Summary
Many Japanese critics are reportedly enjoying the recently releasedAssassin’s Creed Shadows. Ubisoft Quebec’s stunning reconstruction of Feudal Japan inAssassin’s Creed Shadowshas impressed reviewers, despite the game’s highly controversial launch.
Assassin’s Creed Shadowswas finally released on March 20 after several delays and one of the most controversial developments in the franchise’s 18-year history. Many fans eagerly awaited an opportunity to explore feudal Japan, but the developer’s choice of dual protagonists sparked heated debate. While stealthy Japanese shinobi Naoe was widely anticipated as a welcome return to the series’ roots after the action-adventure combat ofOdysseyandValhalla, the hack-n-slash fighter Yasuke proved far more contentious. Even though supporters pointed out that the black sword-wielding warrior was a historical figure documented to be in Japan during the Sengoku period, critics were quick to question his actual status and in-game depiction as a samurai, with the debate evendrawing the attention of Elon Musk.
Polygonhas compounded reviews from top Japanese outlets including Dengeki, Game Watch, Gamer, and 4Gamer, and found that the finely crafted, immersive rendition of Feudal Japan has struck a chord with gamers on both sides of the Pacific. Critics have now had their hands onAssassin’s Creed Shadowsfor a week, and reviews are mostly positive.Assassin’s Creed Shadowscurrently enjoys a healthy OpenCritic score of 81, placing it just two points belowAssassin’s Creed Valhallaand three behindAssassin’s Creed Odyssey. Contrary to the skeptic’s argument that players would prefer a purely Japanese player character and story,Assassin’s Creed Shadowsseems to be enjoying similarly positive praise from Japan.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Praised by Japanese Critics
Accentuated by the game’s impressive seasonal weather effects, the verdant mountainous scenery and bustling cities proved a remarkably accurate highlight, with one 4Gamer reviewer even calling the scenery “nostalgic” of his childhood. Equally praised were the game’s protagonists, with one review claiming “Naoe embodies the spirit of an Assassin’s Creed protagonist” with a deeper, more relatable connection to the game’s story. Slightly more criticism was aimed at Yasuke’s exaggerated characterization as a “perfect samurai” without any real faults. However, all outlets acknowledged his presence as a historical figure and even referred to him as a samurai. This acknowledgment echoes the earliersentiment ofBayonettaandOkamicreator Hideki Kamiyathat the controversy surroundingAssassin’s Creed Shadowswas overblown by a loud but vocal minority of players and not an opinion shared by the majority of gamers.
While Ubisoft Quebec may have gained the critics’ favor, the developer has also worked hard behind the scenes to appease the concerns of the Japanese Government. After a recent gameplay clip surfaced showing a player defacing an in-game replica of the Itatehyozu Shinto Shrine, Japanese Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba issued a statement to deter any potential real-world vandals inspired by the game.Ubisoft Quebec has since issued a patchto make certain unique objects found in shrines and temples indestructible.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows
WHERE TO PLAY
Experience an epic historical action-adventure story set in feudal Japan! Become a lethal shinobi Assassin and a powerful legendary samurai as you explore a beautiful open world in a time of chaos. Switch seamlessly between two unlikely allies as you discover their common destiny. Master complementary playstyles, create your shinobi league, customize your hideout, and usher in a new era for Japan.• Explore the captivating open world of feudal Japan, from spectacular castle towns and bustling ports to peaceful shrines and war-ravaged landscapes. Adventure through unpredictable weather, changing seasons, and reactive environments.• Become Naoe, a shinobi Assassin, and Yasuke, a legendary samurai, as you experience their riveting stories and master their complementary playstyles. As Naoe, use stealth to avoid detection and agility to confound your enemies. As Yasuke, strike your foes with lethal precision and power. Unlock new skills, gear, and progression independently for each character.• Make information your weapon as you explore the world, and build your own network of spies to be your eyes and ears across locations to hunt down your next target. Along the way, recruit new allies with unique abilities to help accomplish your missions.• Create a fully customizable hideout for your growing shinobi league as you train your crew, craft new gear, interact with key characters, and choose your base’s layout, decorations, and accessories.
