Of the many games that are being talked about to be published in 2025, Ubisoft's Assassin's Creed Shadows is probably the one that has caught the attention of many people.
Only this time, it's not for such a sweet reason. Ubisoft seems to be "staking its fate" on the success of Assassin's Creed Shadows, having gone through the controversy over the feudal Japanese theme that ended with an apology. official from Ubisoft (and several delays in release time). Finally, Assassin's Creed Shadows was officially released on March 20, 2025.
It's actually quite difficult not to compare Asssassin's Creed Shadows with other Japanese background games, especially with the theme of the main character of a samurai and also shinobi. On the other hand, Ubisoft wants to keep emphasizing RPGs with the main character Samurai, while the theme of shinobi is the same. Assassin still deserves to be a central part of the Assassin's Creed theme itself.
But the big question is, can it match Ghost of Tsushima or Rise of The Ronin that releases on PC in 2024 in terms of RPG? Is Ubisoft capable of delivering a similar AAA game experience? After playing about 45 hours through the feudal Japanese world presented, including trying out the experience of the two main characters, I can say that Ubisoft delivers a unique experience in Assassin's Creed Shadows.
Two different mechanics that work together quite harmoniously
For the modern-era Assassin's Creed Series, which has always been faced with the dilemma between focusing on stealth or RPG (and a point of contention for fans), it could be argued that the presence of Naoe and Yasuke is a good solution to this, mostly because they both have the capability of stealth and combat each, but still gives it its uniqueness.
To answer the concerns about the "Creed" part of Assassin's Creed itself, Naoe appears as a main character with a related background.
The way Ubisoft introduced it was interesting. The first few phases of the story are focused on Naoe and can only switch to Yasuke at certain phases of the story (Although there are a few minutes of play as Yasuke in the story, it seems to be for teaser). Because Naoe himself was educated as a shinobi, then the skill tree and mechanics are very similar like Assassin in the early game series.
Mechanic stealth on Shadows is also relatively well-thought-out. In the settings difficulty high, sneaking needs to consider environmental conditions, ranging from: enemy visibility, the sound of the main character's movement, including day/night or even the weather of the 4 available seasons.
Sure, it's always easier to infiltrate at night, as there are many quests available, but on many occasions, the main character needs to do the quest during the day, where visibility is at a premium. Also, the roofs of buildings are not always safe. In the same setting, enemies who have become aware of the intruder's presence will approach the final location, even climbing into the corners of the final location. Even so, as Naoe, it's still easy to get in/out.
On the other hand, Yasuke is arguably the one representation of a character with RPG as his main spear. With Yasuke's armor and posture, we can't really do anything with him. parkour.
Instead, Yasuke can break down castle doors (even bumping into enemies) and face various enemies face to face. Although Yasuke can be used to stealth under certain conditions, the words "brutal assassinate" subtly indicate that Ubisoft wants players to use Yasuke to directly hit objectives (and it's more convenient that way).
However, it can be said that Yasuke is a typical "RPG" character in the modern era Assassins's Creed series. Yasuke's three main weapons, the katana, naginata, and kanebo, feel comfortable and smooth to use in various situations. The skills used by Yasuke also focus on brutality and continuity which is shown in the blood and adrenaline bar which is more than Naoe.
Although Yasuke is made to fulfill the related RPG aspects, Naoe can still do various kinds of direct combat.
Naoe and Yasuke can eventually, after several story phases, be used interchangeably at any time by accessing the inventory. In the majority quest Also, players are given the choice to execute the story as Yasuke or Naoe. So, these two characters are certainly very different, but can be used interchangeably and harmoniously.
"Simple" Yet Pretty Setting
It can be debated, but one of the interesting points that can be given to Ubisoft is the beautiful feudal world of Japan. given the praise for the world and Japan that the map presented in Assassin's Creed Shadows is so vast and also aesthetic.
If there's a point of note for this world, it's probably the monotony of exploration. In other words, most side quests and unique interactions with NPCs are done in a specific place such as a settlement or temple.
The map presented is quite standard, similar to the Valhalla series. The difference is, this time Shadows presents four seasons that can affect the appearance of unique objects exclusive to the season, as well as the season. scout that can conduct surveys to come up with a definite quest icon, because most quests only provide clue Only. In certain areas that are very large and in certain quests, sometimes our "guesses" may not be read properly.
Points synchronize The classic mechanic of the series to unlock important map points is no longer the main requirement. This certainly has its pluses and minuses. Sometimes, these survey points are in quite high locations, even in the location of enemy bases that will directly combat the main character.
Also, there is a new mechanic kakurega which is a kind of small base for players to do fast travelThis makes manual exploration more fruitful (perhaps details about the world can be clearer with certain settings).
Minimalist Customization that Gives a New Touch
It would be incomplete to not comment on the customization provided by Assassin's Creed Shadows. Given the "RPG" element, Ubisoft provides a large selection of weapons that can be used, wrapped in a simple yet understandable UI.
For Naoe and Yasuke, both are given the option to use 2 types of weapons, 1 type of mount, 2 types of armor, and 1 type of accessories. As time goes by, players will get a lot of accessories. loot to fill out various armor and weapon equipment. Different armor can have different effects, but equipment level (as well as character level) remains the main determinant of whether Naoe and Yasuke can deal meaningful damage.
Characters can wear two kinds of active skills related to the weapons used, as well as one active skill for the profession being built. Through the latest update, Ubisoft allowed players to reset the points on the skill tree, i.e. players can try out different weapons that match their skills. playstyle itself, a good update.
This active skill uses one adrenaline point for each execution, but even those points are easy to earn when fighting or performing assassinate, plus a variety of engraving add-ons that can be attached to weapons.
A few tips for players, there are passive skills that are global which means that the passive skill applies to the character regardless of the build that is being used. So, just adjust the needs.
Various details about the world of Shadows along with trivia can also be found in the section codex. These columns contain texts that can provide quick knowledge for the curious. Of course, since this is a game, players should double-check the validity of the information about feudal Japan contained in this game.
Points of Note for Assassin's Creed Shadows
Still, with a fairly smooth gaming experience, Assassin's Creed Shadows and the rest of the series still need to provide a more linear storyline and objectives. One of the highlights of the old Assassin's Creed series isn't just about the story. stealthInstead, each murder is significant and moves the story along significantly, without neglecting the story. open world.
In Assassin's Creed Shadows, there were so many assassination side quests that the main enemies felt small and insignificant. In the next installment of the Hexe project, I hope Ubisoft narrows down the main enemy cabal to a few significant figures, who are harder to reach.
So, How is Assassin's Creed Shadows?
In conclusion, Assassin's Creed Shadows is a series that deserves the title of "very good". Ubisoft seems to have put a lot of effort into presenting the first Asian setting in the modern Assassin's Creed series. The RPG feels smooth, stealth feels pretty solid, too. This series is suitable for new players, as well as old players who want to reminisce about the Assassin's Creed experience.
Pros
- Good balance of stealth and RPG and accessible
- Aesthetic and expansive world-building
- Extensive yet structured customization for player simplicity
Disadvantages
- Assassination missions can feel tedious due to the large number of targets
- Not much interaction with the world/NPC outside of the settlement/temple
- Assassin's Creed's main story still feels like a side story
Assassin's Creed Shadows
Summary
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a series that deserves the title of "very good". Ubisoft seems to have put a lot of effort into presenting the first Asian setting in the modern Assassin's Creed series. The RPG feels smooth, stealth feels pretty solid, too. This series is suitable for new players, as well as old players who want to reminisce about the Assassin's Creed experience.
