Assassin's Creed Director: The Perfect Time to Take the Series to Japan
Updated: May 24
Assassin's Creed: Shadows transports players to Japan's feudal 16th-century Sengoku Period. The game's protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, have distinct gameplay approaches. Following the slow sales of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, Ubisoft is hoping for a hit.
Assassin's Creed: Shadows, formerly known as Assassin's Creed: Red, takes players to Japan's mediaeval 16th Century Sengoku Period. Game director Charles Benoit explains that the decision to explore Japan was carefully deliberated, taking into account fan comments and the team's assessment of various settings.
The game features two protagonists: Naoe, a female ninja, and Yasuke, a character based on the real-life figure known as "the African samurai." This novel technique enables players to experience two distinct gaming styles. Naoe's gameplay emphasises stealth and strategy, similar of Assassin's Creed: Mirage, whereas Yasuke's combat-focused style is inspired by the Viking-themed Assassin's Creed: Valhalla.
The debut of the game's cinematic trailer sparked widespread enthusiasm among enthusiasts. Ubisoft, the creator of Assassin's Creed, is looking for a hit following the apparently low sales of their previous 2024 release, Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown. Their pirate-themed game, Skull & Bones, which began as an Assassin's Creed spin-off, received mixed feedback.
Some players, however, have criticised the choice of Yasuke as the primary character, arguing that a native Japanese protagonist would be preferable. Opponents of this argument have accused the opponents of racism, pointing out that Yasuke is based on a true historical figure. Charles notes that the development team stressed authenticity and cultural realism, collaborating extensively with historians, weapons specialists, and even travelling to Japan to produce an immersive environment.
Recent Assassin's Creed titles have placed a greater emphasis on historical accuracy. The previous entry, Mirage, set in Golden Age Baghdad, included an accurate recreation of the 9th-century Iraqi capital, as well as an Arabic language choice based on the dialect prevalent at the period. While Mirage gained accolades for its concentrated gameplay, it was also criticised for adhering too closely to the franchise's established formula.
Charles tells fans that Shadows will have new features to keep the game fresh. Players can expect a prone ability that allows them to crawl towards targets, as well as dynamic seasons with changing weather that affect gameplay in real time. Heavy rain, for example, will reduce noise levels, concealing footfall and increasing the stealth element. Light and shadows will also play an important role in perception, allowing players to obscure or extinguish light sources.
Assassin's Creed: Shadows takes players to Japan's feudal 16th Century Sengoku Period.
The game features dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, with distinct gameplay styles.
Ubisoft hopes for a hit after the muted sales of Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown.
Source: BBC