Why is AC Shadows so ordinary (boring) ? Game REVIEW | #assassinscreedshadows
6The hype train for Assassin's Creed Shadows arrived, promising a grand RPG adventure in long-awaited Feudal Japan. After sinking dozens of hours into this massive world, does it live up to the dream? Well, it's a bit of a mixed bag.
The Good Stuff: Shinobi Stealth & Samurai Strength
Let's start with the wins. The dual protagonist system featuring Naoe, the stealthy Shinobi, and Yasuke, the powerhouse Samurai, is genuinely great. Naoe's gameplay feels like classic AC stealth dialed up, tense and rewarding. Swapping to Yasuke brings weighty, satisfying combat that fans will enjoy. Combined with deep RPG progression and a customizable hideout, the core gameplay loop is undeniably addictive.
And the world? Absolutely breathtaking. Ubisoft has nailed the atmosphere of Feudal Japan, from lush landscapes to intricate castles. Dynamic weather and seasons even add immersive gameplay twists. It's a joy to explore.
Where It Stumbles: Story & Side Hustles
Unfortunately, Shadows falters in its narrative. The main story treads familiar ground – a standard revenge plot we've seen in recent AC titles, lacking originality. Yasuke often feels sidelined, and the lack of a meaningful present-day story is a disappointment for long-time fans.
Beyond the main quest, the gorgeous world is sadly filled with repetitive side missions that often feel like filler content – go here, defeat these enemies, repeat. While the world looks alive, the characters within it sometimes feel robotic, and the immersion occasionally breaks (seriously, Ubisoft, maybe tone down the wind effects!).
The Verdict?
Technically, it seems pretty smooth (at least on console), but PC players might need beefy hardware.
Ultimately, Assassin's Creed Shadows is a good game, sometimes even touching greatness. The moment-to-moment gameplay and exploring Japan are fantastic. However, it's held back significantly by a weak story and uninspired side quests. If you're here for awesome combat, stealth, and a stunning setting, you'll likely have a blast. If you need a compelling narrative and varied activities to stay hooked, you might be left wanting more.
What do you think? Are you diving into Shadows? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!
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