What did we like about those Assassin’s Creed games? Obviously the parkour action, the sleuthy, shadowy, stabby, silent kills made us feel super ninja-like. Granted, the original wasn’t necessarily about ninjas like what we’re getting with the upcoming Assassin’s Creed Shadows. But does that mean we’re going to get what we love about the franchise still with this debut?

Some Are Worried About Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Of course, concern might’ve washed away some after watching the recently released trailer. And before you know it, you’re stabbed. Killed. That’s what ninjas do. At least that’s what ninjas are supposed to do, right?

You’re probably asking, “Why worry?” We’re in feudal Japan with this outing. This should be a no-brainer. That’s not necessarily going to be the case with some of the Assassin’s Creed editions steering away from the high-perched, parkour action of an assassin taking just one shot for an instant kill.

I mean, these games are not Elder Scrolls or Elden Ring, for crying out loud! We’re serving a particular demographic here—a demographic that, granted, has crossed over to card-game land.

Odyssey was very much like that: we went from hiding atop buildings to being at ground level, facing enemies head-on. Same with Valhalla. Don’t get me wrong, though: we still got what we loved from what made these killers assassins, but Ubisoft seemed to want to balance it out with more of that story-driven, “let’s start some fights with people and loot their stuff” sort of flavor.

And to make things worse, Assassin’s Creed Shadows will feature not one protagonist, but two—a cute-looking ninja lady and a big, buff, black samurai warrior. Are some concerned? Maybe.

We’re Here to Tell You: Ubisoft’s Got This in the Bag

Now it’s true we’ve seen a gross misinterpretation with the earlier editions of Assassin’s Creed putting way too much weight on the head-on combat mechanics, something AC just isn’t strong at (even though the mechanics as Ubisoft designed them work quite well regardless). So everyone has a right to be concerned.

After checking out a particular interview with IGN and some talk about how most missions can actually be approached by either character, I think it’s safe to say the outlook’s softened up some.

So, basically, if you want to be that hulking beast warrior Yasuke, sure, why not? Go right ahead. But if you’re more about how Assassin’s Creed made you gush from the get-go with the stealth tactics and hidden daggers up the sleeve, then by all means, be the ninja, Naoe. No one’s stopping you.

More Importantly, Here Are Some Fab Reasons Why Assassin’s Creed Shadows Will Delight You

There are six. And these will make you drool:

1. The shadows will matter in this game as Naoe will be able to even extinguish light sources
2. You’ll even get this really cool Splinter Cell-style light meter (pretty darn cool)
3. Expect Naoe to not be strong in an open fight. After all, she’s a little spritely lady
4. You’ll get a grapple hook like something out of Tomb Raider. Very conducive to parkour action
5. The weather and seasons of the game will greatly influence guard patterns, which will make for some interesting assassin-like gameplay action
6. And best of all… Naoe will feature a new stance not often seen in games: going prone!

By prone, of course, we mean simply lying on our back in the shadows and waiting for victims to show up, so we can strike like vipers in the night. Hiya! Something we haven’t seen since games like Metal Gear Solid, and that’s saying something: not even Lara Croft did stuff like that.

It makes sense that Naoe won’t measure up in a battle out in the open. That’s just not her style.  She’s small. She’s stealthy. She’s quick. She needs to fight in the darkness. The rest will be gravy and will silence any reservations you’ll have about Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Promise.

Expect Assassin’s Creed Shadows to Release By…

November 15, 2024.

So it’s coming. Be prepared. Ninjas won’t be waiting around. Of course, that big black samurai warrior Yasuke will have some of his own mechanics to a degree, but make no mistake: ninjas most likely will be able to take down such warriors with ease.

So be wary, young warrior. Be wary of the shadows.

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