Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows Features the Protagonists I’ve Always Wanted

Navigating the expansive world of the Assassin’s Creed franchise can be daunting, yet it continues to captivate my interest. My journey began with the legendary Assassin’s Creed 2, and I’ve ventured through various titles, including the less mainstream PS Vita spin-off, Assassin’s Creed 3: Liberation. Although the vastness of modern open-world games often leaves me yearning for a more focused experience, my recent hands-on preview of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has rekindled my enthusiasm.

One of my top desires for any Assassin’s Creed installment is a profound sense of identity. The series has seen numerous additions and revisions over the years, resulting in a patchwork of concepts that sometimes falter. Nonetheless, the games that resonate with me possess a unifying theme on which the design is firmly anchored. In Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the introduction of dual protagonists—Yasuke and Naoe—illustrates that commitment to a strong central idea, and this was executed without the half-measures that have sometimes marred the franchise.

The Historical Reinvention of Protagonists

Connor: An Underrated Protagonist

Connor Kenway in Assassin's Creed, wielding a tomahawk amid battlefield chaos.

Shadows isn’t the franchise’s first venture into dual protagonists. While previous open-world RPGs have toyed with gender-swapping playstyles, it was Assassin’s Creed Syndicate that first embraced this concept. However, even Syndicate fell short in creating significant distinctions between its characters, highlighting a challenge that has consistently affected the series.

Often, my strongest opinion about the series is that Assassin’s Creed 3 should not be dismissed as one of the weaker titles. Despite its departure from core elements, the game introduced thoughtful mechanics. The complexities surrounding Connor, though not as charismatic as Ezio, provided a unique gameplay experience. Connor’s interactions with the world featured a distinct style, from his axe-fueled combat to his parkour abilities, which were redefined to suit his character.

Recent entries have struggled to create reinventions that feel meaningful. The portrayal of Basim in Assassin’s Creed Mirage, for example, felt merely like a faster version of Eivor, the protagonist from Valhalla. Anticipating the significant contrasts promised between Yasuke and Naoe, I found my expectations tempered by this trend, but fortunately, there was no cause for negativity.

Yasuke & Naoe: Distinct Characters in AC Shadows

Embracing Unique Strengths & Weaknesses

In practice, Yasuke and Naoe exhibit the depth that Jacob and Evie represented in theory. Yasuke’s character offers a distinct blend of strength and clumsiness. By allocating stealth and parkour responsibilities to Naoe, Shadows cleverly allows Yasuke’s limitations to create unique gameplay impressions, from tentative freerunning attempts to intense Brutal Assassinations. While opinions may vary regarding Yasuke’s approach, his trade-offs introduce a fresh perspective in gameplay.

Conversely, Naoe’s gameplay style resonates more with my preferences. She benefits from a dynamic system that doesn’t force her to wield heavy weapons. The game encourages strategic play, punishing players for clashing head-on without completely limiting their options. When I found myself overwhelmed by a suspicious group of merchants, I had the choice to switch to Yasuke, embracing that momentary reckless strategy.

The Importance of Narrative in Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Narrative Engagement is Reinvigorating

Samurai protagonists Naoe and Yasuke in Assassin's Creed Shadows. — Custom Image by Ben Brosofsky

The development of character narratives within the game feels richer than it has in recent times, even if Yasuke and Naoe are unlikely to become iconic figures like Ezio. For example, while Alexios from Assassin’s Creed Odyssey stands out, he often feels overshadowed, with Kassandra being viewed as the “true”protagonist.

Set against the backdrop of Japan’s tumultuous Sengoku period, Yasuke and Naoe emerge from distinct paths, reflecting the divergent loyalties amidst Oda Nobunaga’s ambitions for unification. For the first time in years, I’m genuinely intrigued by the unfolding narrative, especially after a series of recent Ubisoft titles with less engaging storytelling experiences. While I’ve never warmed up to Black Flag, I recognize its cutscenes as a stark contrast to the more recent, sterile cinematic approaches. With the release of titles like Indiana Jones and the Great Circle, it’s refreshing to encounter a game that prioritizes compelling narrative presentation, and Shadows seems poised to offer just that.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows Reflects Evolution

Balancing Progress with Reflection

Naoe in a dramatic moment within Assassin's Creed Shadows.

Perhaps most importantly, I appreciate the Assassin’s Creed team’s renewed focus on aspects that have been overlooked in recent years. While Mirage made strides in stealth, it also faced its share of drawbacks, from unengaging cutscenes to awkward animations. In my time with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, I encountered far fewer underwhelming elements, suggesting a greater level of care in development.

Though it’s evident that Shadows won’t fully realize every expectation, and it may be playing catch-up to innovations adopted by rival franchises, I’m optimistic about the potential it holds. My primary concern remains that the game might present a less immersive world compared to smaller-scale entries, a persistent issue that has troubled previous releases. However, Shadows appears to make significant headway in both revitalizing the franchise’s classic strengths and introducing fresh features—an ongoing challenge for Assassin’s Creed.

While opinions may vary about Assassin’s Creed Shadows‘ dual protagonist approach, playing the game reinforced my belief that the contrasting dynamics between Yasuke and Naoe form a compelling narrative structure. It’s difficult to envision creating Naoe without considering Yasuke as her natural counterpart, and vice versa. Exploring rich historical contexts has always drawn me to Assassin’s Creed; in Shadows, the protagonists themselves may very well be the highlight of the experience.

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