Ubisoft Bordeaux has enriched the Assassin’s Creed franchise with its latest DLC, Claws of Awaji, enhancing the immersive experience of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, set during Japan’s Sengoku period. This expansion introduces a range of captivating gameplay features that elevate the overall experience.
One of the standout additions is Naoe’s new bo staff weapon, offering players a non-lethal approach to combat. Meanwhile, Yasuke’s abilities have been expanded with potent skills, including the formidable Wind Slash associated with his long katana, further diversifying combat strategies.
Additionally, the DLC features a unique segment of 2.5D side-scrolling gameplay, shedding light on the backstory of Awaji and the character Tsuyu, Naoe’s mother. This mechanic echoes the style seen in the upcoming Prince of Persia: The Lost Crown, showcasing the creative direction Ubisoft is exploring in its narratives.
Moreover, the Breathtaking! Achievement/Trophy can be completed through an intriguing new gameplay element called Landscape Sumi-e, which beautifully showcases the stunning environments within the DLC.
Understanding Landscape Sumi-e
As of the latest statistics from PlayStation, a mere 0.7% of players have successfully unlocked the Breathtaking! Achievement/Trophy. This low completion rate can be attributed to the fact that the Landscape Sumi-e activities are distinct from the main questline of Awaji.
Unlike the Sumi-e challenges in the base game, which are often linked to legendary animals and specific seasons, the Landscape Sumi-e focuses on capturing the essence of key locations throughout Awaji and parts of the Kansai mainland, representing the diverse landscapes of Sengoku period Japan.
This design choice liberates players from the need to sneak up on potential subjects, alleviating the pressure of having to revisit areas to capture elusive Sumi-e subjects.
Locating Landscape Sumi-e
While most of the content in the Claws of Awaji DLC unfolds on the titular island, some Landscape Sumi-e can be discovered during select side quests on the mainland. One notable example is located during the “Go With the Bo” quest, where players collaborate with Bo Master Meiran for a reward featuring the painting of Teratsutsuki Den.
However, to achieve the Breathtaking! trophy, players only need to collect the Landscape Sumi-e found on Awaji. Key locations for these rewards include areas near the Izanagi Shrine at the island’s center, as well as spots on the northeastern and southwestern edges.
The Landscape Sumi-e near the Izanagi Shrine is easily accessible, positioned close to a distinct tree adjacent to the shrine. In contrast, acquiring the other two Sumi-e requires navigating parkour trails reminiscent of those found on the mainland’s Hidden Trails.
In the northeast, players will encounter the Trail of Eshima, which leads to a stunning rocky depiction of Eshima island, while the southwestern route, Trail of the Naruto, directs players to capture the iconic Naruto whirlpools. Due to the increased difficulty of navigating these trails, it’s advisable to tackle these challenges as Naoe rather than Yasuke, given the multiple areas where the bulkier character may struggle.
Rewards from Landscape Sumi-e
Upon successfully painting all three Landscape Sumi-e in Awaji, players will unlock the coveted Breathtaking! Achievement/Trophy, bringing them closer to achieving full completion of the DLC’s accomplishments. Additionally, this will trigger a dialogue between Naoe or Yasuke, discussing the intention to present these artworks to Junjiro on the mainland as part of the Painting Memories quest.
Upon returning to the Izumi Settsu Hideout, players can present the collected Landscape Sumi-e to Junjiro. Gratefully, he will gift the warriors a Sumi-e painting of his own—a heartfelt depiction of three figures celebrating the joys of newfound family bonds during their time on Awaji.
This exchange allows players to not only enrich their Hideout with Junjiro’s painting alongside the Landscape Sumi-e they have collected throughout their adventures in Assassin’s Creed Shadows but also deepens the emotional narrative of the game.
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