‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ game review: Feudal Japan comes alive

Before diving into the good stuff, let us get the caveats out of the way. Ubisoft granted us four hours with a preview build of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, so some glitches were expected as the developers fine-tune the game. That said, we were among the first in India to explore the feudal Japan setting and test the latest iteration of the combat system for both playable characters, Yasuke and Naoe.

This preview follows Ubisoft’s decision to delay the game again, moving the release from its prior February 2025 date to 20 March 2025. The extra time is well-justified, as the game, while promising, could benefit from additional polish and fine-tuning of its open-world elements.

Set in 1579 during a tumultuous era of civil war in feudal Japan, the game introduces players to Yasuke, a mysterious African slave turned samurai. A historical figure shrouded in mystery, Yasuke served in the court of the famous Nobunaga Oda, making him an intriguing protagonist. Ubisoft’s choice to spotlight Yasuke has sparked debates, but it undeniably adds a unique layer to Shadows.

Alongside Yasuke is Naoe, a skilled female ninja with an equally compelling backstory. The narrative centres on their partnership as they track the contents of a mysterious box guarded by a secretive group. This layered story introduces dialogue choices through a decision wheel reminiscent of Mass Effect. Players can switch between Yasuke, a powerhouse samurai, and Naoe, a stealthy ninja, with the world and level design accommodating both playstyles. For instance, Yasuke can smash through doors, while Naoe relies on vertical traversal using her grappling hook.

Immersive open world

The sliver of the open world we experienced was teeming with life. Unlike Ghost of Tsushima’s painterly aesthetic, Shadows aims to immerse players in the chaotic vibrancy of feudal Japan. Towns bustle with activity, fields are alive with labourers, and charming moments — like playing with a shiba inu and its pup — highlight the game’s focus on organic, unscripted interactions.

The combat blends mechanics from The Witcher 3: Wild Hunt and Elden Ring. Yasuke feels like a more powerful Geralt, while Naoe incorporates classic Assassin’s Creed stealth with a hint of Soulslike mechanics in her dodge rolls. Players can alternate between these combat styles, offering versatility and variety.

Yasuke wields brutal weapons like the Naginata, and Naoe’s kusarigama — featuring a sickle and chain — is a standout. While combat is largely fun, some balancing issues persist; Yasuke, despite his heavy armour, took excessive damage compared to the nimble but resilient Naoe.

Parkour also gets an upgrade, especially with Naoe’s acrobatic traversal, which feels inspired by martial arts films. This marks a significant departure from the franchise’s French free-running roots and brings a refreshing authenticity to the gameplay.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows has the potential to redefine the franchise with its captivating setting, compelling characters, and innovative mechanics. Ubisoft’s decision to delay the game seems prudent, as Shadows aims to be more than just another installment — it is shaping up to be a standout chapter in the series.