Assassin's Creed Shadows Reviews
Superbly written, gorgeous to look at, and a thrill to play, Assassin's Creed Shadows is a triumph for the iconic series.
And that's really the ultimate takeaway. It has a load of really fun parts, a fun gameplay loop, an engaging story, and an earnest effort to split the difference between the various elements of the franchise history. It's a good game! Take these reservations not as a subversion of that fact, but for what they are: Acknowledgement of its limitations.
This is definitely one of the best games in the franchise. It's a complete game with great improvements, the story is well-constructed, and the player has a lot of freedom in their actions. Without distorting the franchise, I was able to enjoy the game almost as much as the first games. It's not far from equaling Black Flags or the Ezio trilogy.
Review in French | Read full review
Assassin's Creed: Shadows is a game full of contrasts. On one hand, it offers solid stealth mechanics and a great combat system, but on the other, it features a lackluster storyline and generic exploration. If you're a fan of the series, you'll likely find something to enjoy here, but if you weren't convinced from the start, the combat and stealth may not be enough to win you over.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows in a nutshell is a more refined, polished game with more of the same formula. This isn’t a big revamp, nor are there any deep changes to the formula. However, it’s the best the series has been for a while. Fun combat, a pair of genuinely interesting protagonists, and a gorgeous recreation of 16th century Japan mean the flaws are easier to overlook.
AC Shadows is the best game in what has been an incredible series.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the culmination of years of evolution in the saga, blending refined action/RPG gameplay with one of the series' most captivating settings. The contrast between Naoe and Yasuke offers distinct playstyles, encouraging variety and experimentation. Stealth mechanics are more polished than ever, while combat, though not as deep as a pure action game, remains fun and well-balanced. Feudal Japan is recreated with exceptional detail, thanks to top-tier artistic direction and a solid technical foundation, benefiting from the departure from old consoles. The seasonal cycle isn’t just aesthetic but adds meaningful gameplay dynamics, keeping exploration engaging. However, some concerns remain. The Animus Hub feels more like an unfinished concept than a true revolution, and the modern-day storyline risks becoming secondary again. Some design choices, like character switching, could have been smoother. Overall, Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers an immersive experience that will satisfy longtime fans eager for this setting within the series' lore, as well as newcomers drawn by its Eastern allure.
Review in Italian | Read full review
Assassin's Creed Shadows is a great step forward for the series, with an intriguing story, varied characters, and a well-executed - eventhough a little repetitive - medieval Japan setting, making it a must-have for Assassin's Creed fans and open-world adventure lovers.
Review in Dutch | Read full review
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a great entry in the Assassin’s Creed franchise and a perfect entry point for newcomers. Its dual protagonists are fantastic and distinct, and while the villains are forgettable, the personal stories of Naoe and Yasuke help deliver a strong narrative. Shadows is visually stunning, with excellent cinematography, beautiful open world, a unique soundtrack and immersive sound design. However, a sparse open world, inconsistent parkour, and a disappointing hideout system, ultimately keep it from reaching true greatness.
The latest game in the franchise is what it is because it looks back and recognizes everything it has done in its history. It brings together the best of all those years and manages to be a brilliant piece of work in every way. Visually beautiful, engaging and extremely fun, combining so many systems. Assassin's Creed Shadows is the best Assassin's Creed ever made and the definitive Medieval Japan game.
Review in Portuguese | Read full review
If you’ve been longing for a classic Assassin’s Creed experience, you’ll find moments of brilliance here—but they come with frustrations as well. And if you’ve grown tired of Ubisoft’s copy-paste open-world formula, Shadows won’t change your mind.