Ubisoft recently gave me an exclusive hands-on preview of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, highlighting its new features and unique setting. Set in Feudal Japan during the late Sengoku period, Shadows introduces dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, who bring fresh perspectives to the franchise. With new exploration systems and a detailed open world, I can honestly say, Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes the series in a new direction.
My preview offered a deep dive into the game’s narrative, world design, and gameplay mechanics. I explored two segments: the story-driven prologue, introducing the characters and setting, and an open-world session in the province of Arima that was later on in the game. Both segments gave me a glimpse of the game’s stealth, combat, and new exploration systems.
Ubisoft Quebec has incorporated fan feedback to refine staples like parkour, combat, and AI. This preview showcased these improvements, hinting at how Assassin’s Creed Shadows could reshape the franchise as its March release approaches.
A Land Divided
Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes you to Feudal Japan in 1579, a time of upheaval during the late Sengoku period. This era, known for its lack of centralized shogunate control, was marked by power-hungry warlords vying for dominance and unification. Amid the chaos, Japan’s natural beauty and cultural artistry began to flourish, creating a compelling contrast between conflict and creativity. Shadows’ world reflects this duality, blending danger and hope in every region.
At the heart of the story are dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, whose distinct perspectives shape the narrative. Naoe, a skilled shinobi, is driven by duty and a desire to protect her homeland through stealth and cunning. Agile and equipped with ninja tools, she specializes in silent infiltration and assassination. Yasuke, a warrior, stands as her opposite. With unmatched strength and resilience, he seeks justice and redemption, embodying raw power in combat. Their motivations initially diverge, but their shared vision of peace and unification brings them together.
What I like about Assassin’s Creed Shadows is that you can experience the story from both perspectives. You can change between Naoe’s stealth-focused missions and Yasuke’s combat encounters. The dual-protagonist approach adds variety to gameplay and further develops the story. Themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggle for unity are central, creating personal stakes for Naoe and Yasuke against a backdrop of political intrigue.
The story focuses on both personal journeys and the broader turmoil of the Sengoku period. Naoe and Yasuke face alliances, betrayals, and secrets in a divided land filled with allies and enemies. As their story unfolds, these personal and political struggles directly influence the gameplay, with each character bringing a unique set of skills and perspectives to the table.
Gameplay and Exploration
Assassin’s Creed Shadows introduces new gameplay mechanics while refining familiar mechanics to create a dynamic and rewarding experience. The dual-protagonist system lets Naoe and Yasuke bring unique strengths to the gameplay. Naoe’s agility and stealth-focused tools make her the perfect infiltrator. She specializes in parkour, silent takedowns, and using ninja tools like smoke bombs to evade detection. Yasuke, on the other hand, dominates in combat. His strength allows him to break armour, knock down enemies, and endure heavy damage, making him ideal for direct confrontations. You can freely switch between the two protagonists, choosing the one best suited for each situation.
Exploration feels new and refreshing in Shadows, thanks to new systems and gameplay mechanics. The game encourages discovery through its objective board system, where missions are tied to clues rather than direct markers. You track objectives by gathering information, observing the environment, and piecing together clues. Vantage points remain a crucial feature, revealing nearby locations and opportunities. The new observe mechanic allows you to scout areas for resources, treasures, and mission-related objectives, adding an investigative element to exploration.
Team-based mechanics further enhance the experience. Naoe and Yasuke’s hideout serves as a customizable base of operations, where you manage allies and upgrade your network. Recruiting spies and scouts expands your reach, letting you uncover target locations or hidden secrets. These allies can also provide tactical support during missions, creating a more collaborative approach to gameplay.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows combines action, exploration, and team-based systems to bring a new perspective to the series. Whether using Naoe’s stealth tactics or Yasuke’s combat strength, the gameplay offers multiple approaches to suit different situations.
Early Thoughts and Impressions on Assassin’s Creed Shadows
After spending several hours with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, I came away impressed by its ability to feel both familiar and fresh. The story struck an interesting balance between staying true to the franchise’s roots and carving out its own identity. The prologue was the perfect introduction. It delves into the backstories of Naoe and Yasuke. Without spoiling anything, these moments didn’t just set the stage—they created an emotional connection to the protagonists, making their journey feel personal and impactful.
The gameplay, in both sections of my preview, offered a satisfying mix of stealth and combat. I appreciated the versatility of both styles, with Naoe excelling in Stealth and Yasuke dominating through sheer power. The ability to switch between the two characters freely came into play during my preview. I was playing as Yasuke and became wanted in a region. This had everyone on high alert looking for me. Needless to say, it made it difficult to move around. I was able to switch to Naoe and continue the rest of the mission, without having the wanted label on me.
If I had to choose my favourite between Naoe and Yaskue during the preview, I’d have to say Yaskue. Yasuke’s combat system is visceral, impactful, and thrilling. However, both play styles felt purposeful and well-balanced. The amount of freedom in exploration was something else that stood out for me while playing. The objective board system, where clues guide your missions instead of direct markers, brought a refreshing level of realism. This non-linear approach created a sense of discovery and endless possibilities, making every step through the world feel more meaningful.
Even in this work-in-progress build, the game looked and ran great. The detail in the environments and the authenticity of the Sengoku period were amazing. Every element felt carefully crafted to bring Feudal Japan to life.
While there’s still much to uncover in the final game, my hands-on preview has made one thing clear to me: Assassin’s Creed Shadows is setting a new standard for the franchise.
Wrapping Up the Assassin’s Creed Shadows Preview
After my hands-on time with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, it’s clear that the game is shaping up to be one of the best in recent memory. The late Sengoku period provides a rich and dynamic backdrop, seamlessly blending historical depth with artistic beauty. Naoe and Yasuke bring fresh energy to the series, offering a dual-protagonist approach that feels both innovative and engaging.
The gameplay feels equally balanced between familiar mechanics and bold new ideas. Naoe’s stealth and Yasuke’s combat styles cater to different playstyles, ensuring variety and strategy. The objective board system and non-linear exploration stood out as significant improvements, making each mission feel more personal and rewarding. This level of freedom, combined with the addition of ally recruitment and the customizable hideout, hints at countless possibilities for how the game can unfold.
Even in this non-final build, the polish and attention to detail are impressive. From the authenticity of Feudal Japan to the fluidity of the gameplay, it’s evident that the extra development time has paid off. The narrative, gameplay, and visuals come together to deliver an experience that feels like a meaningful evolution for the series.
With its March release approaching, I’m eager to dive into Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Whether you’re familiar with the franchise or exploring it for the first time, this game offers plenty to discover.
What excites you most about stepping into Feudal Japan? Share your thoughts or what you’re looking forward to in the comments below.
As always, remember to follow us on our social media (e.g., Threads, X (Twitter), YouTube and Facebook) to keep up with the latest news.
