You might already know about the Japanese art called ‘kintsugi,’ which translates to ‘golden repair.’ It’s not just an art form but a philosophy too, involving the mending of broken pottery with lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The fascinating thing about kintsugi is that it highlights and appreciates the cracks, turning them into a celebrated part of the piece’s history and character.
Ubisoft seems to channel a bit of this kintsugi philosophy with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Despite the franchise being 18 years old, and carrying its own share of blemishes like a cluttered UI, overly busy map screens, and a combat system that can feel awkward, the game doesn’t attempt to mask these quirks. Instead, Ubisoft invites players to embrace them. Sure, there might be some subpar moments, but it follows them up with breathtaking sequences that rival the best in the series. For every flaw, there’s a glimpse of brilliance just around the corner.
Now, any modern Assassin’s Creed fan knows the thrill of having an objective screen full of targets. The series’ lore has always entangled players in the shadows of mysterious organizations, and Shadows maintains this tradition in the Sengoku period of Japan. What’s different is the abundance of layers and targets, offering a web of secretive groups to hunt down, assassinate, and outmaneuver.
This is what gives the open world its substance. While galloping from one region to another might seem like a chore, the main narrative hooks you with a precise goal: take out thirteen treacherous individuals in a tale of vengeance. Alongside this are numerous side objectives that call you back for more. Each encounter with notorious ronin or cunning shinobi demands unique strategies, breaking the monotony of typical missions.
Ubisoft knows its audience craves action. By giving players both Naoe, the quick and nimble, and Yasuke, the sturdy warrior, they cater to different play styles. The combat may feel familiar to those who’ve played since Origins — not standout but reliably engaging. Whether you choose silent kills with Naoe or charge into battle with Yasuke, the gameplay thrives on this dynamic flexibility.
In combat, the flaws in AI or wonky physics fade into the background when you perform a perfectly timed move that brings down a hulking ronin. Aspects like these provide a blend of hilarity and satisfaction, demonstrating serious craftsmanship balanced with whimsical moments.
Narratively, Shadows has its merits. For those comfortable with subtitles, I recommend experiencing it in Immersive Mode to bypass some awkward English voiceovers. The mix of Japanese and Portuguese lends it a remarkably genuine feel, echoing back to elements of Shogun. Ubisoft’s cinematic ambition shines with memorable cutscenes, enriched by the dynamic soundtrack from the Japanese psych-rock band TEKE TEKE, adding flair reminiscent of Tarantino.
But fair warning — it takes a bit to hit its stride, due to an expansive prologue. It’s worth it, though. Once you’re unleashed on the vast open world, familiarizing yourself with each character’s strengths becomes intuitive.
What’s impressive is how smoothly the game lets you hop between characters. You can go from diving into the story to clearing the map, with the game seamlessly guiding you to switch perspectives. Personally, stealth drew me to Naoe more often, but every stint as Yasuke was a joy, enhanced by equipping newfound treasures.
Even staples of the series got a fresh spin in Shadows. For instance, collectible missions have been rethought and executed with surprising creativity, giving them newfound intrigue.
The base-building aspect, while optional, rewards players who invest in it. It isn’t just about making your hideout aesthetically pleasing—it also translates to gameplay benefits like unlocking allies, strengthening gear, and enhancing healing items, nodding to some of Brotherhood’s beloved mechanics.
Shadows also knows when to dial down the action. To evolve in its RPG-lite systems, players engage in meditative tasks—praying at temples, practicing katas, and more. Repetitive? Perhaps, but it also brings a welcome breathing space amidst the chaos.
These serene moments after intense action, where you immerse yourself in the natural sounds and scenes of Japan, resonate with the game’s authenticity. It reflects Assassin’s Creed’s trademark immersive environmental storytelling, particularly in this beautifully crafted version of Japan.
The game’s aesthetic is a visual treat, particularly stunning on a PS5 Pro. Each session promised new wonders as I marveled at the seasonal shifts, with autumn’s palette leaving a lasting impression with its rich colors, establishing this iteration as potentially the finest in the series visually.
Though the seasons offer more visual than functional variety, they still breathe life into the world, ensuring each gaming session feels fresh.
Embracing both the ‘kintsugi’ and ‘wabi-sabi’ philosophies, Shadows doesn’t shy away from its imperfections. It acknowledges some elements are intrinsic to Assassin’s Creed’s identity. Yet, by embracing these, it transforms them into strengths.
While it’s not without flaws, Assassin’s Creed Shadows captivates with its gripping narrative and a rewarding gameplay loop reminiscent of modern roguelikes. Each action has a purpose, and the drive to clear the map is engaging. Though vast, Shadows stands out as one of the most thoughtfully constructed entries in the series.
In fact, it’s almost enjoyable to encounter and embrace the game’s minor faults because they often signal something brilliant waiting just beyond. That speaks volumes about its impact.
Expect to dive into Assassin’s Creed Shadows on March 20, 2025, as it arrives on Xbox Series, PS5, and PC, following a slight release delay from earlier this year.
