Assassin’s Creed finally sets sail for feudal Japan! In Shadows, you take on the role of two heroes at opposite ends of the spectrum: Naoe, the agile shinobi, and Yasuke, the powerful samurai. Between tradition and innovation, does this new opus live up to its promise? Our verdict.
Two Heroes, Two Styles: The Art of War Reinvented
The major innovation of Assassin’s Creed Shadows lies in its duo of playable protagonists, offering a fascinating duality of gameplay. On the one hand, Naoe, a descendant of the province of Iga, embodies the stealth assassin par excellence. Mastering the secret blade, kunai and shuriken, she blends into the shadows, moves with agility and silently eliminates her targets. Her grappling hook, her ability to crawl and her keen sense of the environment make her a formidable predator, reminiscent of the assassins in the first opus.
In contrast, Yasuke, a samurai of African descent, is a force of nature. His fighting style is brutal and direct, emphasizing raw power. Armed with a varied arsenal (katana, kanabo, bow, teppo), he makes up for his lack of agility with uncommon toughness and destructiveness. The ability to switch between these two characters, potentially unlocked over the course of the adventure, offers unprecedented tactical flexibility, allowing you to adapt your approach to each situation.
Stealth and combat: a subtle balance
Naoe’s gameplay returns to the foundations of the series, emphasizing demanding stealth. Moving without being seen, exploiting shadows, sneaking through tall grass and using the prone position (a new feature) are essential. A Splinter Cell-inspired visibility indicator and the ability to turn off lights reinforce this strategic approach. Enhanced artificial intelligence of enemies, reacting to found bodies and clues, adds palpable tension.
Yasuke’s gameplay, meanwhile, is an ode to pure action. The redesigned combat system emphasizes parrying and dodging, reminiscent of the excellent Ghost of Tsushima. Parrying and dodging at the right moment opens up windows of opportunity for devastating counter-attacks. The ability to switch weapons mid-fight and the brutal executions add a visceral and satisfying dimension to the confrontations.
A breathtaking open world
The world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a true technical and artistic feat. Feudal Japan is beautifully recreated, with fortified cities, bustling ports, peaceful sanctuaries and varied natural landscapes. The redesigned map encourages organic exploration, with synchronization points revealing points of interest without explicitly marking them. Secondary activities, random events and the observation mechanic enrich this exploration.
Innovative mechanics
The game introduces unique mechanics that renew the experience. Dynamic seasons (autumn, winter, spring, summer) visually transform the world, potentially influencing gameplay. A network of spies provides crucial information, adding an investigative dimension. A customizable base (the Lair), a Knowledge rank system and the possibility of adopting a pacifist approach complete these new features.
Impressive technical achievement
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a visual slap in the face. The new Anvil engine delivers breathtaking graphics, enhanced by a dynamic weather system and a destructible environment. The original soundtrack, blending traditional instruments and modern collaborations, and an immersive sound design, reinforce the game’s atmosphere, even if the dubbing can prove uneven.
An overall positive assessment
Assassin’s Creed Shadows has many strengths: a magnificent setting, engaging stealth and combat mechanics, engaging protagonists and an intriguing story (despite some pacing problems). The weather and season systems, as well as the less cluttered map, are welcome additions.
However, the game is not without its faults. Some story arcs can seem forgettable, and there’s a potential imbalance between the two protagonists, with Naoe often being more versatile. The RPG elements can seem forced. Combat, while satisfying, lacks depth in the long run, and parkour sometimes remains a secondary addition.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a success, marking an important milestone for the franchise. It offers the long-awaited exploration of feudal Japan, with a successful balance between the series’ roots and recent developments. Despite some minor flaws, the adventure is immersive, captivating and rich in content, satisfying long-time fans and attracting new players. It’s an experience not to be missed by fans of action-adventure and history.
Rating: 9/10
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