Assassin’s Creed Shadows is undeniably a modern Assassin’s Creed title, fitting firmly within the RPG era of the franchise. From the moment I jumped into the game, I found myself enjoying it immensely.
Visuals & World Design
The game looks absolutely stunning. The recreation of feudal Japan is incredible, with an immense amount of detail put into the world design. Whether exploring castles, villages, or countryside, the atmosphere is immersive. The animations for both parkour and combat are fluid and remain enjoyable even 60 hours into the game. Armor, weapons, and character designs are all well-crafted and fitting for the setting.
Traveling on horseback, however, taught me one important lesson: stick to the roads. While there are numerous activities, random events, and hidden tombs or shrines along the way, the dense mountains and forests make off-road travel nearly impossible, with little reward for trying to cut a journey short.
One of the game’s standout features is the introduction of seasons, which change dynamically over time. These seasonal shifts aren’t just visual; they impact gameplay as well. For example, in winter, ponds that Naoe could previously hide in freeze over, turning into hazardous ice that affects combat and movement.
Equipment & Loot System
The equipment system takes a step back compared to Valhalla. Rather than collecting and upgrading full Armor sets, Shadows reverts to a more Diablo-style loot system akin to Origins and Odyssey. Players frequently pick up new weapons and Armor with higher stats. However, legendary items are unique, one-time pickups found in enemy strongholds. These legendary items unlock “engravings,” which can be transferred to other weapons at the forge. These engravings range from basic percentage stat boosts to incredibly overpowered mechanics.
Different engravings on equipment can significantly alter a player’s build, allowing for a more tailored combat experience. When multiple pieces of equipment are equipped with complementing engravings, the result is a highly satisfying power spike. This encourages players to experiment with different combinations, rewarding those who strategically plan their loadouts and explore the world to find more legendries to provide devastating synergies that can enhance both offense and defence.
Combat & Playstyle Differences
Combat is fun and engaging, and when it starts to feel stale, the ability to switch weapons—each with distinct mechanics—keeps things fresh. The game’s two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, feel fundamentally different. Yasuke is a powerful samurai with a direct approach to combat, while Naoe, as a shinobi, specializes in stealth and agility.
I found myself switching a lot since you can do so at pretty much any time while in the open world. I actually can’t decide which I prefer more, Story wise they both have engaging stories and I cannot chose one over the other. Gameplay wise, I love running through rooftops inside and enemy castle under the cover of the night and taking unsuspecting enemies until there are none left to protect my target. Playing as Naoe makes me feel like I’m the predator in a horror game. Where as busting down a gate as the one man army Yasuke and dismembering everyone that tries to stop me is a fun power trip.
Characters & Storytelling
Naoe and Yasuke not only play differently but also have vastly different worldviews. Naoe is driven by revenge, often ruthless in her decisions, while Yasuke is more compassionate, creating tension between the two. It was genuinely interesting to uncover both of their pasts and accompany them throughout their journey. In classic Assassin’s Creed fashion, the main story revolves around taking down a group of primary targets. However, this entry introduces a wide variety of organizations and enemy factions to battle beyond the main storyline, making for a deeper and more layered experience.
That being said, there are moments where player choices feel meaningful. For instance, while preparing to assassinate a target, I overheard villagers discussing how grateful they were for the target’s presence. This prompted me to investigate further, leading to the discovery that the target had changed their ways. Instead of killing them, I was given an option to spare them—a subtle but powerful feature that encourages players to pay close attention to their surroundings and NPC conversations.
Naoe and Yasuke not only play differently but also have vastly different worldviews. Naoe is driven by revenge, often ruthless in her decisions, while Yasuke is more compassionate, creating tension between the two. While some missions allow players to choose whose decision to follow (e.g., killing with Naoe or sparing with Yasuke), the actual impact of these choices seems limited. In one instance, despite making a different decision, the outcome remained the same, with the only variation being a dialogue exchange between the characters.
That being said, there are moments where player choices feel meaningful. For instance, while preparing to assassinate a target, I overheard villagers discussing how grateful they were for the target’s presence. This prompted me to investigate further, leading to the discovery that the target had changed their ways. Instead of killing them, I was given an option to spare them—a subtle but powerful feature that encourages players to pay close attention to their surroundings and NPC conversations.
Base Building & Customization
The household base-building system in Shadows expands upon Valhalla’s settlement mechanics. Players start with a basic house and stable but can gradually build up their land with additional buildings that provide new mechanics and passive buffs. The forge, for example, allows weapon upgrades and transmog options. There are plenty of other buildings that can be freely placed, customized, and utilized for various benefits. For players who enjoy base-building, there’s a wealth of cosmetic decorations and pets to find, buy, and place around the grounds.
Throughout your journey, you will encounter various allies who can be recruited to gain both active skills and passive bonuses when upgraded. These allies are not automatically available; instead, you must complete their side quests, which often involve complex objectives and moral choices. Depending on your decisions, there are ways to fail in recruiting them, as some choices can cause them to reject your offer. This system adds an extra layer to those that join your cause.
Final Thoughts
Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers a visually stunning, immersive experience with dynamic gameplay changes through its seasons, dual-character system, and engaging combat mechanics. While the loot system may not be for everyone, and story choices don’t always have significant consequences, the game still offers plenty of depth and rewarding exploration. Whether you’re here for the stealth, the samurai combat, or the world-building, Shadows provides a solid entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise.
