Assassin’s Creed Shadows Review – CNET

Assassin’s Creed Shadows: A Perfect Blend of Action and Stealth

Assassin’s Creed Shadows might just be the game that finally strikes the perfect balance between action and stealth, two elements that have defined the franchise since its debut nearly 18 years ago. Set in feudal Japan during a time of civil war, the game offers players the chance to explore a beautifully crafted open world, teeming with lush landscapes, bustling cities, and ancient castles. This time around, Ubisoft has introduced two playable characters: Naoe, a fictional female shinobi, and Yasuke, a real-life African samurai who served under the legendary Japanese ruler Oda Nobunaga. These two characters represent the duality of the Assassin’s Creed gameplay experience—one rooted in stealth and precision, and the other in action-packed combat.

By allowing players to choose their playstyle and switch between characters at will, Assassin’s Creed Shadows caters to both long-time fans of the series and newcomers who prefer a more action-oriented approach. The game’s open-world design has been retooled to feel more organic, with a cleaner interface that reduces clutter and encourages exploration. Whether you’re scaling buildings as Naoe or charging into battle as Yasuke, Shadows delivers an immersive experience that feels like the best of both worlds.

Naoe and Yasuke: Two Sides of the Same Coin

Naoe and Yasuke are more than just playable characters; they embody the two distinct playstyles that have evolved within the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Naoe is the quintessential stealth character, relying on silent movement, careful planning, and deadly precision to take down enemies. Her agility and ninja-like reflexes make her a formidable force in the shadows, and her ability to perform double and even triple assassinations adds a layer of style to her gameplay. On the other hand, Yasuke is a brute force Samura