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The game allows players to romance specific NPCs through dialogue choices in side quests.
Players can pursue romantic relationships with these NPCs using Yasuke and Naoe's characters.
A "Canon Mode" option restricts romance choices, focusing on each character's storylines and relationships.
With anticipation mounting for the launch of Assassin's Creed Shadows, one of the compelling features attracting players' interest is the possibility of romance in its world. Players will be exploring feudal Japan through the vision of not one but two different protagonists for the first time in the series: stoic samurai Yasuke and agile shinobi Naoe.
Although their overarching focus is certainly on their individual missions, Assassin's Creed Shadows provides means for both of the characters to establish more intimate bonds with particular NPCs that they meet along the way.
Contrary to some RPGs with very long branching romance trees, Assassin's Creed Shadows keeps things more understated and character-centered for romantic options. These relationships are integrated into individual side quests and character interactions where players must make intentional dialogue choices represented by a heart icon.
Keep in mind that turning on "Canon Mode" will disable character switching and pivotal dialogue options, effectively preventing access to these romantic alternatives.
Naoe, the talented kunoichi, has access to a few possible romantic prospects:
Gennojo: The player meets this charming rogue for the first time in the "Missing Missive" quest. Yet, romance begins to bloom following the "Lost Honor" mission. Through the choice of certain dialogue lines in later quests, such as "Sake and Swords" and "Stolen Hearts," Naoe can become closer to Gennojo, ending in an emotional moment.
Katsuhime: This strong teppo-wielding shinobi is encountered within the main storyline. Naoe can declare her interest in Katsuhime early on and, by making the correct dialogue choices in quests such as "Letter From Katsuhime" and "The Jounin Pillow Book," pursue a relationship with her. This route is based on mutual respect and a respect for skills.
Koshiro: Koshiro is introduced in the main story and is a warrior who is vulnerable after being hurt. Naoe is able to provide him with support and compassion. The relationship with Koshiro develops through a single quest, "The Leaf Turns," where selecting compassionate dialogue options results in a close bond.
Mayu: This romance option is tied to a specific side quest involving finding Jizo statues. By completing Mayu's associated questline and selecting caring dialogue choices, Naoe can form a romantic bond with her.
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The legendary samurai Yasuke also has his own set of potential romantic interests:
Hori Hidemasa: Yasuke meets this character in Omi, which initiates "The Betrayers" side quest. After fighting side by side with the character to track down betrayers, one poignant choice of dialogue after the quest will result in a romantic encounter between Yasuke and Hidemasa.
Lady Oichi: With her being Oda Nobunaga's sister, Lady Oichi is an interesting and somewhat taboo potential romance for Yasuke. Their relationship builds through main storyline quests and further interactions, with the requirement of certain conversation options and a key decision to save her life in "The Wheel Unmasked" questline to cement their relationship.
Ibuki: This ronin is non-binary and is encountered for the first time during the "Ambush Interrupted" side quest. Yasuke can romance Ibuki by completing her questline ("Homecoming" and "Putting Down Roots") and choosing empathetic dialogue options. They share a mutual respect and understanding in their relationship.
Rin: Yasuke encounters Rin in the Kii area, where she requests that he teach her how to use the bow. Their affair takes place throughout several seasons and questlines, such as "Arrow Strike," "War Horse," and "Ride into Town." Considerate choices in dialogue throughout these events can result in a romantic outcome.
The game allows both Yasuke and Naoe to pursue romantic relationships with other characters, with a focus on their individual experiences. This approach emphasizes their separate storylines and relationships with others, rather than a romance between the two protagonists. Theirs is more of a relationship of comradeship and mutual respect.
Ultimately, the decision on whether or not to take these romantic avenues is up to the player, bringing another level of personal connection and emotional depth to the Assassin's Creed Shadows experience. As players become immersed in the complexities of feudal Japan, they will be able to form not just alliances but close relationships as well with the characters they meet.
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