If you’ve ever come across the Japanese tradition of ‘kintsugi,’ you’d know it’s all about embracing imperfections. This method, literally meaning ‘golden repair,’ turns the act of restoring broken pottery into an art, highlighting the beauty in flaws with golden seams. It’s this very philosophy that seems to inspire Ubisoft’s latest chapter in their iconic franchise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. At 18 years strong, the series displays its rough edges—like cluttered interfaces and shaky parkour—without attempting to mask them. Yet, amidst these quirks, there’s a captivating allure that shines through. Each mundane task like following another character, often gives way to spectacular scenes, reminding us of the series’ high points. For every fracture in the gameplay, there’s a shimmering highlight that begs appreciation.
Stepping into the ‘post-reboot’ era of Assassin’s Creed, starting with Origins, players are greeted with expansive objective boards filled with targets across Sengoku-era Japan. This setting doesn’t shy away from immersing you in its complex lore, challenging you to dismantle endless shadowy factions. The vastness is the very thrill that underlines the game. Traversing the open world—often on long horseback rides—feels worthwhile when “Assassin’s Creed” tasks you with thrilling side objectives alongside the main storyline of revenge that’s as ambitious as ever. While the core of each mission is familiar, the variety in strategies to take down targets is refreshing. It beats the old school “tail this character” missions hands down.
The game’s combat doesn’t drastically depart from its Origins foundation—it’s competent but not groundbreaking. The dual-character approach, featuring the agile Naoe and the brute Yasuke, keeps things engaging. Want to snipe enemies quietly? Naoe’s your pick. Or would you rather dive into the fray and cause havoc? Then Yasuke will suit you perfectly. Sure, AI glitches and quirky physics are noticeable, but executing slick moves like toppling a giant ronin or expertly wielding a naginata delivers its own brand of satisfaction, blending seriousness with light-hearted fun.
Turning to the storyline, pairing the immersive Japanese audio with English subtitles is recommended due to some odd voice-overs in English. Ubisoft nails the cinematics, often stirring comparisons to iconic samurai-themed films. Music, particularly the contribution from the Japanese psych-rock band TEKE TEKE, elevates these experiences with their dynamic, almost Tarantino-esque quality.
Although the narrative takes its sweet time—only picking up momentum after a lengthy introduction—it sets a sturdy foundation for exploring the game’s vast environment. The clever switching between Naoe and Yasuke isn’t just a narrative technique; it enhances pacing and progression. I primarily preferred stealth with Naoe but never missed the joy in smashing opponents as Yasuke.
Shadows cleverly reinvents formulaic elements of the series. Collecting items like origami cranes becomes an unpredictable adventure, refreshing the otherwise repetitive grind of previous installments. The base-building aspect, offering compelling rewards and clever integrations into battle preparations, summons fond memories of the Brotherhood era. Delving into the serene RPG-lite moments—praying at shrines or practicing martial arts—provides a calming reprieve from combat, grounding the player in the world’s vibe.
When it comes to visuals, my journey through Shadows on the PS5 Pro in Quality mode was consistently pause-worthy. Japan’s depiction, especially during the transformative autumn months, vibrantly captures the essence of the landscape more than any setting before. However, while Ubisoft touted significant gameplay shifts with seasonal changes, these didn’t drastically alter my approach. Each season, though, does paint the world in distinct, mesmerizing hues, adding a fresh aesthetic to your explorations.
In essence, Shadows genuinely embraces ‘kintsugi’ and ‘wabi-sabi,’ acknowledging and highlighting the series’ inherent imperfections. The game may have its shortcomings, but it triumphs in crafting an experience that’s enthralling and rewarding. The immense scale rivals any predecessor, yet the cohesion and rich storytelling suggest a series that’s matured gracefully.
There’s a unique joy in uncovering minor flaws, knowing there’s often a silver—or perhaps golden—lining at the other end. That says a lot about its artistry. Mark your calendars—Assassin’s Creed Shadows will land on Xbox Series, PS5, and PC on March 20, 2025, following a minor delay earlier this year. This installment proves to be an invigorating quest worth undertaking.
