After a significant hiatus of over four years since its last major title, the iconic Assassin’s Creed franchise is set to make a grand return with Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This new release transports players to the intriguing era of feudal Japan, where two dynamic protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke, join forces to liberate their homeland from the grip of a powerful and clandestine faction. Unlike its recent entry, the back-to-basics Assassin’s Creed Mirage, Shadows reintroduces the series’ rich, RPG-style gameplay, promising more varied mechanics through the distinctive styles of its lead characters.
Initially, expectations surrounding the successful launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows were cautious, primarily due to recent declines in quality by Ubisoft and mixed reactions from the fan community. However, a surge of positive previews from both media outlets and content creators is generating renewed optimism, suggesting the game merits attention. If Shadows achieves commercial success, Ubisoft has a unique opportunity to revisit a previously successful strategy for the franchise.
Why a Sequel to Assassin’s Creed Shadows Could be Beneficial
Despite recent Assassin’s Creed titles achieving strong sales, they have struggled to capture the lasting impact of earlier games that introduced players to memorable characters like Ezio Auditore and Edward Kenway. Since the days of Black Flag, the franchise has seen a decline in character depth. While characters like Bayek, Kassandra, and Eivor made their mark, their narratives often fell short of the robust arcs seen in previous titles. The lack of consistent depth in character development, along with Ubisoft’s tendency to favor standalone settings, has hindered the popularity of newer protagonists. Should Naoe and Yasuke resonate with audiences as current previews suggest, Ubisoft might benefit greatly by following a similar approach established with Ezio.
Ezio Auditore: The Iconic Protagonist of Assassin’s Creed
In discussions among Assassin’s Creed enthusiasts, it’s no surprise that many cite Ezio from Assassin’s Creed II as their favorite character. His magnetic personality and stylish demeanor have made him a fan favorite, but it’s his extensive character development that sets him apart. Ezio’s presence across three critically acclaimed titles—Assassin’s Creed II, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, and Assassin’s Creed: Revelations—allowed players to forge a deeper emotional connection as they witnessed his growth. Ubisofyt has yet to replicate this level of star power in their more recent characterizations.
Naoe and Yasuke: A Path Forward
The recent trend in Assassin’s Creed narratives has led to a disconnect where players often struggle to form a lasting bond with protagonists. Each installment typically introduces new characters and stories that feel disconnected from previous entries, creating a challenge for players seeking continuity. To remedy this, adopting a strategy reminiscent of Ezio’s journey could revitalize interest in the franchise.
If Assassin’s Creed Shadows emerges as a hit, Ubisoft’s next move shouldn’t be a mere reset with yet another new protagonist. Instead, they should consider a direct sequel that builds on Shadows’ narrative foundation. Given the fan desire for a game set in feudal Japan, many players would likely welcome the chance to stay immersed in this world. An extended storyline would provide ample opportunity for character growth, allowing Naoe and Yasuke to develop in ways that stand in stark contrast to characters like Eivor and Kassandra. This approach not only cultivates deeper arcs but also grants writers the flexibility to explore the dynamics between two distinct protagonists, which could be crucial for recapturing the captivating essence of the Ezio era.
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