Assassin’s Creed Shadows Review: Stealth, Swords, and Sengoku-Era Immersion

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Review: A Bold Step into Feudal Japan with Dual Protagonists and Refined Stealth

The Assassin’s Creed series has explored numerous historical eras, offering engaging narratives and iconic characters along the way. After years of anticipation, the franchise has finally entered feudal Japan — a move fans have been waiting for. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft seems to have taken a leap of faith, especially considering the pressure to prove the series still has something fresh to offer. And to a large extent, they’ve succeeded.

A Well-Executed Dual Protagonist System

Shadows introduces a refreshing twist with its dual protagonist system. While Syndicate dabbled in this concept, Shadows truly embraces it with stronger execution. Players switch between Naoe, a skilled ninja from the Ikko-Ikki clan, and Yasuke, a former servant turned samurai. Their abilities, weapons, and questlines are distinct, offering two unique gameplay experiences that enhance the depth and replayability.

Initially, the game focuses heavily on Naoe, introducing Yasuke gradually through the early chapters. Once the first major story arc wraps up (around the 12-hour mark), players can freely switch between the two, choosing how they wish to approach each mission.

Stealth Meets Strength

The dynamic between Naoe and Yasuke fuels the gameplay. Naoe excels in stealth, blending into the shadows with parkour and silent takedowns, while Yasuke brings brute strength to the battlefield, dismantling enemies and even the environment with raw power. Though players are encouraged to use both, Naoe’s stealth-based mechanics feel more aligned with traditional Assassin’s Creed gameplay.

That said, Yasuke’s combat style is far from shallow. He can break through barriers and engage in ranged attacks, offering a more forceful, straightforward approach to missions. The game balances both styles well, allowing players to choose based on personal preference.

Stealth is Back and Better

As the title suggests, stealth is a focal point. Environmental factors like weather and terrain affect visibility and movement, adding layers to infiltration. Naoe's “Eagle Vision” aids in tracking enemies, making her stealth gameplay especially engaging.

Quests are displayed via a character-linked objective board, reminiscent of Mirage. It’s a smart, clean way to keep track of storylines and side missions, many of which are unlocked early in the game. The mission design avoids tedious old mechanics like tailing missions, instead offering focused and well-integrated tasks that maintain momentum.

However, finding your mission locations can sometimes feel like a chore. Instead of direct markers, players rely on clues or scouts from their hideout — a clever mechanic on paper, but occasionally frustrating in practice due to limited scout availability.

Storytelling and Characters

The central story — a 35–40 hour journey — revolves around dismantling the Shinbakufu, a shogunate regime composed of regional warlords. While the plot isn’t groundbreaking, it holds up thanks to solid pacing and compelling lead characters. Naoe’s story of vengeance begins with a deeply emotional loss, while Yasuke’s journey focuses on redemption, justice, and earning his place in a foreign land.

Side quests often feature more emotionally driven mini-stories, adding richness to the world. The overarching narrative may follow familiar tropes, but it remains engaging and well-structured.

Combat and Progression

Combat blends simplicity with strategy. Enemies use varied techniques, requiring smart use of dodges and timed attacks. Naoe is more agile but struggles in crowded fights, while Yasuke is slower but built for overwhelming force. Both playstyles feel rewarding, with plenty of tools — like kunai — to add variety.

Skill trees are more expansive than in previous titles, offering six branches rather than the usual three. These trees introduce new mechanics and playstyles rather than simple stat boosts, making progression feel meaningful.

A Stunning World to Explore

Ubisoft's rendition of 16th-century Japan is visually breathtaking. While the villages may lack vibrancy, the natural settings — from forests and mountains to rivers and caves — are a feast for the eyes. The world changes with the seasons, affecting how environments look and even how they play. It adds an extra layer of immersion that elevates exploration.

Comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima

Given the shared setting, comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima are inevitable. While Tsushima has a more poetic, story-driven feel with highly stylized visuals and smooth combat, Shadows offers deeper stealth gameplay, more tactical variety, and higher visual realism.

Both games shine in different areas: Tsushima leans cinematic, while Shadows sticks closer to traditional open-world RPG elements. The choice between the two comes down to whether you prefer an emotional narrative or strategic gameplay freedom.

With Ghost of Yotei slated for release later in 2025, fans of the setting have much to look forward to.

Final Thoughts: Is It Worth It?

Priced at ₹4,899 on PC and ₹5,599 on consoles, Assassin’s Creed Shadows comes with a steep price tag — especially considering the regional pricing disparity. While Ubisoft’s pricing decisions may disappoint, fans of the series will likely find enough value in the game’s engaging mechanics and rich world.

For longtime players, it delivers an experience that feels both familiar and fresh. For newcomers, it’s enjoyable but may not convert skeptics of the series.

Verdict

Assassin’s Creed Shadows doesn’t reinvent the wheel, but it polishes many aspects fans care about. With a well-designed dual-protagonist system, engaging combat, immersive stealth, and a gorgeous world, it’s a strong entry in the franchise. The story plays it safe, but the gameplay variety and visual presentation make it worth exploring — especially for those drawn to feudal Japan.