Ubisoft’s latest Assassin’s Creed entry—Shadows—has been the stuff of gaming fantasy ever since we got wind of a Japan-based AC title. And now that we’ve had a taste of the gameplay, let’s just say… this one’s shaping up to be the Ghost of Tsushima-meets-AC Origins crossover we didn’t know we needed.
From slicing through enemies as a towering samurai to slithering through the night as a stealthy shinobi, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is gunning to be one of the most ambitious titles in the franchise. But does it live up to the hype? Let’s dive in.
Two Protagonists, Two Playstyles
If there’s one thing Ubisoft is getting really good at, it’s giving us protagonists with contrasting combat styles. This time, we get Yasuke, a heavy-hitting samurai who cuts through enemies like a hot knife through tofu, and Naoe, a ninja assassin who can take down an entire enemy camp without making a sound.
Yasuke fights with raw power—think Sekiro but with a more refined combat flow. His strikes feel weighty, every block feels meaningful, and when he swings that katana, it’s absolute poetry in motion (for you, not for the poor soul on the receiving end). Meanwhile, Naoe’s gameplay is a whole other beast—stealth kills, rooftop acrobatics, and classic Hidden Blade takedowns that will make OG Assassin’s Creed fans tear up a little.
Stealth That Actually Feels Rewarding
Stealth in recent AC games has been, well… optional at best. But in Shadows, Naoe’s ninja gameplay is built around darkness, deception, and actual assassin-worthy mechanics. Shadows play a huge role (yes, the name wasn’t just for aesthetic). Time of day affects visibility, weather influences stealth (yes, you can hide in puddles Predator-style), and enemy AI actually reacts to sound.
No more taking out three guards and the fourth guy just continuing his “hmm, must’ve been the wind” routine. If you get caught, you actually feel caught—which means more planning, more precision, and more of that sweet adrenaline rush when you successfully ghost your way through a fortress.
A Living, Breathing Feudal Japan
Visually, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is hands down one of the most detailed AC worlds yet. Feudal Japan isn’t just a backdrop; it’s alive. Cities are bustling, villages are brimming with NPCs who have their own routines, and the wilderness is chef’s kiss gorgeous.
The new dynamic weather system is a game-changer—storms can mask your movement, heavy winds sway tall grass for perfect cover, and nighttime is truly dark (not that Ubisoft-filtered blue “dark” we usually get). It all adds up to a game world that feels immersive, unpredictable, and genuinely exciting to explore.
Combat That Doesn’t Feel Copy-Pasted
Ubisoft has had a habit of making combat a little too button-mashy in past titles, but Shadows seems to fix that. Yasuke’s samurai battles are methodical, with weighty parries and satisfying finishers. Meanwhile, Naoe’s approach is all about quick, precise strikes and using the environment to her advantage.
Oh, and the duels? If you’ve ever watched a classic samurai showdown where two warriors stare each other down before one perfect strike settles it all—Ubisoft’s bringing that tension to gameplay. Expect one-on-one duels that aren’t just about hacking away at a health bar, but reading your opponent, dodging at the right time, and executing the perfect counterattack.
Is This the Ultimate Feudal Japan Experience?
From our early hands-on time, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is looking like the most promising AC title in years. Ubisoft has finally taken all those “We want Assassin’s Creed in Japan!” comments and delivered an experience that balances stealth, combat, and world-building like never before.
Of course, we’ll reserve final judgment until we get our hands on the full game, but right now? Shadows is shaping up to be a love letter to samurai and ninja culture wrapped in classic Assassin’s Creed goodness. If Ubisoft sticks the landing, this could very well be the AC game fans have been waiting for.
Final Thoughts
So, is Assassin’s Creed Shadows just another AC reskin, or is it the definitive samurai-ninja experience we’ve always wanted? Right now, it’s looking like the latter. The two-protagonist dynamic, proper stealth mechanics, and a living, reactive world all make this one of the most exciting Assassin’s Creed titles in years.
Will it live up to the hype? We’ll find out when it drops on November 15, 2025. But one thing’s for sure—this isn’t just another AC game. It’s the Assassin’s Creed game fans have been dreaming of.
