Ubisoft teases the “fastest Assassin we’ve ever made” in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

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As a seasoned gamer with decades of experience under my belt, I’ve seen many franchises come and go, but few have left such an indelible mark as Assassin’s Creed. From the historic battles to the intricate narratives, each installment has offered something unique and captivating. The upcoming release, Assassin’s Creed: Shadows, is no exception.

With its dual protagonists Yasuke and Naoe, Ubisoft promises a fresh take on the classic stealth mechanics that have made this franchise iconic. Being an avid fan of Japanese culture, I’m particularly excited about the homage to ninja culture in the gameplay. The nods to anime shows like Naruto are a delightful touch that brings nostalgia flooding back.

However, it’s the character of Naoe that truly piques my interest. As someone who has always appreciated the “hidden assassin” archetype, I can’t wait to get my hands on her stealthy gameplay mechanics. The focus on quick, precise strikes and advanced stealth tactics sounds like a dream come true for fans longing for a return to the series’ roots.

The dark, visually striking version of feudal Japan that serves as the backdrop for this game is sure to immerse players in an unforgettable world. The themes of betrayal and revenge are timeless and resonate with me on a personal level. Naoe’s backstory of loss and her pursuit of justice strike a chord, reminding me of my own gaming journey and the characters that have left a lasting impact.

I must admit, I’m a bit apprehensive about Yasuke’s head-on combat style, as I tend to prefer stealthy approaches. But I welcome the opportunity to tailor my playstyle and experience the game from multiple perspectives.

In closing, I can’t help but add a bit of humor to this: With Assassin’s Creed: Shadows set for release on Valentine’s Day 2025, I’m hoping Ubisoft has something special planned for all the gaming lovers out there. Perhaps an in-game proposal or a secret romantic subplot? Only time will tell! Regardless, I can’t wait to jump back into the world of Assassin’s Creed and see what new adventures await me.

Assassin’s Creed is one of the most iconic video game franchises of all time.

The open-world stealth series that began with Altair and the famous Ezio Trilogy, debuting in 2007, swiftly became a pillar within the gaming industry due to its origins.

In the forthcoming title “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows,” set to debut around early 2025, publisher Ubisoft is unveiling not one but two playable characters and enhancing the gameplay with quicker, sleeker movements.

“She feels like a panther stalking her prey.”

During an engaging chat with Entertainment Weekly, Creative Director Jonathan Dumont disclosed thrilling insights regarding the game’s two primary characters and their distinctive approaches to gameplay.

As a gamer, I’ll have the exciting opportunity to select between two unique Assassins: Yasuke, a melee-centric samurai inspired by the historical African warrior who served in Japan, or Naoe, a stealthy, swift, and agile assassin straight out of our imagination.

In the exclusive lead for ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘, fresh insights are shared about Naoe, one of the main characters, delving deeper into his backstory. This Assassin, as it turns out, is exceptionally swift among all we have created.

— Entertainment Weekly (@EW) December 20, 2024

Although details about Yasuke’s story and skills are scarce, Ubisoft intends to reincorporate the stealth elements that are characteristic of their series by utilizing Naoe’s gameplay.

Naoe’s character has been crafted with the aim of appealing to fans yearning for a reemergence of the “covert assassin” persona.

A nod to Ninja culture

Ubisoft has hinted at fun references to Japanese popular culture, such as a tribute to the iconic running style of ninjas, which is well-known from anime series like Naruto.

In specific instances, Naoe will imitate the distinctive running pose characterized by extended arms behind and an inclined upper body, a subtle nod to ninja fans that’s reminiscent of an Easter egg.

“We do have a run on top of buildings that has a little bit of a wink-wink to it.”

In the ominous, aesthetically captivating depiction of ancient feudal Japan, the game titled Assassin’s Creed: Shadows delves into the complexities of deception and vengeance.

In this new interpretation, I aimed to maintain the original meaning while using more accessible language and a smoother flow for easier reading.

Naoe’s backstory centers on a devastating betrayal that cost her everything, including her family.

Spurred on by grief and a thirst for fairness, she decides to align herself with the Assassins in their struggle against tyranny, all the while seeking revenge personally.

Or:

In response to her tragic loss and yearning for justice, she chooses to side with the Assassins as they resist oppression, also harboring a personal desire for retribution.

A Stealthier Assassin

“Naoe runs super fast, has a lot of gadgets to maintain her stealth, and avoids direct combat whenever possible. We wanted to give players the ninja-Assassin experience they’ve been craving.”

Naoe’s playstyle is centered around swift, accurate attacks and sophisticated stealth maneuvers, providing a unique and strategic experience.

Yet, her exposed position in a fight makes the task even tougher, as engaging over four or five adversaries simultaneously might swiftly become lethal.

Yet, being vulnerable in combat adds an additional hurdle to overcome, facing more than four or five opponents at once could lead to a dangerous situation.

See you in 2025. #AssassinsCreedShadows #ACDay

— Assassin’s Creed (@assassinscreed) December 21, 2024

Instead, Yasuke is designed for direct, close-quarters fighting, offering a more conventional Assassin’s Creed gameplay style.

The dual characters enable you to customize your gameplay approach, catering to your preference between sneaky, stealthy maneuvers or intense, action-filled encounters.

The game titled “Assassin’s Creed: Shadows” is set to debut on February 14, 2025. You can play it on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X|S, Ubisoft+, Amazon Luna, Macs with Apple silicon through the Mac App Store, and Windows PC via the Ubisoft Store, Steam, or the Epic Games Store.

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2024-12-30 12:09