Key Highlights:
- Ubisoft revealed the first trailer for Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
- Players control two protagonists: ninja Naoe and samurai Yasuke.
- Naoe uses stealth with ninja weapons like ninjato blades and kusarigama chains.
- Yasuke is a heavily armoured warrior who fights with a powerful katana sword.
- The game features an open-world to explore, with changing seasons and environments.
The Ancient Paths of Shinobi and Samurai
Feudal Japan has finally arrived in the Assassin’s Creed universe!
In a big reveal, Ubisoft showed the first trailer for their upcoming game Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
This new adventure will let players experience the legendary world of ninjas and samurai warriors for the very first time.
Shadows was formerly known by its codename “Red” during early development. When it launches in November this year, it will transport gamers to the historic land of shoguns, allowing them to freely explore an open-world version of ancient Japan.
Players will have the unique ability to take control of two central characters from opposing worlds.
First is Naoe, a skilled female ninja wielding iconic weapons like the ninjato sword, a spring-loaded wrist blade, and the kusarigama chain sickle. Her path focuses on stealth, agility and precision strikes from the shadows.
The second protagonist is Yasuke, based on the real-life legendary Black samurai warrior. In contrast to the ninja, Yasuke is a heavily-armoured frontline fighter brandishing a powerful katana sword.
He represents the noble samurai code of honour and head-on combat mastery.
Two Entwined Destinies
At first, the ninja Naoe and samurai Yasuke appear to be adversaries in the new trailer.
However, as their stories progress, the two find common ground and seemingly join forces with the Assassin Brotherhood. Exactly how and why their paths intertwine remains a mystery to unravel.
“We want players to experience the fantasies of both the shinobi and samurai ways of life,” explains Game Director Charles Benoit.
“Having a single character couldn’t properly capture the divide between their social classes and traditions.”
The narrative team also drew inspiration from Yasuke’s real historical ties to influential figures like warlord Oda Nobunaga.
“His outsider’s perspective arriving in Japan helps guide players through the customs and rules.”
Brooke Davies, Associate Narrative Director.
An Open-World Steeped in Blood and Honour
While the protagonists’ individual journeys form the core story, this latest entry also promises an immersive open-world to freely explore across all seasons.
From grand castles and ports to tranquil shrines and rural lands, this tumultuous era saw Japan violently unified under the shogunate.
Ultra-realistic graphics will depict these environments in exquisite detail, reacting to dynamic weather patterns.
To unveil new areas, gamers can cultivate a network of spies and call upon allies when objectives demand it. A customisable hideout allows training recruits to join your quest.
Overall, Assassin’s Creed Shadows aims to realise the fantasies of playing as both a master ninja and an unstoppable samurai warrior within one epic, player-driven experience.
The highly-anticipated title arrives on November 15th for PC, PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Amazon Luna streaming, and Mac.
Prepare to walk the ancient paths of the shinobi and samurai!