" is a successful game. For those willing to look beyond the weaknesses, there's plenty of action, adventure, and jaw-dropping moments to be had. Even Japan newcomers will get their money's worth. However, those expecting a radical reboot or a consistent return to earlier "Assassin's Creed" traditions are likely to be disappointed.
- The community's expectations for Ubisoft's "Assassin's Creed Shadows" are high, given the series' mixed history and the passionate fanbase it has cultivated over the years.
- As Ubisoft seeks to reduce tensions within the community and create a game that resonates with fans, the formula for "Assassin's Creed Shadows" must address both the franchise's weaknesses and uphold its beloved traditions.
- Despite some minor issues with underdeveloped characters and forced plot twists, the game's strength lies in its stunning visual spectacle, engaging dual protagonists, and a gameplay experience that splits the difference between stealth and open-world RPG styles.
