AlehmBahja Assassin's Creed Shadows Review

Review of Assassin’s Creed Shadows: The pinnacle of a formula that some will find exhausted After years of anticipation, Ubisoft finally takes Assassin’s Creed to feudal Japan with Shadows. Two protagonists, an ambitious historical recreation, and a stunning open world—everything seemed set for an unforgettable experience. And while the game shines in its setting and stealth mechanics, it remains confined by the RPG-action formula established by Origins and Odyssey. A breathtakingly faithful historical recreation Having had the chance to explore the Kansai region in depth in real life, I was absolutely blown away by the accuracy of its recreation. Koya-san, for instance, is almost perfectly replicated, from its temples to its pathways and the unique atmosphere of this sacred place. Many players might not realize just how difficult it is to recreate a real historical village with such precision—it’s much easier to design a fictional region than to match real-world architecture and layout to the letter. Back when Unity was released, I was fascinated by how faithfully it recreated Revolutionary Paris. I could even navigate the city based on my own experiences, finding an in-game equivalent of my old apartment and retracing my commute from my office near Place des Vosges. Shadows gave me that same thrill of recognition—the rare joy of exploring a world that truly feels anchored in history. That personal connection adds a 1.5-point bonus to my final score. A stunning Japan, but a guided exploration Kansai is absolutely gorgeous under Ubisoft’s vision. Thanks to the four-season system, the landscape constantly evolves, adding a visual depth and richness that few open worlds can match. The attention to detail in the flora, villages, and castles showcases a genuine love for the era. However, this beauty is undercut by a recurring issue in the series: a lack of life and meaningful activities. The towns and villages, while visually authentic, feel static, and exploration—though slightly freer than in past entries—remains constrained by a level-gated progression system that stifles spontaneity. Two protagonists, two playstyles Naoe and Yasuke offer an interesting duality. Naoe, the kunoichi, benefits from some of the best stealth mechanics in the franchise’s history—quick assassinations, a grappling hook, disguises… Finally, an Assassin’s Creed game that fully embraces stealth and creative takedowns. Yasuke, on the other hand, despite his charisma and raw strength, delivers combat that, while functional, feels a bit too basic for a warrior of his caliber. The story gets the job done but doesn’t leave a lasting impact. There are some powerful moments, but the ending, in particular, felt underwhelming. The characters, however, are deeply engaging, which helps elevate an otherwise standard narrative. A less-than-ideal playground for parkour One of Ubisoft’s biggest challenges with Shadows was balancing realism with dynamic parkour and exploration. And this is where the game struggles: unlike the dense, vertical cities of Baghdad (Mirage) or Paris (Unity), Japan’s historical architecture—lower and more spread out—severely limits vertical movement. Add to that Kansai’s mountainous terrain, and traversal can sometimes feel frustrating, lacking the fluidity of past entries. Ubisoft prioritized historical accuracy, which is commendable, but it inevitably impacts gameplay. Verdict If you enjoyed Origins and Odyssey and have a passion for feudal Japan, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is an obvious choice. Its world is breathtaking, its stealth mechanics are excellent, and its characters are memorable. However, if you’re tired of Ubisoft’s RPG-action formula or were hoping for a world designed for fast-paced parkour and dynamic exploration, you may walk away disappointed. A faithful historical achievement and a solid Assassin’s Creed entry, but one that still follows a formula that, despite improvements, struggles to surprise.