It’s been over four years since the last major release, but Assassin’s Creed is ready to captivate fans once more with its new game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This exciting entry in the series whisks players away to feudal Japan, where they’ll follow the journey of dual protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. These two characters will team up in an epic mission to free Japan from a shadowy, oppressive faction. Returning to the series’ modern, RPG-style gameplay seen in previous titles, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will stand out thanks to the unique playstyles of Naoe and Yasuke. This offers players a fresh twist after the more traditional gameplay of the recent spin-off, Assassin’s Creed Mirage.
Initially, thoughts were skeptical about Assassin’s Creed Shadows enjoying a successful launch, especially given Ubisoft’s recent track record with game quality and some controversy stewing among the fanbase. However, first impressions from both media and content creators have painted a much more promising picture, suggesting the game could be a highlight of the year. If Assassin’s Creed Shadows exceeds expectations, Ubisoft might have a golden opportunity to revisit a past strategy.
While recent Assassin’s Creed games have garnered impressive sales, they haven’t quite captured the iconic status of the series’ earlier days. Characters like Ezio Auditore and Edward Kenway have left indelible marks, but it’s been a while since we’ve seen such compelling hero figures. Though Bayek, Kassandra, and Eivor brought memorable elements, they lacked the character depth of their predecessors. Often, their popularity took a hit from Ubisoft’s habit of changing settings and stories with each release. If Naoe and Yasuke live up to the hype from previews, Ubisoft should consider borrowing a page from Ezio’s celebrated journey.
Ask any die-hard Assassin’s Creed fan about their favorite character, and many would name Ezio from Assassin’s Creed 2. His charisma and style are undeniable factors in his appeal, but so is his unique presence across three consecutive games: Assassin’s Creed 2, Brotherhood, and Revelations. Tracking Ezio’s growth and adventures across these titles created a rich, immersive experience that has yet to be matched in subsequent releases.
The current issue with more recent games in the franchise is the difficulty players face in connecting with the ongoing, intricate narrative of the series. Even when a character resonates with players, by the next release, they’re often sidelined, left to fleeting mentions or Easter eggs. By expanding Naoe and Yasuke’s journey similarly to Ezio’s, Ubisoft could once again entice players to become more deeply invested in the narrative.
Should Assassin’s Creed Shadows resonate with audiences, Ubisoft ought to not abruptly shift to another protagonist and historical setting. Instead, a direct sequel, echoing the spirit of Brotherhood, could thrive. Fans have long yearned for an adventure set in feudal Japan, so they’ll likely be thrilled to stick around for more than one game. More crucially, continuing their story would allow Naoe and Yasuke’s characters to develop beyond the one-off journeys seen with Eivor and Kassandra.
Giving the characters room to grow across multiple games would allow for intricate character development and gameplay evolution. A sequel could benefit from expansive storytelling options, exploring different arcs for both protagonists. If Ubisoft wants to recreate the captivating magic of the Ezio era, building upon Shadows with a sequel might be the best course.
