Assassin’s Creed Shadows Review: The Ultimate Game Since Black Flag

Step into the world of feudal Japan with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, where players experience the gripping narrative through the eyes of two distinct characters: Naoe, a skilled Shinobi from Iga, and Yasuke, a foreign samurai navigating his new surroundings. This installment marks a significant return to form for the series, reminiscent of the acclaimed Black Flag, but not without its own set of imperfections that longtime fans will recognize.

Leading up to its launch, Assassin’s Creed Shadows faced a series of delays, originally scheduled for November 2024, then pushed to February 2025, and eventually set for release on March 20, 2025. These postponements primarily aimed to address controversies stemming from Yasuke’s portrayal and the historical accuracy surrounding the feudal Japan era, which sparked discussions regarding representation and authenticity.

Despite these concerns, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has emerged as one of the most visually striking and engaging titles in the franchise, boasting groundbreaking gameplay features, an exhilarating storyline, and refined combat mechanics that elevate the overall experience.

Visual Highlights of Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Returning to the Essence of Assassin’s Creed

Almost two decades have passed since the debut of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. However, since the release of Assassin’s Creed Origins in 2017, the series has struggled to uphold its foundational elements, often swapping stealthy gameplay for more overt, action-driven mechanics. With Shadows, the franchise reintroduces the core stealth elements that fans have been missing, greatly enhancing the gameplay experience.

Players embark on an emotional journey alongside Naoe, whose quest for vengeance is set into motion by the loss of a loved one (details withheld to avoid spoilers).Yasuke, having faced his own tragedy, allies with Naoe, leading players through various regions of Japan as they gather supporters to confront the person responsible for their suffering.

The game contains all the beloved features players expect, including extensive exploration, a plethora of quests, and exhilarating duels, along with a plentiful supply of classic hay bales for stealth maneuvers.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Stealth — Image courtesy of Dexerto / Ubisoft

Shadows draws upon the legacy of previous games, incorporating an engaging main quest that features a powerful enemy faction while retaining the expansive open-world elements. Combat mechanics have evolved significantly from Origins, with a heightened arsenal that enriches the battle experience, and the narrative quality rivals that of celebrated titles like Brotherhood and Black Flag.

However, Shadows is not without its glitches; players may encounter sporadic bugs like casualties caught in walls or invincible foes. Additionally, familiar issues like combat stiffness can arise, with predictable enemy behaviors sometimes overshadowing the excitement of battle.

Notably, fans of Odyssey will find much to appreciate, as Shadows closely resembles its predecessor in gameplay style—a compliment that underscores the game’s quality.

Character Dynamics: Naoe and Yasuke

Echoing the dual-character mechanics seen in Assassin’s Creed Syndicate, Shadows allows players to switch between Naoe and Yasuke. Each character features unique combat styles, weaponry, and personal stories, granting players the flexibility to navigate the game according to their preferences.

You begin your journey as Naoe, with Yasuke becoming accessible about four hours into the game. This decision enriches the narrative by immersing players in the life of a Shinobi, providing depth to Naoe’s motivations as she seeks out retribution against those who annihilated her clan.

While I won’t divulge too much about Naoe’s background, it is a poignant and well-crafted tale that complements her stealthy persona. In contrast, Yasuke’s journey unfolds later in the game. While initially he may feel somewhat secondary, his strength and combat prowess shine brightly when players choose to incorporate him into their tactical approach. His powerful strikes with dual-handed weapons and lethal katana swings offer a distinctly different combat experience.

It would have been beneficial to reveal Yasuke’s backstory earlier, especially given its significance to Naoe’s arc. Nonetheless, both characters are well-developed and their narratives intertwine seamlessly, creating an emotionally resonant experience—something that has been lacking in recent Assassin’s Creed titles.

Innovations and Gameplay Enhancements

Franchise titles often invite comparisons to their predecessors; however, Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces several new features that are remarkably effective. One standout element is the customizable hideout, an innovative base camp that not only serves as a personal space for player creativity but also impacts the main storyline by enhancing abilities, unlocking scouts, and boosting experience points.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Hideout — Image courtesy of Dexerto / Ubisoft

The addition of scouts brings a new layer of engagement. Players are encouraged to locate objectives actively rather than merely following markers on a map. This element enriches the gameplay, as scouts provide informative clues to strategic locations, enhancing the immersive experience.

Though initially challenging, mastering the use of scouts becomes gratifying as players delve deeper into the game, enabling them to navigate various locales while echoing Naoe’s own quest for knowledge of her surroundings.

The touted dynamic weather system was expected to function like an additional character, influencing gameplay experiences extensively. However, its integration feels limited; apart from altering scenery, the different seasons do not significantly affect combat or exploration. While winter presents obstacles, it fails to deliver the ever-shifting adventure promised in pre-release discussions.

Final Thoughts

For over a decade, the Assassin’s Creed franchise has grappled with its identity, but with Shadows, it seems to have rediscovered its essence. While some combat mechanics may feel unrefined and certain story elements appear misplaced—including Yasuke’s delayed backstory—the title breathes new life into the series, demonstrating that it remains relevant and engaging.

Whether immersing yourself in the breathtaking landscapes of feudal Japan, embarking on daring assaults against enemy strongholds, or forming connections with the richly populated world, Assassin’s Creed Shadows stands as an unforgettable adventure that re-establishes its position as the best entry since Black Flag.

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