"Assassin's Creed Shadows" offers something for everyone.
Now we are in the conversation.
Ubisoft has revealed details about its new title in the Assassin's Creed franchise, titled Assassin's Creed Shadows. The game is presented as an evolution of recent RPG-oriented installations, such as Valhalla, but incorporates mechanics and design philosophies from earlier titles like Assassin's Creed Brotherhood and Syndicate.
One of the most notable additions is the subordinate assassins system, which allows players to train and deploy NPCs to assist in combat. This concept, which was previously used in Brotherhood, takes center stage once again and has been enhanced with new dynamics. Shadows also features a dual-protagonist structure, similar to Syndicate, with a more balanced focus on both perspectives; one character specializes in stealth, while the other excels in combat.
During a preview event, players had the opportunity to play for approximately three hours and noted that the game offers a visually stunning environment, this time set in feudal Japan, as well as dialogue options that can influence the narrative. Although the full story could not be discussed in detail, a highlighted aspect was the protagonist Yasuke, a character based on a real historical figure: a man of African descent who became a samurai in the 16th century under the command of Oda Nobunaga.
In contrast, the second protagonist, Naoe, seems less developed at this early stage, focusing on a revenge archetype. This could change as more of the final game is explored.
The open environment, filled with main missions and side activities, feels familiar to series followers. While there isn't an aim to revolutionize gameplay, Assassin's Creed Shadows brings back elements that had been discarded in previous entries, such as the ability to combine stealth and NPC deployment.
Regarding gameplay, improvements have been made to stealth mechanics, with enemies being more perceptive and the ability to use the environment for cover. The introduction of a crouching position adds a new dimension to the stealth mechanics, providing players with more options to navigate challenging levels.
Each protagonist has their own style, though both can switch between stealth and combat depending on player preference. Yasuke presents a more robust approach to combat, although some players may find that enemy resilience can be a bit excessive. However, the added difficulty is viewed as a positive step for those seeking a greater challenge.
In conclusion, Assassin's Creed Shadows seems to appeal to both veterans of the series and new players, incorporating nostalgic elements while also offering new mechanics that make the game feel fresh. Its release is expected on March 20 for PS5, Xbox Series, and PC.
