On March 20, 2025, Ubisoft's latest installment in the popular "Assassin's Creed" franchise, titled Assassin's Creed Shadows, made its debut, drawing a mix of intrigue and critique from players and reviewers alike. Set against the backdrop of feudal Japan, this release seeks to revitalize the franchise with dual protagonists, Naoe—a stealthy shinobi Assassin—and Yasuke, a formidable samurai. The game has garnered a "mostly positive" rating on Steam, boasting a 79% positivity rate based on 497 user reviews just two hours after its launch.
Upon its release, Assassin's Creed Shadows achieved a stellar 4.79-star review on the PlayStation Store from 1,338 ratings, which is no small feat. The game is priced at $69.99 for the standard edition and $89.99 for the deluxe edition across various platforms. With comments on its aesthetic richness and gameplay innovations, many were eager to dive in and experience its cinematic narrative. However, the path to action seems to be a rocky one for many players.
The game features a story-heavy introduction and prologue, extending roughly 45 minutes, and many players felt it took far too long before they could truly engage with the gameplay. As with previous titles in the franchise, Assassin's Creed Shadows adopts a narrative structure that lets players interact with scene elements in limited ways before opening up the full world. However, there are significant criticisms regarding the pacing of this beginning sequence. For devoted fans who are just eager to jump into the action, sitting through the lengthy prologue can feel like a chore.
Such feelings highlight a broader concern about the game’s approach to storytelling. While the prologue skillfully sets the stage for character development and introduces players to the culturally rich and complex setting of Japan, critics argue that it becomes unwieldy. One reviewer articulated, "The dual protagonists improve on the series' stealth-driven roots and modern RPG leanings, though they are let down by a vague story that fails to make full use of either character," noted by GamesRadar+.
The prologue includes around 5-10 unskippable scenes that serve as tutorials, ultimately extending the time before players can access the actual gameplay. With only minor interactivity, such as simple walking and limited dialogue choices, it often feels more like a slog through a dense narrative rather than an engaging introduction to the exciting adventure that lies ahead. One frustrating aspect includes momentary control, which can mislead players into thinking they are making impactful decisions, only to find actions ultimately lead towards similar narrative outcomes regardless of choice.
Another feature that affects gameplay experience is canon mode. This setting locks players into a singular narrative path, removing dialogue choice opportunities that might alter the story's course. While this mode prompts players to engage with the story as envisioned by the creators, it has also drawn scrutiny. Many are left feeling that they miss the engagement and immersion that these choices typically provide in games like Assassin's Creed Odyssey or Valhalla.
Although such features contribute to a unique storytelling experience, hidden beneath these layers is an undeniable redundancy. The prologue leads players through repetitive scenarios, including witnessing Naoe's father being incapacitated multiple times before his ultimate fate is sealed. Such narrative decisions, while seemingly dramatic, can undermine the urgency and impact of the storytelling.
Upon transitioning into full gameplay, players have noted that the exploration of the vast open world is surprisingly delightful. The graphics showcasing historical Japan's landscapes range from tranquil shrines to vibrant castle towns and desolate battle sites, respecting the franchise's tradition. Seasonal changes further enhance this exploration, providing players with a realistic weather system that enriched the overall gaming experience.
With gossip swirling around the potential for Assassin's Creed Shadows being a gauging point for Ubisoft, given that it follows a sequence of less favorable releases, its trajectory will be interesting to watch in the coming weeks. The launch has certainly been marked as a “make-or-break” moment for the French video game developer, which has been grappling with faltering revenues and speculation surrounding its corporate structure.
While the core gameplay elements show promise, the slow-paced introduction and scattered narrative choices have raised concerns among less patient players. As reviews continue to pour in and word-of-mouth spreads, it will be crucial for Ubisoft to address these player experiences while delivering potentially thrilling future updates or sequels to the franchise.
In summary, Assassin's Creed Shadows offers a mixed bag. Its stunning visuals and sound narrative build can ultimately be bogged down by pacing issues. The balance between character-driven storytelling and fulfilling gameplay experiences will determine its fate among the franchise's myriad offerings. Only time will tell if Ubisoft can effectively address the obstacles players face at the start of their adventures in this latest chapter.
