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Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Bold New Era Review
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Game Review
Introduction to Assassin’s Creed Shadows
When Assassin’s Creed’s viking sequel Valhalla was released in 2020, it became evident that the series needed a fresh approach. While Valhalla achieved significant success with two hundred million copies sold, the formula had become stale. The subsequent release of Mirage in 2023 showed some improvement, but it was Shadows that truly revitalized the 18-year-old franchise. Set in 16th-century Japan, Shadows introduces players to the journey of Naoe, a female shinobi, and Yasuke, an African samurai brought to Japan by an Italian missionary. Together, they embark on a quest that emphasizes unity and overcoming challenges irrespective of background or appearance.
Gameplay and Features
In Shadows, players immerse themselves in the rich history of Japan, participating in traditional activities such as Kuji-kiri and Sumi-e ink paintings. The narrative focuses on personal stories rather than grand schemes, offering a more intimate exploration of feudal Japan. Embodying Naoe and Yasuke allows for diverse gameplay experiences – stealth-based for Naoe and combat-oriented for Yasuke. The game features a customizable hideout for The League, enabling the enhancement of weapons and abilities.
Visuals and Experience
Shadows presents a visually stunning world spanning four distinct seasons, showcasing the best graphics in the Assassin’s Creed series. The attention to detail brings Japan’s Sengoku period to life, offering a captivating environment for exploration. Despite delays in development, the game’s release is worth the wait, delivering a well-crafted and engaging experience that sets a new standard for the franchise.
Verdict and Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Shadows marks a significant refresh for the series, offering a technical upgrade and a new gameplay direction. With a compelling story, well-developed characters, and impressive performances, the game immerses players in a believable era of Japan. Its flexibility in gameplay styles and visually stunning design make it a standout entry in the franchise.
Game Review Summary Table
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Pros | – Strong plot, excellent characters, and amazing performances |
| – Gorgeous visuals and impressive world design | |
| – Flexible gameplay, featuring two distinct playstyles as Naoe and Yasuke | |
| Cons | – Objective board navigation can be slightly complicated |
Assassin’s Creed Shadows sets a new standard for historical action games and promises an exciting direction for future entries in the series. Experience the game’s vibrant world on March 20 for PlayStation, Xbox, and PC.
This review was originally published on NME.
