Assassin's Creed: Shadows

Assassin's Creed: Shadows is the fourteenth main installment in the Assassin’s Creed series. It serves as the successor to Assassin’s Creed: Mirage and is set in 16th-century Japan during the late Sengoku period. The game follows the conflict between the Assassin Brotherhood and the Templar Order through the perspectives of two protagonists: Fujibayashi Naoe, a kunoichi, and Yasuke, a samurai inspired by the historical figure of the same name. Each character offers distinct gameplay styles, allowing players to approach missions in multiple ways.

The game retains the stealth-action mechanics of its predecessors while incorporating new features built on an upgraded version of the Anvil engine. Players can interact with dynamic lighting, breakable objects, and environmental elements such as shadows for stealth tactics. The open-world environment changes across seasons, affecting gameplay with elements like frozen lakes in winter and dense foliage in spring. Missions follow a non-linear structure, allowing players to gather intelligence through a network of spies or bribe officials to locate targets. Unlike previous games, vantage points do not populate the map with objectives but instead provide reconnaissance opportunities.

Several gameplay enhancements expand movement and stealth mechanics, including the ability to crawl in a prone position, hide in shallow water using a bamboo breathing tube, and utilize dynamic shadow-based stealth. The "Observe" mode allows players to gather intelligence on targets from high vantage points or while crouched. During nighttime, shaded areas act as dynamic hiding spots, providing additional stealth options. Destructible lanterns and silent movement on specific indoor surfaces further refine the stealth experience.

Players start with Nao and Yasuke is introduced later on. When both become available, players can switch between them during missions at any moment, each offering a unique combat approach. The slower and sturdy Yasuke specializes in powerful, direct combat with weapons such as the katana, kanabō war club, and arquebus firearms, emphasizing destructible environments and forceful attacks. Naoe, on the other hand, is nimble and fast. She employs a stealth-focused playstyle, using a hidden blade, kusarigama, and shuriken while maneuvering through rafters and attacking from concealed positions. A skill tree system allows customization of weapon proficiencies for both characters.

The game is set in feudal Japan, beginning in 1579 during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, a time of political and military upheaval. Historical figures such as Oda Nobunaga play a significant role, particularly in the 1581 assault on Iga province, known for its association with ninjutsu practitioners. The game world includes major locations such as Kyoto, Kobe, Osaka, and Iga province, featuring historically accurate castles and strongholds designed as complex dungeons. The setting reflects Japan’s urbanization during this period, incorporating bustling trade hubs, samurai districts, and the influence of Portuguese traders and Jesuit missionaries, who introduced new technologies and cultural elements.