Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the latest chapter in the Assassin’s Creed series, released on November 15, 2024. The game is developed by Ubisoft and takes place in the late 16th century during the Azuchi-Momoyama period (安土桃山時代) of Japanese history.
This era is characterized by the unification efforts of the Feudal Japanese Lord (大名 = だいみょう) Oda Nobunaga, a period marked by significant social and political upheaval.
The game introduces two main protagonists: Naoe, a skilled shinobi Assassin from Iga Province, and Yasuke, the legendary African samurai who served under Nobunaga. Players can switch between these characters, each offering distinct gameplay experiences. Naoe’s gamestyle focuses on stealth and agility, utilizing tools like kunai, shuriken, smoke bombs, and a grappling hook for parkour. Yasuke, on the other hand, is combat-oriented, wielding a variety of traditional Japanese weapons such as the katana and naginata.
The inclusion of Yasuke has generated some controversy. Some fans have criticized Ubisoft for choosing a non-Japanese historical figure as a protagonist, while others have praised the decision for its uniqueness and historical significance. Ubisoft stated that Yasuke’s story provides a fresh perspective and allows for creative storytelling, as his historical records are not as extensively documented, leaving room for interpretation and imagination.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is available on multiple platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, PC, and more. Pre-ordering any premium edition offers players early access to the game and additional content.
