The anticipation surrounding Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been palpable. Set in the captivating backdrop of 16th-century Japan, a period rife with conflict and intrigue, the game promises a blend of classic stealth mechanics with modern open-world design. But does it truly capture the spirit of the original Assassin’s Creed games while offering something fresh? Rock Paper Shotgun (RPS) has spent time with the game, and their initial verdict offers a fascinating glimpse into what players can expect.
RPS’s Jeremy, a relative newcomer to the franchise since Assassin’s Creed II, found the game to be undeniably “Assassin-y.” The narrative centers around the protagonists tackling a group of masked antagonists known as the Onryo, setting a tone reminiscent of classic chanbara films. For long-time fans who felt recent entries strayed too far from the series’ roots, Shadows appears to be a step in the right direction. The return of the “guaranteed assassination mode,” a feature from Valhalla, particularly resonated with Jeremy, emphasizing stealth over direct combat. This focus on instant kills caters to players who prefer a more traditional Assassin’s Creed experience.
The game introduces two distinct playable characters: Naoe, a nimble shinobi, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai. This dual protagonist system allows for varied gameplay approaches, a feature highlighted in RPS’s preview coverage. Naoe excels in stealth, utilizing shadows and agility to outmaneuver enemies, while Yasuke relies on brute strength and direct combat. This contrast offers players flexibility in how they tackle missions and explore the world.
Speaking of the world, RPS describes it as undeniably beautiful, meticulously researched to reflect 16th-century Japan. From bustling port cities to serene shrines and war-torn landscapes, the environments are rich in detail and atmosphere. The changing seasons and dynamic weather further enhance the immersion, impacting gameplay by altering visibility and accessibility to certain areas.
However, the vastness of the open world also brings familiar Ubisoft tropes. RPS notes the abundance of “checklist-type stuff” scattered across the map, including collectibles, wandering enemies, and mini-games. While Jeremy felt that Shadows has dialed back the excess compared to previous titles like Valhalla, the map still feels designed to maximize content, potentially at the expense of a more focused experience. The reviewer expresses a preference for tighter, more intricately designed environments, reminiscent of earlier titles like Prince of Persia.
One of the core elements of the Assassin’s Creed series is the sense of discovery and investigation. Shadows attempts to move away from simple waypoint navigation by introducing a clue-based system. Players theoretically need to observe their surroundings and gather information to locate their targets. While RPS acknowledges this effort to enhance immersion, they found its impact limited. The quests often lack memorable characters or compelling dialogue, and the temptation to rely on “eagle vision” to highlight objectives remains strong, ultimately making the clue system feel like another formulaic way to guide players.
Despite these criticisms, RPS highlights several aspects that stand out. The ability to explore the world at your own pace is a significant draw. While venturing into high-level areas early on can be challenging, the game encourages players to wander and appreciate the detailed recreation of feudal Japan. Moments of quiet contemplation, such as engaging in sumi-e wildlife painting, offer a welcome respite from the action and contribute to the game’s atmosphere.
RPS’s James also chimed in, noting Naoe’s small stature compared to previous protagonists and humorously suggesting that her door-breaking sprint move might send her bouncing back like a tennis ball. This lighthearted observation reflects the overall positive, albeit slightly critical, tone of the RPS verdict.
In their full review, RPS further elaborates on the game’s strengths and weaknesses. The reviewer commends the stunning visuals and the commitment to the game’s setting. The attention to detail in recreating 16th-century Japan is evident, with wind rustling leaves, sunlight filtering through bamboo groves, and snow slowing down movement. The game paints a vivid picture of a nation undergoing significant upheaval.
However, the review echoes the sentiment that the storytelling can feel drawn out and the characters, despite their detailed backstories, sometimes serve merely as quest givers. While there are moments of levity and interesting scenarios, the overarching revenge narrative involving Naoe can feel predictable.
Gameplay-wise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows successfully blends elements of classic stealth with the more RPG-focused mechanics of recent entries. Low-profile assassinations feel fluid and satisfying, a welcome return to the series’ roots. The dual protagonists offer distinct playstyles, with Yasuke providing a more direct, powerful approach to combat, contrasting with Naoe’s stealth and agility. The parkour system, a staple of the series, remains largely intact, with some stylish new animations, particularly for Naoe.
Overall, Rock Paper Shotgun’s verdict on Assassin’s Creed Shadows suggests a game that successfully captures the atmosphere and setting of feudal Japan while offering a blend of familiar and new gameplay mechanics. While the open-world design and storytelling might not be revolutionary, the focus on stealth and the distinct playstyles of the two protagonists offer a compelling experience for fans of the series. Whether it truly marks the stealth comeback many have been hoping for remains to be seen, but early impressions indicate that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a journey worth embarking on.
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