Shadows is the much-anticipated, fourteenth instalment in the Assassin’s Creed franchise. The latest release in the iconic series, it follows on from the 2023 release of Assassin’s Creed Mirage, a homage to the original game released in 2007.
- What: The latest open-world RPG Assassin’s Creed game: Assassin’s Creed Shadows
- When: 20th March 2025
- Available on: Steam, Playstation 5 and [https://www.mobiletopup.co.uk/xbox-gift-card]Xbox Series X|S[/url]
Now considered one of the most popular role-playing games (RPGs) to exist, the action-adventure franchise also has various spin offs, boardgames, short films and even novels.
So, what does the fourteenth instalment have in store? Think one of the settings most requested by fans, dual protagonists, advanced graphics and more. Enough to unite gamers in claiming Shadows to be the best game in the series so far? It’s certainly possible – scroll for five reasons Shadows could be the best Assassin’s Creed game yet.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes place in 1579 during the Sengoku period in Japan – a seminal period in Japanese history known for its Samurai and Shinobi. The game features one of each of these warriors as its protagonists. Enter two very different backstories (and fighting styles) to choose from.
While you can choose which characters you play at various points in the game, what many will consider refreshing is that the story ultimately has a fixed outcome – no multiple endings. How you get there, though, is up to you. For players who prefer a more traditional RPG with dialogue options and a decision on which path to take, there’s plenty to choose from. And, for those who dislike the element of decision-making? There’s a canon mode, which gives players the linear, intended story minus major narrative choices.
The two protagonists offer contrasting fighting styles, giving you the chance to choose the combat (or escape) style you think suits the mission. Embodying the combat style of more recent games like Odyssey and Origins is the Samurai, Yasuke. Inspired by a real historical figure, you might recognise him from the Netflix anime of the same name. All about brute strength, he can decapitate or impale enemies with his kanabō, and run straight through walls.
The Shinobi, Naoe harks back to a more classic character. She uses stealth and shadows to fly under enemy radars (even using a wooden reed to breathe underwater). Wielding a polearm and katana, it’s this character that makes the most of parkour improvements. She doesn’t run through walls – instead she uses a grappling hook to climb right over them.
The game also takes interactive environments to the next level. Four seasons (determined by when you play each mission) interact with a weather system, and a day and night system, too – and each environment looks and acts differently based on these conditions. All these factors are incredibly immersive, but also change up the difficulty of certain missions. For example, it’s easier to sneak up on someone when you have the night’s shadows to lurk in and the patter of rain to dampen the sound of your footsteps.
Shadows puts more emphasis on player-driven exploration, too. Similar to Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, it encourages you to explore by adding unknown landmarks to the map. In addition, the eagle mechanic has been removed. Instead, players must find vantage points to track enemy movements. For those who want a little more guidance? There’s a pathfinder which shows the quickest way to an objective.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows incorporates more reactive AI to make the game the most dynamic and interactive yet. AI-driven reactions can influence alternative narratives and non-playable characters (NPCs) will react according to situations and environments. Enemies may become more alert if they hear a noise, if it’s raining, guards will go inside, and dialogues will vary depending on the context. These characters are also more reactive to any mistakes you might make in-game. They’ll be able to recognise repeat strategies and develop countermeasures, meaning you’ll need to continuously adapt your approach. This makes the game more challenging, and gives opportunities to experience different narratives each time you replay.
The game uses innovative technology to ensure Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the most visually stunning yet. Micro polygon tech works behind the scenes to better render the environment. Previously, it wasn’t possible to fully render the vast, open worlds of Assassin’s Creed. But micro polygons meant developers could create adaptable models that intelligently render themselves. So as you gradually get closer, everything – buildings, trees, characters – gradually becomes clearer, just like real life. And, for the first time ray-tracing global illumination is used, taking the way light interacts with its surroundings to new heights. Previous games have used some form of global illumination, but ray-tracing global illumination allows light to react to environmental changes. So not only does light gently diffuse and bounce off surfaces – it adjusts when doors are opened, walls are destroyed, or when switches are turned on or off.
Seasonal, weather and day-to-night cycles make the game’s world all the more immersive. Locations, tactics and surroundings all react to these changes – ponds freeze over, Naoe can hide in deep shadows at nighttime, and NPCs react to the cold – all which makes Shadows the most immersive, life-like iteration yet.
Up until now, the Assassin’s Creed games have been single player only (save from the experiment with a four-player option in Unity). There is, however, rumour of a co-op mode planned for post-launch as an optional extra. It’s suggested that two players will be able to command both protagonists and play side-by-side.
Considering the tech breakthroughs, stunning visuals and the immersive, life-like world awaiting you, it’s no wonder that Assassin’s Creed Shadows is tipped to revolutionise the series – making it one you’re going to want to play on repeat. What’s more, Shadows’ dual protagonists and canon mode option might be able to pull off what previous Assassin’s Creed games have not been able to: satisfying the opposing groups of fans of the game.
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