Game Review - Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Worthy New Chapter in Feudal Japan

Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally brings Ubisoft’s long-awaited take on feudal Japan, a setting fans have been requesting for years. With its rich historical world, dynamic combat, and new building mechanics, Shadows carves out its own identity in the long-running franchise. While it does have a slow start, once the game opens up, it delivers a compelling mix of stealth and action that makes for an unforgettable experience.

A Strong 8.5/10 – A Visually Stunning and Immersive World

Right from the beginning, Assassin’s Creed Shadows impresses with its breathtaking recreation of 16th-century Japan. The game’s environments—from dense bamboo forests and vibrant cities to war-torn castles—are crafted with an obsessive attention to detail. Whether exploring bustling markets or hidden shrines, every inch of the world feels alive. Ubisoft’s Anvil engine has been pushed to new heights, making the landscapes some of the most visually striking in the series.

One of the best ways to experience this world is by playing in Japanese with subtitles. While the English voice acting is solid, the Japanese voice performances add a level of authenticity that makes the game feel like a historical drama. This option enhances immersion, making dialogue exchanges and cutscenes feel more natural and grounded in the game’s setting.

Combat Feels Familiar Yet Fresh

Ubisoft has refined its combat system, balancing the franchise’s signature mechanics with exciting new twists. Players control two protagonists: Yasuke, the powerful samurai, and Naoe, the stealthy shinobi. Each character offers a distinct approach to combat. Yasuke fights with brute force, wielding heavy weapons that can cut down multiple enemies at once, while Naoe relies on agility, deception, and a variety of ninja tools.

The combat feels similar to past Assassin’s Creed games but introduces enough new elements to keep it fresh. Parrying, dodging, and counterattacks are smoother than ever, making each fight feel intense and rewarding. The ability to switch between characters adds depth, allowing players to tackle missions in multiple ways. Fans of stealth gameplay will appreciate Naoe’s ability to use shadows, distractions, and vertical movement to outmaneuver enemies, while those who prefer direct combat will enjoy Yasuke’s devastatingly powerful strikes.

A Slow Start, but a Rewarding Payoff

One of the game’s biggest drawbacks is its slow opening hours. Unlike previous entries that throw players into action quickly, Shadows takes its time setting up its world and characters. The early missions focus heavily on exposition, introducing the political landscape and personal struggles of the protagonists. While this approach strengthens the story, it may feel sluggish for players eager to dive into action.

However, once the game opens up, the experience improves dramatically. After the first few hours, players gain more freedom to explore, engage in side activities, and choose their approach to missions. The pacing picks up, and the sense of discovery becomes a major highlight.

The Evolution of the Building Mechanic

One of Shadows’ most interesting additions is its expanded building system, which evolves from what we saw in Assassin’s Creed Valhalla. Players can construct and upgrade hideouts, adding a deeper layer of strategy to the game. This feature allows for more customization, as players can create safe havens, upgrade facilities, and even train allies.

This system integrates well into the gameplay, encouraging exploration to gather materials and resources. Unlike previous games where settlements were mainly cosmetic, here they serve a practical gameplay function, influencing the way missions and character progression unfold.

Final Verdict

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an ambitious and beautifully crafted entry in the franchise. While the slow start may test players’ patience, the game ultimately delivers an immersive world, refined combat, and meaningful new mechanics that make it stand out. The dual-character system, improved stealth mechanics, and authentic historical setting make it a must-play for fans of the series.

Score: 8.5/10 – A great addition to the Assassin’s Creed legacy.