After a four-year hiatus, Assassin’s Creed is set to make a thrilling comeback with its latest release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This time, the franchise dives into the world of feudal Japan, where you’ll guide dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, in their quest to liberate Japan from a shadowy, oppressive faction. This new chapter in the series brings back the beloved RPG-style gameplay that fans adore, following the more straightforward approach of its predecessor, Assassin’s Creed Mirage. Players can look forward to exciting and diverse gameplay, enhanced by the unique abilities of its two main characters.
Many were skeptical about the game’s potential triumph, given Ubisoft’s recent dip in quality and the controversies sparked by some fans. Yet, it seems that Assassin’s Creed Shadows might pleasantly surprise us. Insights from glowing hands-on previews by journalists and content creators suggest this installment is not one to miss. Should the game succeed, it could prompt Ubisoft to revisit and rekindle the strategies that brought them past accolades.
Despite steady sales, recent Assassin’s Creed games have struggled to reach the legendary status of earlier series. Iconic figures like Ezio Auditore and Edward Kenway set a high bar, overshadowing more recent characters like Bayek, Kassandra, and Eivor, who haven’t quite captured fans’ hearts in the same way. This can be partly blamed on Ubisoft’s tendency to introduce a new setting with each game. If Naoe and Yasuke can captivate players as much as suggested, Ubisoft might want to consider drawing inspiration from Ezio’s continued adventures for future releases.
Ezio Auditore stands out as a fan-favorite protagonist, not just for his suave demeanor and sharp attire but also because he was featured across three games—Assassin’s Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations. This trilogy allowed players to truly engage with his character development, watching him evolve over time. His journey cemented Ezio as the most unforgettable figure of the series, a crown none has claimed since.
A recurring struggle with recent entries is the ephemeral connection players form with main characters, who often disappear as soon as a new game is launched. This breaks the narrative thread that could keep fans engaged. Revisiting Ubisoft’s strategy with Ezio might just revitalize the franchise.
If Assassin’s Creed Shadows hits its mark with audiences, Ubisoft should think twice before moving on to a new protagonist and historical era for their next game. Following up with a sequel in the vein of Brotherhood promises to enrich the narrative. Given the long-standing clamor for an Assassin’s Creed game set in Japan, fans would likely embrace another installment of that saga. This approach could distinguish Naoe and Yasuke from predecessors like Eivor and Kassandra, allowing their stories to expand gradually.
Having more time to explore their arcs means characters can grow in depth and complexity, offering richer gameplay and storytelling opportunities. A sequel could introduce more narrative flexibility, granting writers room to weave intriguing plots around these dual heroes. If Ubisoft aims to reignite the magic of Ezio’s era, this path is worth exploring.
