Here is the rewritten title: Assassin’s Creed Shadow’s Refreshed Formula Elevates Stealth Gameplay Experience

"Assassin’s Creed: Shadows" – A Feast for Fans of Stealth and Action
Assassin’s Creed: Shadows is the game fans have been waiting for – a return to form for the beloved franchise. By tossing an assassin into feudal Japan, Ubisoft has created a winning combination. I recently had the chance to play the game, and I must say, I’m impressed by what I’ve seen so far.
As an avid fan of history and stealth games, I’ve always been excited about the Assassin’s Creed series. While I’ve enjoyed most of the games, I must admit that the switch to open-world, RPG-like gameplay left me underwhelmed. I’m thrilled to see Ubisoft Quebec bridging the gap between the older stealth-focused games and the newer ones, offering a more satisfying experience.
During the four-hour demo, I was introduced to the game’s setting, which is beautifully rendered in late 16th-century Japan. The colorful, vibrant world is full of life, with stunning weather effects and stunningly realistic environments. The demo began with the introduction to our two main protagonists, Naoe, a shinobi and member of the Iga Ikki clan, and Yasuke, a former slave who became Japan’s first black samurai. I was intrigued by the setup, especially the historical events that unfold, such as the attack on Iga province in 1581.
What struck me immediately was the ability to choose Japanese and Portuguese voice casts and subtitles, complete with accurate lip-syncing. I’m excited to experience the game with these options.
The demo centered around Himeji, with the famous Himeji Castle as a backdrop. My mission was to assassinate "the noble," which involved tackling various challenges before finally taking on the main target. There were lies, politics, and (of course) backstabbing involved, but, as usual, there were a lot of names to learn in a short amount of time.
One thing I’m excited about is the ability to switch between Naoe and Yasuke at will, which adds a new layer of gameplay. Yasuke can climb, but he’s slower than Naoe, and his method of traversal is more cautious. On the other hand, he can dash down doors, making him a more aggressive, forceful assassin. Naoe, on the other hand, excels at stealth, using her grappling hook to scale walls, and she’s able to throw smoke bombs to escape or take out enemies silently.
While I had a blast playing as Yasuke, his combat felt less refined than Naoe’s, leading me to rely on stealth and strategy to overcome challenges. It’s clear that the game is trying to strike a balance between the two characters, allowing players to experience different playstyles within the same game.
Another welcome addition is the ability to go prone, which Naoe and Yasuke can both use. This feature is especially useful for Naoe, who can use it to stay hidden in tall grass or sneak under porches.
While I still experienced some of the franchise’s infamous jankiness, particularly with climbing and parkour, I’m excited about the progress made in Assassin’s Creed: Shadows. If you’re looking for another great stealth game to add to your collection, Shadows is definitely worth checking out.
Key Features:
- Set in feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows bridges the gap between stealth and action gameplay
- Choose between Japanese and Portuguese voice casts with subtitles for an immersive experience
- Switch between Naoe and Yasuke at will, each with unique abilities and playstyles
- Prone mode allows for stealthy gameplay and sneaky attacks
- Historical events, including the attack on Iga province in 1581, add depth to the story
- Launches on March 20, 2023, on PC, PS5, Xbox Series S/X, and macOS.