Assassin’s Creed Shadows – A Bold, Beautiful Leap Into Feudal Japan That Deserves More Credit
Image Credit: Ubisoft
Assassin’s Creed Shadows dives into feudal Japan with stunning visuals, refined gameplay, and a fresh take on stealth and combat. Despite comparisons to Ghost of Tsushima, it holds its own and delivers a worthy AC experience for casual fans.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows – A Bold, Beautiful Leap Into Feudal Japan That Deserves More Credit
The Assassin’s Creed franchise has always walked a complicated line. For some, it's a staple of action-adventure gaming. For others — especially the more vocal corners of the internet — it’s become a lightning rod for criticism. With Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft takes a long-awaited dive into feudal Japan, and despite the hype, backlash was almost immediate.
But here's the thing — as a casual fan who's been around since the days of Odyssey, I think Shadows is getting unfairly overlooked. In fact, I’d go as far as to say: it’s actually a damn good game.
A Vast, Beautiful World That Feels Alive
One of the first things that stood out to me was the sheer scale and beauty of the world. Ubisoft has always excelled in world-building, but Shadows takes it to the next level. The lighting, the shadows (no pun intended), the detail in every village, forest, and shrine — it all feels immersive and alive.
Much like Odyssey, I find myself wandering off the beaten path, not because I have to, but because I want to. That’s something only a few games can make you feel — that urge to explore simply because the world invites you to.
Gameplay: Familiar, Yet Refined
Let’s be honest — Assassin’s Creed has a gameplay formula, and Shadows doesn’t reinvent the wheel. But what it does do is refine the wheel. Combat feels weighty. Stealth has more layers. The parkour system — while still not as fluid as earlier titles — has improved over the last few entries.
There’s a balance between action and stealth that gives you options on how to approach most situations, and both playstyles feel viable and rewarding.
If you’re coming in expecting Sekiro or Ghost of Tsushima-level swordplay precision, you might be let down. But that’s not what Assassin’s Creed is trying to be. This is an AC game through and through — just set in a different era, with different weapons and cultural aesthetics.
The Ghost of Ghost of Tsushima
Here’s the unavoidable elephant in the room: Ghost of Tsushima. Since the announcement of Shadows, comparisons were inevitable. And now that the game’s out, many critics online are quick to dismiss it as a knock-off or a "wannabe samurai game."
Is Ghost a better "samurai experience"? Maybe. In terms of cinematic storytelling and fluid swordplay, it does have a slight edge — and I mean a slither. But that’s like comparing Red Dead Redemption 2 and The Witcher 3 — both are masterpieces in their own right, but each offers something different.
Shadows leans into the AC identity. It’s not trying to be Ghost of Tsushima — it's exploring Japan through the lens of a franchise that’s always been about history, conspiracy, and stealth.
Honestly, comparing them too closely feels like missing the point. Both games execute their vision remarkably well — flaws and all.
A Franchise That’s Hard to Please
It’s no secret that Assassin’s Creed has long struggled with fan expectations. For every player who praises innovation, there’s another who wants the series to return to its roots.
And while hardcore fans can be difficult to please, Shadows hits the sweet spot for casual players like myself. It’s engaging, gorgeous, and full of content. It scratches that historical fiction itch while delivering the kind of gameplay I’ve come to expect and enjoy.
Final Verdict
Assassin’s Creed Shadows might not be a revolutionary title, but it doesn’t have to be. It’s a bold, well-crafted adventure that pays respect to its setting and brings new life to the AC formula. Despite the noise online, it deserves recognition for what it is — a great entry in a franchise that’s never been afraid to evolve.
Score: 8.5/10
Engaging, beautiful, and thoroughly immersive. If you can silence the comparisons and embrace the experience, Shadows is a journey well worth taking.