Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Journey to 16th-Century Japan with Dual Protagonists and Dynamic Gameplay
by Rynock Solutions on Jul 31, 2024
Are you ready to explore Japan? Because that is where Assassin’s Creed Shadows is taking us this year. Yes, the coolest trailer launch of the year is here. Assassin’s Creed Shadows, formerly codename Red, is all set to release on November 15. This is said to be a one-of-a-kind game in this Assassin’s Creed Series with the perfect blend of history, storytelling and action, Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed is one of the highly anticipated games of the year. Let us decode the trailer and recently released gameplay and decide if this is the best buy Assasin’s Creed game or not.
What is Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Storyline?
The story is set in 16th-century Japan, in the Azuchi-Momoyama era. This is the era when the whole of Japan was brought under one kingdom, and the process was not as pleasant as history books claim. The story follows, not the lives of one protagonist but two, Yasuke and Naoe, just like in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. Yasuke is a historical figure, probably from Mozambique, Ethiopia or Nigeria, who was brought as a slave to Japan but rose to the ranks of a Samurai. He is touted as the first black Samurai in Japan's history. As for Naoe, she is the fictional daughter of Fujibayashi Nagato, a master ninja of the Iga Clan. She promises to avenge the destruction in her village during the unification process by the “great unifier”, Oda Nobunaga. She is a Shinobi trained by her father.
Not just the characters, but even their combat styles are different and the most important point in the game is that you can play the mission as either Yasuke or Naoe and switch between as you play between campaigns. Shadows features a non-linear campaign largely focused on targets. Ubisoft says that you will be free to track these targets in any order.
Some targets simply exist in the world and you may stumble upon them organically, without having researched and hunted them first. Others have more structured infiltration-style gameplay attached to them.
The Combat Styles
Ubisoft’s spokesperson has revealed in an interview that, Yasuke as a Samurai, uses his weapon to block incoming attacks and perform parries. Reciprocating the steps of Ghost of Tsushima, the combat stance system seems to be available and Yasuke can change his stance and weapon position based on the enemy’s stance. He can also lock blades with an enemy, which triggers a cinematic battle of strength and brutality.
Whereas, Naoe as a shinobi Ninja plays in stealth mode with light and darkness as her allies. A new global illumination feature creates dynamic shadows that affects enemy vision and makes your mission more fun and interesting. Naoe has the skills of parkour and can wield the iconic hidden blade. She wields a ‘pivot blade’, that rotates 90 degrees, much like the version used in Assassin’s Creed 3.
New Features Offered Found in the Gameplay
A few of the coolest features to be observed are that enemies can be assassinated through Soji screen doors, Naoe can swim underwater and use a bamboo stick as a snorkel to refill her lungs with oxygen.
Since, the drone-like bird from Origins, Odyssey and Valhalla is dropped, eagle vision returns, allowing you to spot silhouettes of NPCs through even walls. Enemies are marked red and the new servants are in orange.
Weapons used are history-specific, and weapons of the era like katanas, the Kanabo war club, yari spears, shuriken, kunai, and the kusarigama (a sickle or a chain). Yasuke also uses arbuques rifles, providing long-range options.
The player can also craft their katana from gathered components and personalize it.
Most of the props in the game can be dynamically damaged by your weapons. For example, Katanas can slice through bushes and baskets Fruit Ninja-style leaving accurate blade marks.
The fully dynamic weather system provides realistic climate conditions based on region and season. Severe weather, like dense fog, strong winds, and snow, affects enemy sight and sound. Use storms to your advantage to mask your footsteps.
The world features a remarkably detailed ecology system. In spring, for instance, gusts of wind will carry pollen from trees, replicating a real ecosystem.
In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises to be a groundbreaking addition to the series, with its rich historical setting, dual protagonists, and diverse combat styles. The game’s attention to detail, from its dynamic weather and ecology systems to its unique features and weaponry, ensures an immersive experience. With its release on November 15 for PS4 and Nintendo Switch, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to be one of the most anticipated and exciting games of the year. Get ready to explore 16th-century Japan like never before.
