In a bold move to address concerns surrounding cultural representation and gameplay issues, Ubisoft has released a day-one patch for its latest entry in the renowned Assassin's Creed series, Assassin's Creed Shadows, which was officially launched on March 20, 2025. With Ubisoft facing recent criticism over other titles, including the poorly received Star Wars Outlaws and the highly scrutinized Skull and Bones, the success of Shadows is vital for the company's future.
The game is set in the late Sengoku period of feudal Japan and features two protagonists: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi assassin, and Yasuke, a combat-skilled African samurai inspired by the historical figure of the same name. With pre-order numbers reportedly matching previous high points in the series, notably Assassin's Creed Odyssey, Ubisoft aims to surpass expectations while healing from significant studio challenges, including layoffs and buyout talks with Tencent.
The day-one patch addresses a series of gameplay glitches while also ensuring cultural sensitivity. Notable changes include making certain objects in shrines indestructible to curb potential vandalism, a measure taken in response to concerns from Hiroyuki Kada, a member of Japan's House of Councilors. Kada expressed apprehension that players might replicate destructive behavior on real-life historical sites due to the game’s portrayal of Japanese culture.
In addition to this, NPCs without weapons are now programmed to not bleed when attacked, a modification aimed at reducing the depiction of violence within shrines—another cultural consideration to prevent offending players in Japan.
One of the more technical fixes resolves an issue in which players could get stuck inside movable objects within the game’s ten kofuns—burial mounds that are vital to exploration—and adjusts horse navigation, ensuring users can turn and react more efficiently while traversing the expansive game world. As part of maintaining player engagement, Ubisoft streamlined these mechanics to avoid frustration, as players previously encountered difficulties when dodging forward to interact with these objects.
The patch also addresses a glitch related to the new going prone mechanic, which previously allowed characters to clip through walls. This not only enhances gameplay but ensures that players experience a more polished product, reflective of the high standards expected from a full-priced title.
Visually, Assassin's Creed Shadows sets itself apart by utilizing the power of the PS5 Pro, with a performance mode that implements exceptional lighting models, enhancing realism and immersion. The game maintains a consistent 30 frames per second at a 2160p resolution in quality mode, featuring ray-traced reflections that enrich the vibrancy of surfaces. It presents an opportunity for players to engage in a visually compelling environment, seamlessly blending historical intricacies with gameplay.
Even as Ubisoft grapples with internal upheavals, the company has made strides in marketing the game effectively, as evidenced by a promo video inspired by 1980s television. The character-driven narratives combined with dynamic weather and responsive environments create a living landscape that immerses players in the intricacies of Japan's storied past.
Despite the controversies that have flagged other titles, the cultural representations and gameplay fixes in Assassin's Creed Shadows demonstrate a commitment to respecting Japanese heritage while delivering an entertaining experience. In light of Ubisoft's ongoing efforts to rectify past missteps and restore its reputation, the future of Assassin's Creed Shadows may indeed signify a turning point for the beleaguered company.
As players embark on the journey through feudal Japan, they are not merely participating in a game—they are part of a larger narrative that respects cultural nuances while inviting them to explore a meticulously crafted world. Perhaps not all of Ubisoft's recent decisions will resonate equally with audiences, but the steps taken to enhance their flagship series appear aimed at turning the tide for future releases.
