Review of Assassin’s Creed Shadows brings a fresh perspective to Ubisoft’s iconic franchise. With a captivating 16th-century Japan setting, innovative gameplay mechanics, and the introduction of Animus Hub, this game promises to reinvigorate the series and restore Ubisoft’s standing in the gaming industry.
Ubisoft’s Challenging Context
Ubisoft is navigating a tough phase in 2024. From the unexpected failure of titles like Star Wars Outlaws, which failed to meet revenue expectations, to the cancellation of XDefiant merely six months post-launch, the company’s recent track record has been underwhelming. Additionally, the long-awaited Skull and Bones failed to generate significant buzz upon its release.
Amid these challenges, Ubisoft desperately needs a strong comeback to revive its reputation and position in the gaming industry. Enter Assassin’s Creed Shadows, slated for release on March 20, 2025, after multiple delays. After an early hands-on experience with the game, it’s clear Ubisoft is heading in the right direction. While not groundbreaking, the game demonstrates the company’s cautious yet determined efforts to innovate.
Animus Hub: A Unified Platform for Assassin’s Creed Games
One of the standout features of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the introduction of Animus Hub, formerly known as Infinity. This isn’t just the launchpad for a single game but a central hub connecting various titles in the franchise, including Origins, Odyssey, Valhalla, and Mirage. Through Animus Hub, players can revisit memories from previous games via a sleek timeline interface.
What’s particularly exciting is the Anomaly section in Animus Hub, where players can undertake exclusive missions specific to Shadows. Rewards for these missions include rare weapons, gear, and additional story content. Players can also customize characters and explore the modern-day storyline of the series through the Vault.
Although Animus Hub is relatively simple at launch, Ubisoft’s ambitions to evolve it into a live-service platform for the franchise are evident. This promises long-term engagement and continuous updates for fans.
Exploring 16th-Century Japan and Diverse Playable Characters
Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks the series’ long-awaited venture into 16th-century Japan—a setting fans have eagerly anticipated for years. The game features two playable protagonists: Yasuke and Naoe, each with distinct abilities and combat styles.
Yasuke, a powerful samurai, wields ranged weapons like bows and guns, can break through doors with a sprint, and uses a kanabō (war club) to crush enemies. Naoe, on the other hand, is a traditional assassin with exceptional parkour skills and mastery of the iconic hidden blade. She can quickly scale walls and use a grappling hook to traverse gaps. Switching between the two characters is seamless, akin to toggling between Peter and Miles in Spider-Man 2, though it requires accessing the menu and holding a button for a few seconds.
Engaging Storyline and Notable Gameplay Changes
The narrative of Assassin’s Creed Shadows begins with Yasuke, a real-life historical figure who was the first Black samurai in Japan. The game immerses players in Yasuke’s challenging journey to becoming a samurai before launching into an epic battle to showcase his abilities. The story blends sweeping historical drama with deep emotional undertones, especially as Yasuke navigates a society rife with discrimination.
Ubisoft has introduced several fresh gameplay mechanics, such as extinguishing lights to create shadows, allowing players to stealthily evade danger. The ability to use shurikens to break lights from a distance adds a tactical element to the gameplay. Additionally, players can lie prone to blend into shadows or take cover under surrounding structures, enhancing stealth options.
A notable side activity in the game involves sketching wildlife in the open world, offering a peaceful respite from intense combat. This evokes the tranquil moments in Ghost of Tsushima, providing a welcome balance to the game’s high-stakes action.
Improvements and the Future of Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Ubisoft seems to have learned from past missteps in developing Assassin’s Creed Shadows. One of the most significant improvements is the reduction of “map fatigue.” Unlike previous titles, where players were overwhelmed by vast maps cluttered with side quests, Shadows features a cleaner map that highlights only key locations. This allows players to focus on the core experience without feeling overwhelmed.
The game also introduces a finely-tuned weather system. For instance, lakes freeze during winter, preventing players from swimming or hiding underwater. Even icicles can be used as tools for distraction, adding depth to the strategic gameplay.
While Ghost of Tsushima 2 is poised to be a major competitor upon its release in 2025, Assassin’s Creed Shadows holds strong potential to succeed. It serves as an excellent entry point for newcomers while offering enough improvements and engaging storytelling to satisfy long-time fans.
The Right Move for Ubisoft
Although Assassin’s Creed Shadows may not deliver the groundbreaking experience some hoped for, its thoughtful changes and captivating Japanese setting make it a worthy addition to the franchise. This game could be the boost Ubisoft needs to regain its momentum and continue its journey with the beloved series.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch on March 20, 2025, across PS5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, Mac, and iPad. This is Ubisoft’s chance to steer its ship through rough waters and toward brighter horizons.