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Assassin's Creed Shadows has been shrouded in anticipation, generating immense hype even before its official release. Following a series of delays and showcases of breathtaking gameplay, fan expectations have reached a fever pitch. This highly anticipated game promises to transport players to a stunningly rich in-game world set in feudal Japan, where they'll embark on missions that can be completed using either brute physical power or cunning stealth tactics. With its release slated for March 20, here's a deeper dive into what fans can expect.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows was initially announced in September 2022. Since then, the franchise fans have been waiting for this game. Last year, Ubisoft was ready to launch the game in November, but suddenly they postponed it to February 2025 to polish the gameplay. Again, this game faced a delay and was scheduled for a March 20, 2025 launch, and expectedly, that’s going to be the final one.
On day one, this game will be available on almost all platforms, including PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC. Even Ubisoft has released precise global launch timings to ensure across the globe players can embark on their Assassin’s Creed journey simultaneously.
For example, in London, PC users will be able to dive into the game via Ubisoft Connect on March 19 at 10 PM GMT, while console players gain access on March 20 at 12 AM GMT. Coming to New York, both PC and console players can gain access to the game on March 20 at 12 AM EDT.
One of the most stunning features of Assassin’s Creed Shadows is its introduction of a dual-protagonist system. Well, this is not the first time an Assassin’s Creed game introduced this system, as players have seen it already in previous titles like Assassin's Creed Syndicate. However, in AC Shadows, players will be able to switch between two different types of protagonists: Naoe, a stealthy shinobi on a quest for vengeance, and Yasuke, a formidable African warrior. The character of Yasuke was inspired by the first Black samurai of the same name who used to live in Japan during the 16th century.
As per the trailers, the narrative of AC Shadows dives deeper into the themes of revenge, identity, and cultural integration. While Naoe's storyline dives deeper into traditional Japanese ceremonies like the tea ceremony to highlight the cultural authenticity of the era, Yasuke's journey primarily explores his ups and downs as a foreigner who’s continuously removing obstacles to rise to the esteemed rank of samurai.
The next thing that makes this game a stunning experience is its visuals. The game portrays an astounding representation of medieval Japan. The open world of the game is well-crafted, with every element designed with utmost care. From temples to different landscapes, everything was well-made to reflect the essence of feudal Japan in the 16th century. Finally, the inclusion of different seasons adds a dynamic layer to exploration that impacts both gameplay strategies and in-game environments.
Despite AC Shadows has received praise from gamers and critics for its impressive setting and open-world exploration, some are still not satisfied with what Assassin’s Creed Shadows is about to offer. A few reviews have pointed out that the game once again continues the loop of repetitive mission and side-quest format that echoes the same pattern from the previous entries of the series.
Assassin's Creed Shadows is the last hope that will probably save Ubisoft from complete bankruptcy, even though the company has already touched its bottom line after back-to-back failures. AC Shadows has already generated massive hype with its seamless blending of historical settings with immersive storytelling. Additionally, the setting of the game is chosen carefully to appeal to veteran gamers and also to newcomers. The exploration of feudal Japan will provide both with a fresh experience. Hopefully, this game will live up to the expectations it has created.
