I’ve spent nearly 60 hours playing Assassin’s Creed Shadows, and I just can’t bring myself to play as Yasuke. It didn’t take me 26 hours to unlock him, but my investment in Naoe makes switching characters unappealing. Story missions that force me to use Yasuke feel like a chore because, to me, this game is all about being a ninja, not a samurai.
Starting the game as Naoe sets a strong foundation. Once accustomed to her ninja style—creeping through bushes and scaling rooftops—it’s hard to revert to the more typical Assassin’s Creed experience Yasuke provides. His gameplay reminds me of what I haven’t enjoyed about the series since Assassin’s Creed 3. Though Yasuke can sneak and climb, he’s designed for head-on combat. Unfortunately, the fighting mechanics in Assassin’s Creed Shadows feel clunky.
With Naoe, the emphasis is on avoiding direct combat, which enhances the gameplay. Ubisoft has perfected wall-climbing and traversal, turning castles into intricate 3D puzzles for stealthy players. When planning to infiltrate a base, I map out my route carefully: bushes act as observation points, dark rooms offer potential escapes, and rooftops serve as vantage points for identifying targets. My strategy shifts based on time and visibility.
Stealth in Assassin’s Creed Shadows relies on adaptability and overcoming the challenges of a failed plan. It’s enjoyable when things go awry because I get to leverage Naoe’s skills as a small ninja who isn’t built for brawls—unless I’m using the overpowered weapon that breaks the game. Once detected, every aspect of the environment becomes a tool for escaping a group of pursuing samurai.
This approach aligns beautifully with the game’s stunning visuals. Assassin’s Creed Shadows is one of the most visually striking games I’ve played, and the graphics enhance the interactive experience. It’s thrilling to pierce an enemy through shoji screens, letting sunlight flood the room—an engaging example of how hyperrealistic graphics influence gameplay.
In contrast, Yasuke’s combat style encourages a direct approach. While it offers a reprieve from stealth, it reduces Assassin’s Creed Shadows to a mediocre action game. The melee combat feels repetitive and lacks substance, serving merely as a quick way to clear out a castle. Charging through enemies without strategy feels unsatisfying.
Naoe embodies everything I love about stealth games. I’m patient, but not to the extent of methodically eliminating every enemy en route to my goal. Instead, I push myself to adapt quickly. This dynamic creates a tension that Yasuke’s gameplay lacks, balancing stealth with direct pursuit of the target.
Though Yasuke is an appealing character, and his friendship with Naoe is charming, the power fantasy of playing as a tank feels hollow in a game meant for a slower, more strategic approach. All I want is to immerse myself in the ninja revenge story that no other Assassin’s Creed game has delivered.
