Fans of the Assassin’s Creed franchise are in for a treat with the latest installment, which promises to deliver an exhilarating new chapter set against the backdrop of feudal Japan. Unveiled during the recent Ubisoft Forward event, Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces players to not one, but two playable protagonists – the hulking samurai Yasuke and the agile shinobi Naoe.
This unique dual protagonist approach allows players to freely switch between controlling Yasuke and Naoe throughout the game, offering a fresh and dynamic take on the Assassin’s Creed formula. While players won’t be able to switch between the characters mid-mission, the developers hinted at a potential late-game sequence that may require assassinating a target as both protagonists.
Yasuke’s combat style aligns closely with the more RPG-driven entries in the series, such as Odyssey and Valhalla. As a towering, brutally powerful warrior, Yasuke wields an impressive array of weapons, including polearms and katanas, capable of decapitating enemies or impaling them with bone-crunching force. His sheer strength also allows him to bash through doors and walls to gain access to his targets.
In contrast, Naoe’s playstyle channels the stealthy, parkour-focused roots of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Armed with a grappling hook, Naoe can silently scale buildings and pick off guards from the shadows before assassinating her mark. She even employs the use of a reed to submerge herself underwater for a stealthy kill, blending traditional mechanics with shinobi agility.
Both protagonists’ assassinations are punctuated by stunning, Kurosawa-inspired visual flourishes. As the color drains from the scene, the only vibrant elements are the vivid crimson blood spatters, eliciting awe-struck reactions from players who witness these cinematic takedowns.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will also introduce a dynamic, year-long seasonal cycle to its expansive open world map. Each transition between winter, spring, summer, and fall will present new gameplay challenges and opportunities, such as storms masking Naoe’s movements or frozen waterways impeding progress.
With its stunning visuals, engaging gameplay mechanics, and seasonal environmental shifts, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is poised to captivate both longtime fans and newcomers to the franchise. Set to launch on November 15th for PC, Xbox Series X/S, and PS5, this latest installment promises to deliver a rich, diverse experience that leverages the unique strengths of its dual protagonists.
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