With the recent release of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, Ubisoft has once again solidified its position as a leading developer in the gaming industry. This latest addition to the long-running Assassin’s Creed franchise has been highly anticipated by fans, who have been eagerly waiting to see what new adventures and challenges await them in the world of Assassins and Templars.
However, what makes Assassin’s Creed Shadows particularly intriguing is the way it attempts to strike a balance between two distinct aspects of the series – brutal action and stealth. In the past, the Assassin’s Creed games have leaned heavily towards the action genre, with players taking on the role of powerful and skilled assassins who are proficient in hand-to-hand combat and armed with an array of deadly weapons. But with Shadows, Ubisoft has taken a bold step by reintroducing stealth as a core mechanic, bringing back the elements that made the early Assassin’s Creed games so beloved by fans.
The game follows the stories of two protagonists, each with their own unique background and playstyle. On one hand, we have Eivor, a fierce Viking warrior who is driven by a thirst for revenge and the need to protect their clan. On the other hand, we have Basim, a member of the Hidden Ones, a secretive group of assassins who have been fighting against the Templars for centuries. With these two characters, Shadows presents players with a choice – to either embrace the brute force of Eivor or to adopt the stealth and precision of Basim.
This duality is what sets Assassin’s Creed Shadows apart from its predecessors. It not only allows players to experience the game in a new and refreshing way, but it also addresses the incongruency between the old-school Assassin’s Creed experience and the series’ new identity. While the recent Assassin’s Creed games have been praised for their open-world environments, detailed historical settings, and immersive gameplay, they have also faced criticism for deviating from the original stealth-focused gameplay that made the series so popular.
With Shadows, Ubisoft has attempted to bridge this gap and bring back the essence of what made Assassin’s Creed so special. The game offers players a choice between action and stealth, allowing them to tailor their gameplay experience to their preferences. This not only adds variety to the game but also gives players a sense of control over their character and their actions.
However, despite its ambitious attempt to balance action and stealth, Shadows does have some shortcomings. One of the main issues is the lack of consistency in the game’s pacing. While the action segments are fast-paced and exhilarating, the stealth sections often feel slow and tedious, breaking the flow of the game. This can be frustrating for players who prefer one playstyle over the other and can also make the game feel disjointed at times.
Another aspect that falls short is the implementation of stealth mechanics. While the game does offer a wide range of tools and techniques for players to use, they often feel clunky and imprecise. This can make it challenging to execute stealth kills or to remain undetected, which can be frustrating for players who are used to the fluid and intuitive gameplay of previous Assassin’s Creed titles.
Despite these flaws, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is still a remarkable addition to the franchise. It not only brings back the classic elements of the series but also introduces new and exciting features that keep the gameplay fresh and engaging. The game’s stunning visuals, immersive soundtrack, and well-written story make it a must-play for any fan of the Assassin’s Creed series.
In conclusion, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a testament to Ubisoft’s dedication to evolving and improving the franchise while also staying true to its roots. The game’s dual protagonists and focus on both action and stealth offer players a unique and fulfilling experience. While it may not be a perfect execution of this concept, Shadows is a step in the right direction for the series, and it will be interesting to see how Ubisoft continues to refine and improve upon this formula in future titles.
