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PS5 Review: Aesthetic Mastery in Assassin's Creed Shadows' Feudal Japan Setting

Meticulous effort has been put into crafting this Japanese open-world game, but its dual gameplay mechanism presents a complex and discordant landscape.

PlayStation 5 review: Stunning portrayal of medieval Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows
PlayStation 5 review: Stunning portrayal of medieval Japan in Assassin's Creed Shadows

PS5 Review: Aesthetic Mastery in Assassin's Creed Shadows' Feudal Japan Setting

In the world of video games, Ubisoft's latest release, Assassin's Creed Shadows, transports players to the heart of Feudal Japan. Developed by Ubisoft Quebec and published by Ubisoft, this game was released on March 20, 2025, and is available on PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.

The game features two main characters: Yasuke, the first foreign-born samurai of African origin, and Naoe, a shinobi embodying the classic Assassin's Creed staples like parkour, hidden blade usage, and stealth.

Yasuke, the combat-focused character, has clumsy stealth options, offering a unique gameplay experience. On the other hand, Naoe, with her stealthy nature, has less health and healing rations compared to other characters, adding an element of strategy to the game.

Assassin's Creed Shadows offers a rich and immersive experience, with characters speaking in Japanese or Portuguese as it would have been in the 16th century Japan. Powered by the Anvil engine, the game boasts stunning visuals, with a dynamic seasons system that affects not just the aesthetics, but also gameplay features. For instance, more long grass to hide in during summer and snow in winter that softens footsteps.

The game also features a return of eagle vision for spying enemies through walls, and players can traverse tall structures using a grappling hook. The combat-free Discovery mode offers markers revealing historical and cultural information, making it an educational adventure as well.

One notable feature of Assassin's Creed Shadows is its RPG progression system. Killing enemies with a knife takes a fraction of their health bar, encouraging strategic combat. However, the game does not guilt-trip players into being a knife-stabbing sneak like Ghost of Tsushima's Jin.

While the game offers a smooth and engaging experience, there can be buggy moments where movement doesn't register as intended, causing the player to be in full sight of enemies. Despite these occasional hiccups, Assassin's Creed Shadows provides an immersive and exciting journey into the world of Feudal Japan.

In Assassin's Creed Shadows, the visuals take on a monochrome filter resembling a Sumi-e ink brush painting when an assassination target is killed, adding a touch of elegance to the game's darker moments. This game is a must-play for fans of the Assassin's Creed series and those interested in exploring the rich history of Feudal Japan.

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