Assassin’s Creed Shadows: Unveiling the Hanno-ji Incident

Be aware, this review discusses key plot points from Assassin’s Creed Shadows.

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The Assassin’s Creed series has consistently delighted fans by weaving real historical events into its gameplay. Over the years, players have found themselves rubbing shoulders with figures like Benjamin Franklin and Napoleon, all while participating in pivotal moments such as the Boston Tea Party in Assassin’s Creed 3, the Battle of Thermopylae in Odyssey, and the Storming of the Bastille in Unity. The latest installment, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, continues this tradition with compelling historical storytelling.

Launching in 1581, the action in Assassin’s Creed Shadows unfolds during the turbulent end of Japan’s Sengoku period—a time marked by strife and clashing clans. The adventure starts amid the unification campaign led by Oda Nobunaga, which takes a dramatic twist during the Hanno-ji Incident, offering players a front-row seat to history.

By 1582, Oda Nobunaga had vanquished the Takeda clan and emerged as Japan’s most formidable leader. He dispatched his best generals to consolidate power across central Japan, believing his long-held ambition of unifying the country was near completion. Nobunaga returned to Kyoto, confident in his dominance. However, upon learning about the underestimated strength of the Mori clan, he sent Akechi Mitsuhide to reinforce the Chogoku region, deciding to rest at Hanno-ji temple before joining forces.

Tragically, this respite was short-lived. With his forces spread far and wide, Nobunaga’s stronghold in the capital was vulnerable. Seeing an opportunity, Akechi Mitsuhide attacked Nobunaga at Hanno-ji with an army of 13,000. The ensuing assault was swift, the temple reduced to ashes, with Nobunaga ultimately taking his own life in the traditional act of seppuku.

Within Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the narrative takes creative liberties with this historical event. Early in the game, players control a character named Naoe. She is summoned by Mitsuhide and learns of Nobunaga’s alleged leadership of the Shinbakufu, a group responsible for her father’s death. Bent on vengeance, Naoe agrees to aid Mitsuhide in toppling Nobunaga. As the temple siege begins, Naoe infiltrates Hanno-ji and confronts Nobunaga, only to learn that Mitsuhide might have been behind her father’s murder. Conflicted, she leaves as the temple burns, while Nobunaga meets his fate at the hands of his retainer, Yasuke.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows not only offers exhilarating gameplay but also provides an immersive dive into a fascinating slice of history, blending fact and fiction in a storyline that keeps players both entertained and intrigued throughout.