Review of Assassin’s Creed Shadows: How Ubisoft Embraced Imperfection

You might have heard of ‘kintsugi,’ the Japanese art that translates to ‘golden repair.’ This practice isn’t just about fixing broken pottery with lacquer and gold dust; it’s a philosophy that embraces flaws and history to create something uniquely beautiful. Ubisoft’s latest installment in its long-running series, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, feels like their own attempt at kintsugi, applied to gaming.

As the franchise celebrates its eighteenth year, you’d think it’d have ironed out the kinks – the often overwhelming user interface, the maze of map icons, or the slightly awkward mechanics. Yet, Ubisoft isn’t sweeping these issues under the rug. Ridden with some quirky elements, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has moments that are absolutely breathtaking. For every tedious ‘follow this character’ mission, there’s a spectacular scene that reminds you why this franchise has persisted. It’s as if each imperfection reveals a golden edge.

Since the series’ ‘post-reboot’ era, starting with Origins, one of the standout features has been its expansive objectives. In Shadows, set in Sengoku-era Japan, this trend continues. You’re tasked with hunting down various secretive organizations dotted throughout the world – an engaging centerpiece of the gameplay experience. This, along with objectives to eliminate a roster of foes, turns the often lengthy journeys across the open world into something worthwhile. No more monotonous tailing quests, just intriguing hunts for infamous ronin or crafty shinobi, each requiring a dash of creativity.

Ubisoft gives us both Naoe, quick and stealthy, and Yasuke, the mighty bruiser. The combat might feel familiar to the Origins veterans among us, but the versatility between characters gives it a new life. Fancy pulling off some sly headshots? Naoe’s your pick. Or maybe you prefer barging through the crowds, kanabo in hand? Yasuke’s your guy.

Despite the occasional AI hiccup or collision glitch, the sheer thrill of toppling enemies far larger than yourself and seeing heads pop off in a cartoonish puff is oddly satisfying. It adds a layer of humor that balances the game’s intensity perfectly.

Narratively speaking, Shadows does deliver. I recommend playing in Immersive Mode with subtitles if you’re up for it, as the English voiceovers can sometimes be a bit strange. The mix of Japanese and Portuguese dialogues is like a cinematic nod to classics like Shogun. Ubisoft’s cinematic prowess shines here, with cutscenes that rank amongst the best in the series. Thanks to bands like TEKE TEKE, some scenes channel a Tarantino-esque vibe that’s undeniably stylish.

It does take some time for the story to hit its stride – around 12 hours, filled with a hefty prologue and plenty of exposition. But just as you’re warmed up to navigating this sizeable world, the game urges you to swap between Naoe’s stealthy escapades and Yasuke’s brute force, achieving a beautiful rhythm. I often enjoyed this dynamic juggle, especially when Yasuke allowed me to brandish some powerful gear I acquired as Naoe.

Even the formulaic elements of Assassin’s Creed are reimagined here. Take the collectible origami cranes, a departure from the typical feather hunts, offering a delightful twist as you unfold the mission. Similarly, the base-building aspect may not be essential, but it enriches gameplay by revealing narrative tidbits and character development – not to mention the in-game benefits like upgraded gear and better trade deals.

Shadows doesn’t rush you. Taking a pause to slowly unfold your character’s skills through temple visits or meditative sessions is surprisingly rewarding. These tasks might be labeled as mundane, but they give you control over the game’s pace. After intense battles, taking a moment amidst serene landscapes becomes a pleasure. Shadows captures an authentic version of Japan—a testament to the game’s aesthetic integrity.

Visually, the game is a masterpiece. I played on a PS5 Pro and regularly found myself pausing just to soak in the stunning visuals, especially the vivid scenes of autumn with its blend of colors. It’s a breathtaking tribute to Japan’s natural beauty and stands out as one of Assassin’s Creed’s most picturesque settings, even rivaling Odyssey.

However, the much-touted impact of seasonal changes on gameplay is minimal. While cosmetic differences abound, and maybe an occasional slip down a snowy slope adds a challenge, it hasn’t fundamentally shifted how I played. But hey, the trip between locations is at least framed by these gorgeous seasonal shifts.

At its core, Shadows embraces ‘kintsugi’ and ‘wabi-sabi’ – celebrating the beauty in its flaws. The game doesn’t aim for absolute perfection, and that’s okay. It uses its storied formula wisely, polishing the edges that matter.

Certainly, there are hiccups, as with any game, but the rich storytelling, rewarding progression, and engaging gameplay loop make up for it. Shadow’s expanse and cohesion set it apart, making it feel more like a well-crafted adventure rather than just another slot in the franchise.

In fact, I often find joy even in its shortcomings, knowing an intriguing moment lies ahead. That’s a rare quality in gaming – to find beauty in each flaw – and it makes Assassin’s Creed Shadows feel truly special.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be heading to Xbox Series, PS5, and PC on March 20, 2025, following a last-minute delay earlier this year. Don’t miss it.