Assassin's Creed Shadows is out in the world, and the long dread of its release has finally dissipated. But is the game any good? It’s gorgeous, but does it succeed in the narrative it’s trying to tell? And how does it balance historical accuracy with having a good time? On the latest episode of Aftermath Hours, we talk about it.
I have been pretty high on what I’ve played on Assassin's Creed Shadows, as has Luke. But being only a measly 28 or so hours into the game and only just having gotten Yasuke as a playable character, we decided to bring a ringer on to the pod who has, you know, actually finished the game. To that end we invited my old friend and games writer Yussef Cole to give some perspective after submitting a fairly critical review of the game for The New York Times.
We talk about what the game does right and wrong, its place in the series generally, and how that fits into the context of Japan, Yasuke’s context in Japanese history, and the perennial problem of accuracy versus “having fun” that plagues all of these games. You can follow Yussef on Bluesky. Yussef also co-edits Bulletpoints Monthly, a website dedicated to longform games criticism, where he explores these gaming themes deeper.
This week’s podcast episode is available on Spotify, Apple, and other podcast platforms. If you like what you hear, make sure to leave a review so that we can eventually build a beautiful minka-style house for the Aftermath crew to work in while painting beautiful sumi-e style paintings about gaming.
A recurring theme weaving through the Assassin's Creed storyline is the potent, often consuming, drive for revenge. From the earliest entries to the latest games in the series, like Assassin's Creed Shadows, most protagonists find their paths shaped by a desire for retribution. This often comes from personal tragedies or over-the-top betrayals. While this worked the first few times, it has become a repetitive trope that is leading to player fatigue.
Almost all Assassin's Creed protagonists are after revenge; one way or another, and this pattern began with Assassin's Creed 2, where Ezio Auditore lost his family through a betrayal. The unjust execution of his father and brothers set off a multi-game storyline that spanned decades. Unfortunately, from Assassin's Creed 3 onwards, revenge has become an ensemble spectacle in the series.
In Assassin's Creed Shadows, two protagonists introduce players to their paths of vengeance—Naoe and Yasuke. Ubisoft has leaned into this trope since many players expect it, but it’s become glaringly obvious repeating this aspect to get players to feel invested in the storyline. Both protagonists are motivated by revenge for wrongs done to them, a fact that feels safe and very familiar for long-time players.
Critics note that this overused plotline detracts from the game's storytelling. The choice to reuse the vengeance device results in diminished player interest because it has been repeated too often, resulting in predictable outcomes. Ubisoft could diversify character motivations in the future to alleviate this fatigue. While games like Assassin's Creed Black Flag offered players varied motivations for their actions, Shadows falls back on the all-too-familiar vengeance theme. This predictability makes it feel like more of the same.
Beyond the theme of revenge, Assassin's Creed Shadows has faced controversy surrounding character representation and narrative decisions. The inclusion of Yasuke, a black samurai, as a playable character raised eyebrows. Some commentators labeled the game as “woke.” However, many argue that this is a misunderstanding of the motivations behind the character's inclusion. The controversy appears unfounded, with critics noting that Yasuke’s story reflects historical context rather than a manufactured agenda. Accusations of concerning political correctness don’t hold up under scrutiny.
It's clear that Ubisoft is acting to mitigate backlash—not just to the game’s story, but to its developers amid a climate of hostility in gaming discourse. Players and critics alike should be encouraged to separate valid criticism of gameplay from the toxicity of internet rage in discussions surrounding representation in culture.
The ongoing grievances about the perceived lack of quality and originality reflect broader frustrations with the Assassin's Creed franchise. Many critics feel that this game doesn’t break new ground, instead it continues with the same patterns that have been observed in past releases. Even though some aspects of the game can still captivate players, such as enhanced graphics and refined gameplay mechanics, many are longing for a leap forward that may never come.
In a climate of demanding players craving imaginative storytelling and original gameplay features, Ubisoft must adapt or risk being overshadowed by competitors who prioritize narrative depth and uniqueness. As the gaming community pushes for innovation, a brand like Assassin's Creed, once a leader, could find itself sidelined if it continues to rely on tedious structure and reused storylines.
Another point raised in critical circles is the gameplay experience itself. Players expressed disappointment over the vast open-world structure, which often neglects the quality of content. Reviewers argue that vast maps filled with mindless side quests dilute the overall experience. Critics pining for concentrated, enriching gameplay narratives stress the case for better storytelling.
As Assassin's Creed looks toward future installments, changing the narrative themes and avoiding familiar tropes may serve to breathe new life into this franchise. Ubisoft should explore various character motivations beyond revenge, thereby allowing their story arcs to feel fresh and engaging.
As the tension surrounding Assassin's Creed Shadows settles, discussions of potential future titles will weigh heavily on player expectations and industry standards. Changing the way the franchise approaches storytelling might just pave a way for renewed passion among fans.
In a time where player engagement is crucial, the boundaries of creativity should not be confined to formulas that have proven successful in the past but have become dated. Ubisoft now faces the challenge of reinvention—can they return Assassin's Creed to its former glory without alienating long-time fans who crave more than a mere reiteration of past successes?
