Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the latest addition to the long-running Assassin’s Creed series by Ubisoft. This new game is set in the historical backdrop of feudal Japan, a setting fans have long dreamed of. Originally known as Codename Red, the game promises an exciting journey through Japan, featuring two key characters—Yasuke and Naoe. Players will experience a tale of honor, justice, and stealth in this open-world action game, which is scheduled for release in November 2024. Here’s everything we know so far about Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Ubisoft has officially announced that Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released on November 15, 2024. Ubisoft+ Premium members will have exclusive early access to the Ultimate Edition of the game starting on November 12, three days before the official release. With a cinematic reveal trailer that has left fans eager, the countdown to this game is in full swing.
Assassin's Creed Shadows: Official World Premiere Trailer
Initial release date: 12 November 2024
Platforms: PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X and Series S, Microsoft Windows, Mac operating systems
Genres: Role-playing Video Game, Action-adventure game, Fighting game
Developers: Ubisoft, Ubisoft Quebec
Publisher: Ubisoft
Series: Assassin’s Creed
Platforms
Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be available on several platforms. Players can look forward to playing the game on PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. Ubisoft has confirmed that this game will be developed specifically for current-generation consoles, meaning that it will not be available for older platforms like the PlayStation 4 or Xbox One. The company is focusing on delivering the best possible experience with the latest technology.
Characters
The game introduces two playable protagonists, similar to the 2015 release, Assassin’s Creed Syndicate. Players can switch between Yasuke, a real-life samurai of African origin, and Naoe, a fictional shinobi. Yasuke, born in Mozambique and brought to Japan, served under Oda Nobunaga, one of the most powerful warlords of Japan. His story is one of loyalty, belonging, and honor. In contrast, Naoe, the daughter of a famous ninja, brings a stealthier approach to the game. Her skills are inspired by the roots of the Assassin’s Creed franchise, focusing on covert operations and strategic takedowns.
Story and Setting
Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes place in 1579 during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, a crucial time in Japanese history. This period marked the end of the Sengoku era’s brutal wars and the beginning of a more peaceful time that led to the Edo period. Players will explore a dynamic world where samurai culture starts to decline, and new foreign influences, such as Portuguese merchants and Jesuit missionaries, begin to make their mark.
Players will encounter real historical figures like Oda Nobunaga and Fujibayashi Nagato, who play significant roles in the narrative. Although the developers are keeping most of the plot details under wraps, it has been revealed that the game will have a non-linear campaign, allowing players to eliminate targets in any order. These targets vary in difficulty, and players may encounter them while exploring the open world or planning special missions to take them out.
Gameplay and Mechanics
Stealth and combat are at the heart of Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Each character offers a unique playstyle. Naoe, the ninja, uses her agility and stealth to infiltrate strongholds and evade enemies. She can crawl through tight spaces, climb walls using her grappling hook, and hide in the shadows. Yasuke, on the other hand, is more suited for direct combat, using his samurai skills to take down enemies with precision and strength. His larger build and heavy armor make him less stealthy but more powerful in open confrontations.
A key feature in the game is the dynamic lighting and shadow system, which affects how enemies perceive you. Players can manipulate the environment by extinguishing lights to stay hidden or using the shadows to their advantage. The game also introduces a new global illumination system, making the world feel more alive and immersive.
Combat
Combat in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is skill-based, with a focus on dodging, positioning, and timing. Yasuke can parry or block attacks, while Naoe uses her speed to deflect them. The game offers a wide range of weapons, from traditional katanas and shurikens to more exotic arms like the kusarigama and kanabo war club. Each weapon has its skill tree, which allows players to enhance their combat abilities over time. Additionally, modern weapons like rifles are available, adding another layer to the combat strategy.
Both Yasuke and Naoe share XP, resources, and weapons, but they have separate skill trees and gear, allowing players to tailor each character to their preferred playstyle.
Seasons and Dynamic Weather
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces a season system that changes gameplay as players progress through the campaign. Spring and summer provide more cover with long bushes, while autumn and winter introduce harsher conditions, removing hiding spots and adding environmental hazards. A dynamic weather system further enhances the immersive experience, making the world of feudal Japan feel authentic and alive.
Map and Exploration
The map in Assassin’s Creed Shadows is expansive, similar in size to the map of ancient Egypt in Assassin’s Creed Origins. Players will explore historically accurate provinces like Iga, Arima, and Omi. Ubisoft has decided to eliminate traditional icons on the map, opting for a more organic exploration experience. Synchronization points are still present, allowing fast travel and highlighting points of interest.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is shaping up to be one of the most ambitious titles in the Assassin’s Creed series. With its rich setting in feudal Japan, two unique protagonists, dynamic gameplay, and a vast open world, it promises to deliver an unforgettable experience. The game will explore themes of honor, justice, and loyalty while offering players the freedom to approach missions in their way. Fans of the franchise have much to look forward to when the game launches in November 2024.
FAQs
Q1. When is the release date for Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Ans: Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to release on November 15, 2024. Ubisoft+ Premium members will have early access starting November 12.
Q2. What platforms will Assassin’s Creed Shadows be available on?
Ans: The game will be available on PC, Mac, PlayStation 5, and Xbox Series X/S. It will not be released on older consoles like the PS4 or Xbox One.
Q3. Who are the main characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Ans: The game features two protagonists, Yasuke, a real-life samurai of African origin, and Naoe, a fictional shinobi inspired by the roots of the Assassin’s Creed series.
Q4. What time period does Assassin’s Creed Shadows take place in?
Ans: The game is set in 1579 during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, a time of great change in Japanese history as the samurai era began to decline.
Q5. Will Assassin’s Creed Shadows feature dynamic weather and seasons?
Ans: Yes, the game includes a season system that affects gameplay. Each season introduces unique challenges, and a dynamic weather system adds authenticity to the game world.
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