Assassin’s Creed Shadows transports players to 16th-century Japan, offering a dual-protagonist experience with Yasuke, a formidable samurai, and Naoe, a stealthy shinobi. The game delivers a visually stunning world and refined combat mechanics, though it faces criticism for its narrative and side content.

Gameplay Overview & New Features

Dual-Protagonist System
You play as two distinct characters:

• Yasuke, based on the historical African samurai, offers brute strength, heavy armor combat, and head-on confrontations. Think of him as the game’s tank—with skills in melee combat, crowd control, and precision strikes.

• Naoe, a shinobi from the Iga Province, brings back classic stealth gameplay with parkour, silent takedowns, and gadgets like kunai, smoke bombs, and a grappling hook.

Switching between them during missions adds a fresh tactical layer depending on your preferred style—stealth vs. power.

Dynamic World & Seasons

• The game features a living open world where seasons affect gameplay. For instance:

  • Snow muffles footsteps, aiding stealth.

  • Rain affects bow accuracy, but also helps extinguish torches for sneaky infiltration.

  • Autumn leaves can obscure visibility, useful for ambushes.

This environmental interactivity makes planning your approach more immersive and tactical.

Light & Shadow System

• A refined light and shadow mechanic affects your visibility.

  • Hiding in shadows is more effective now, with time-of-day and torch placements influencing stealth routes.

  • You can now extinguish torches or use mirrors to redirect light, creating new ways to manipulate the environment.

Base Management

• Inspired by earlier games like Brotherhood, players can build and manage a hideout:

  • Recruit allies and specialists.

  • Train and upgrade your equipment.

  • Decorate and personalize your HQ, which becomes a hub for story missions and upgrades.

Assassination Contracts & Open-Ended Infiltration

• Missions now feature multiple entry points and sandbox-style infiltration, similar to Hitman.

• You can choose different ways to approach a target—poisoning, stealth entry, social blending, or full assault.

⭐ Overall Rating: 8/10

While Assassin’s Creed Shadows excels in combat and world design, it falls short in storytelling and side quest depth. Fans of the series will appreciate the return to stealth-focused gameplay, but newcomers might find the narrative lacking.

✅ Pros

• Stunning Visuals: The depiction of feudal Japan is breathtaking, with dynamic weather and seasonal changes enhancing immersion. 

• Refined Combat: Combat feels impactful and satisfying, with each protagonist offering distinct playstyles. 

• Engaging Protagonists: Naoe and Yasuke provide contrasting experiences, catering to different playstyles. 

• Base-Building Mechanics: The customizable hideout adds depth and personalization to the gameplay. 

• Accessibility Options: A range of settings ensures a more inclusive gaming experience. 

❌ Cons

• Fragmented Storyline: The narrative lacks cohesion, making it less engaging. 

• Repetitive Side Quests: Side content often feels like filler, lacking meaningful engagement. 

• Inconsistent Voice Acting: The English voice track is uneven, with some characters’ accents feeling out of place. 

• Asset Reuse: Noticeable reuse of assets can detract from the game’s uniqueness. 

• Traversal Issues: Parkour mechanics can be awkward, affecting movement fluidity. 

Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a commendable addition to the franchise, blending traditional stealth elements with modern gameplay mechanics. While it shines in visual and combat aspects, improvements in storytelling and side content depth would elevate the experience further.