Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Deep Dive into Ubisoft’s Latest Adventure
At Ubisoft Forward, Console Creatures had the exclusive opportunity to experience a closed-door demo of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, showcasing nearly an hour of gameplay featuring the two protagonists, Yasuke and Naoe. While the public demo gave a taste of Naoe's stealthy approach, the press demo delved deeper, presenting three distinct playthroughs of a mission to assassinate a corrupt daimyo, Lord Hayashi.
Several Approaches to One Mission
The mission centred around infiltrating a well-guarded castle to eliminate Lord Hayashi, who oppresses the local populace with the help of his corrupt samurai. The demo highlighted the flexibility and variety in gameplay by showing the mission through the perspectives of both protagonists, each with unique abilities and approaches.
Yasuke's Brutal Strength
Yasuke, a formidable warrior clad in bulky armor, uses his sheer brute strength to overpower enemies. Armed with a katana and a Tetsubo (a club-like weapon), Yasuke cannot climb or maneuver with agility like Naoe, but he can smash through closed doors effortlessly. His path involved a direct assault through the castle gates, brutally eliminating anyone in his way. The combat in Shadows blends classic Assassin’s Creed elements with the mechanics of newer RPG entries, promising a fresh and engaging experience.
Naoe's Stealth and Agility
Naoe, on the other hand, is designed for stealth and agility. The closed-door demo focused on her arsenal of tools as an assassin, highlighting her ability to weave through any situation using shadows and stealth. Her path was more calculated, involving careful planning and the use of various gadgets to silently take down enemies and avoid detection.
A Beautiful Feudal Japan Setting
Set during the Azuchi-Momoyama period in the late 16th century, Ubisoft’s take on Feudal Japan is visually stunning, filled with intricate details that bring the setting to life. Towns are bustling with activity, and the streets are filled with locals going about their daily routines. The dynamic weather and changing seasons further enhance the immersive environment, adding depth and realism to the game world.
Dual-Protagonist System
The dual-protagonist system in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a standout feature, offering players two distinct experiences within the same game. Both Yasuke and Naoe are integral to the narrative, providing varied gameplay styles that cater to different player preferences. Yasuke is the first historical character in the series, while Naoe, the smallest assassin in Assassin’s Creed history, follows a path of vengeance. This system not only adds replayability but also enriches the storytelling by presenting different perspectives on the same events.
Unique Gameplay Mechanics
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces several unique gameplay mechanics. Players will need to piece together clues to progress through the story, adding an element of mystery and investigation. Additionally, when underwater, players can use a bamboo stick to breathe, offering new strategies for stealth and exploration.
Excitement for the Future
After watching the closed-door demo, my interest in Assassin’s Creed Shadows has significantly increased. The dual-protagonist system, combined with the beautifully crafted setting of Feudal Japan and the blend of classic and modern gameplay mechanics, promises an exciting and engaging experience. Ubisoft’s latest installment in the Assassin’s Creed series looks poised to deliver a compelling adventure that fans of the franchise will not want to miss.
Stay tuned for more updates on Assassin’s Creed Shadows as we get closer to its release. The combination of Yasuke's brutal strength and Naoe's stealthy finesse, set against the backdrop of Feudal Japan, makes this one of the most anticipated games of the year.