
Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Tale of Dual Perspectives | Image Source: ew.com
LOS ANGELES, Dec. 20, 2024 — Ubisoft’s upcoming installment, 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬, delves into feudal Japan with a unique narrative approach, featuring two distinct protagonists: Yasuke, a Black samurai, and Naoe, a stealth-driven shinobi. According to Entertainment Weekly, this innovative game design aims to cater to long-time franchise fans by merging elements of classic stealth gameplay with the action-packed combat style of recent entries.
Yasuke, voiced by Tongayi Chirisa, draws inspiration from the historical figure of the same name and represents a brawler archetype reminiscent of protagonists in 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐎𝐝𝐲𝐬𝐬𝐞𝐲 and 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐕𝐚𝐥𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐚. On the other hand, Naoe, portrayed by MASUMI, brings a nostalgic return to the franchise’s roots, emphasizing stealth, agility, and the ability to blend into shadows. As per Jonathan Dumont, the creative director of 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬, Naoe is “the fastest Assassin we ever made,” equipped with tools like kunai, smoke bombs, and a grappling hook for seamless traversal across rooftops.
Exploring Feudal Japan’s Dual Realities
Set in the Sengoku period of feudal Japan, the game unfolds through the intertwined stories of Yasuke and Naoe. Yasuke’s narrative introduces players to the nobility of the era, while Naoe’s story provides a contrasting perspective of rural life in Iga province, a region historically associated with the origins of ninjas. Dumont explains that Naoe’s journey begins as a farmhand shielded from the broader conflicts of her time until the invasion of Iga in 1579 disrupts her world. Through her father’s guidance, she learns survival skills and discovers her ties to the Assassin Brotherhood.
According to Dumont, Naoe’s journey of self-discovery revolves around community values and a quest for vengeance. “She will start a bit of a path of vengeance or fulfilling a promise that she made to her family,” he states. Her evolving understanding of the Assassin Brotherhood’s ideals highlights themes of justice and protection for the defenseless, rooted in her father’s teachings. Dumont adds, “Can she make a better world? [She realizes] they are people who cannot defend themselves.”
Naoe’s Unique Skill Set and Gameplay
Naoe’s gameplay mechanics reflect her shinobi heritage, with stealth-focused tools and a signature Hidden Blade passed down from her father. Players can perform high-speed rooftop sprints, reminiscent of anime-inspired movements, including a nod to the iconic “Naruto run.” Her arsenal, including smoke bombs and a grappling hook, ensures she can outmaneuver adversaries and maintain her stealth advantage.
In contrast, Yasuke brings a combat-heavy approach, using his samurai training to engage multiple enemies simultaneously. However, Yasuke’s physicality also lends itself to humorous moments, such as his struggle with the iconic Leap of Faith. Dumont reveals, “He doesn’t do the Leap of Faith. He just crashes right into the haystack, and he hurts his butt, too. So, it’s pretty funny.”
A Tale of Contrasting Personalities
The game’s dual protagonists were designed to appeal to the diverse fanbase cultivated over nearly two decades. Yasuke and Naoe embody contrasting traits: Yasuke is calm and methodical, while Naoe is impulsive and quick to action. Their differences extend to their gameplay styles, ensuring players can explore both action-oriented and stealth-based missions. Dumont explains, “We try to satisfy both types of players, but also try to not dilute too much of what they like about it.”
Additionally, the character of Junjiro, a young boy who symbolizes hope for a better future in war-torn Japan, becomes central to Naoe’s storyline. As stated by Dumont, “He’s the future Naoe hopes Japan will be.” Junjiro’s presence reinforces the themes of legacy and perseverance that underpin the game’s narrative.
Expanding the Franchise’s Appeal
With 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬, Ubisoft aims to strike a balance between nostalgia and innovation. By incorporating stealth elements reminiscent of the franchise’s early games and dynamic combat inspired by recent entries, the developers seek to engage both veteran fans and new players. The dual-character approach enables a multifaceted exploration of feudal Japan, blending historical authenticity with creative storytelling.
The game is set to launch on Feb. 14, 2025, across various platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Ubisoft+, Amazon Luna, Macs with Apple silicon, Windows PC, and Steam. As per Dumont, the team’s dedication to authenticity and gameplay diversity ensures 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 will be a standout addition to the franchise’s storied legacy.
Ultimately, 𝐀𝐬𝐬𝐚𝐬𝐬𝐢𝐧’𝐬 𝐂𝐫𝐞𝐞𝐝 𝐒𝐡𝐚𝐝𝐨𝐰𝐬 exemplifies Ubisoft’s commitment to delivering immersive experiences that honor the franchise’s roots while pushing the boundaries of modern gaming. Fans can anticipate a richly detailed adventure that captures the essence of feudal Japan and the enduring allure of the Assassin Brotherhood.