With just two months until Ubisoft’s Assassin’s Creed Shadows launches, here are some reasons to be excited for the game.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the 14th major installment of Ubisoft’s popular action RPG franchise Assassin’s Creed. The game, originally scheduled for release on November 15, 2024, was postponed a few months ago and is now set to launch on February 14, 2025. While AC Shadows has faced criticism from several fans of the franchise, others are eager to embrace the new addition.
If you love action RPGs, you will likely enjoy the upcoming game. So, let’s discuss some of the reasons why you should be excited for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Related: 5 Assassin’s Creed Games to Play While Waiting For AC Shadows
1) Dual Protagonists
The dual protagonists in Assassin’s Creed Shadows have caught everyone’s attention. This is not the first time dual protagonists have been included in the franchise, since the Frye twins (Jacob Frye and Evie Frye) featured in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. However, Shadows will offer extensive character customization options.
The dual protagonists of AC Shadows are Naoe, a stealthy shinobi, and Yasuke, a charismatic samurai, who join hands for a common goal. Each has different gameplay mechanics and playstyles. Naoe is an expert in stealthy assassination, and Yasuke is dedicated to straight combat.
2) Japan Setting
The Assassin’s Creed franchise is known for its storylines revolving around historical civilizations and traditions. Fans have long wanted an AC game set in Japan, since the concept of ninja and samurai can adapt very well to Assassin’s Creed’s gameplay mechanisms. Fortunately, AC Shadows will be set in 16th century feudal Japan.
With games set in feudal Japan getting much appreciation from the community, like Sucker Punch’s Ghost of Tsushima, fans are excited about exploring the open world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. It will feature dynamic weather and seasonal changes.
3) Weapon Types and Combat Variation
Naoe and Yasuke will have unique weapon arsenals and combat mechanics. Your quest approach will vary based on which protagonist you are playing.
Naoe can infiltrate enemy bases undetected, but Yasuke will have to do things differently because of his limited stealth mechanics. His approach will revolve around brute force. His long Katana and heavy Kanabo are capable of dealing devastating damage in face-to-face battles. However, if you manage to sneak behind enemies or master the Yumi Bow, Yasuke can also adopt a stealthy playstyle as needed.
Naoe doesn’t have armor and larger health like Yasuke, making stealth essential rather than optional for the shinobi. Although Naoe’s Katana and Tanto perform well in one-on-one combat, she can’t handle more enemies directly like Yasuke. She has to rely on her stealth mechanics.
4) Improved Stealth Mechanics
By introducing a dedicated ninja-type character (Naoe), Assassin’s Creed Shadows has implemented various new stealth mechanics and features, greatly expanding the stealth-play opportunities. The game incorporates a cutting-edge Global Illumination System, which hides or reveals players based on darkness and light. When perfectly utilized, the system allows players to hide in darkness and shadows, which perfectly aligns with the title of the game.
Naoe’s toolkit includes several items, each uniquely enhancing her stealth play: smoke bombs, shinobi bells, kunai, and shuriken. AC Shadows is the first of the franchise to feature prone mechanics, allowing Naoe and Yasuke to approach enemies with greater stealth. While prone, Naoe can roll in any direction- side, front, and back – adding flexibility to her movements.
The fact that Naoe is the smallest Assassin of the franchise to date unlocks unique stealth opportunities, such as hiding in narrow wall cracks, small storage spaces, or inside boxes. The Observe Mechanic and Eagle Vision further support the stealth gameplay by providing detailed insights about the environment and enemy.
5) Real Life Character – Yasuke
Did you know Yasuke from AC Shadows is based on a real-life character? Yasuke was a 16th-century samurai of African origin and Japan’s first black samurai. He served as a samurai during the Sengoku period.
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has introduced several popular historical figures in previous games, including Julius Caesar, Benjamin Franklin, Cleopatra, Socrates, and Leonardo da Vinci. However, Yasuke stands out as the first playable character of the franchise based on a real-life historical figure. Fans are excited to see how Ubisoft has handled his character development and story arc.
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