So here we are again, another year, another Assassin’s Creed, though this one seems more different when compared to previous entries. This could be thanks to the amount of extra effort that it appears this one took amongst numerous delays. After a rough year, the next Assassin’s Creed is Ubisoft’s biggest announced game for this year. After giving Assassin’s Creed Shadows a good 40 hours to get through the story, the game surprised me, by that I mean I was shocked at how much I was having fun.
Set in Feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally brings the franchise into a setting that fans have been requesting for over a decade. It follows the story of two protagonists: a shinobi (stealth-focused) and a samurai (combat-heavy), giving players the choice of how they want to approach the world. Ubisoft promised that this would be one of the most immersive and detailed Assassin’s Creed experiences to date, and in many ways, they delivered. The world is absolutely stunning, as expected from a Ubisoft open world game. From dense bamboo forests to bustling castles and villages, the setting feels alive and dynamic. Japan’s beauty is on full display, with breathtaking day-night cycles, changing weather patterns, and an impressive level of detail in every town, shrine, and fortress. It’s clear that a lot of work went into making this world feel authentic.
Then you have the gameplay, which the game takes a refined approach to the RPG mechanics introduced in Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, but also reintroduces some of the series’ classic elements. Parkour is back in a big way, feeling smoother and more fluid than in recent entries. Instead of climbing sheer cliff faces like a superhuman, movement now feels more grounded and strategic. Running across rooftops, swinging from tree branches, and using grappling hooks adds a level of verticality that hasn’t been this satisfying since Assassin’s Creed Unity. Stealth also plays a much bigger role. With the shinobi protagonist, shadows and distractions are your best friend, and Ubisoft has introduced new mechanics that make stealth feel more rewarding. Hiding in tall grass, sneaking along rooftops, using smoke bombs, and even blending into crowds all feel natural and fun. The AI, while not perfect, is significantly smarter than in previous games, making stealth gameplay more challenging and satisfying. For those who prefer a more direct approach, the samurai protagonist offers brutal and cinematic combat. Unlike the button-mashing of previous RPG-style entries, this game leans into precise timing, counters, and strategic swordplay. It’s clear they took inspiration from Ghost of Tsushima in terms of combat weight and flow, and while it doesn’t surpass Sucker Punch’s masterpiece, it does an admirable job carving its own identity.
The story primarily follows a classic Assassin vs. Templar conflict, but this time with a fresh cultural twist. The shinobi is driven by vengeance and operates in the shadows, while the samurai struggles with duty and honor. Their paths intertwine in a way that feels engaging and cinematic, making for an interesting dual-protagonist dynamic. While some of the story beats feel predictable, the characters themselves are well-written and compelling. One of the biggest strengths of the game is its historical accuracy and attention to detail. Ubisoft has clearly done its research, pulling from real historical events and figures to craft a world that feels alive and rich with history. Fans of Feudal Japan will appreciate the authenticity, from the architecture to the way of life.
Assiassin’s Creed Shadows is surprisingly polished. That being said, no game launches without at least a few bugs. There are minor AI hiccups, some weird physics glitches, and the occasional graphical stutter, the most common one I was seeing was my horse will clip onto trees if I even touch them, it’s annoying but it wasn’t game-breaking. The game runs smoothly on current gen consoles, taking full advantage of the hardware to deliver stunning visuals and fast load times. However, players on older hardware may experience longer load times and frame rate drops. One of the best aspects of Shadows is its dynamic world. NPCs have their own routines, environments change with the seasons, and random events make the world feel alive. It’s clear that Ubisoft is pushing its open world formula to new heights, and while it might not revolutionize the genre, it does show that they are still capable of making an engaging world.
So, does Assassin’s Creed Shadows live up to the hype? Mostly, yes. It’s a well-crafted, beautifully realized open-world game that delivers on the promise of a Feudal Japan setting. The dual-protagonist approach is interesting, the gameplay is refined, and the world is immersive. While it still has some flaws (repetitive side quests, occasional jank, and a familiar story structure), it is a step in the right direction for the franchise. The game is a mix of the old games and the new ones, but it doesn’t fully break free from the Ubisoft formula. It’s beautiful, engaging, and fun but also familiar. If you love the franchise or have been waiting for an AC game in Japan, this is a must-play. If you’re feeling burned out on Ubisoft open-world games, it might not change your mind. Either way, it’s one of the strongest AC entries in years, and for Ubisoft, that’s exactly what they needed.
Score: 8 out of 10
Reviewed on Xbox Series X