Review of Assassin’s Creed Shadows: How Ubisoft Embraced Imperfection and Stopped Worrying

You’re likely familiar with the Japanese tradition of ‘kintsugi’, which translates to ‘golden repair’. This remarkable practice, blending both philosophy and art, involves the artful mending of broken pottery or ceramics using lacquer mixed with powdered gold, silver, or platinum. The philosophy behind kintsugi is all about embracing and highlighting the flaws rather than concealing them, transforming breaks and cracks into something beautiful, and celebrating an item’s unique history.

In many ways, Assassin’s Creed Shadows seems like Ubisoft’s version of kintsugi applied to its renowned franchise. Right from the start, you’ll notice the familiar imperfections—the crowded UI, chaotic map icons, awkward parkour, and combat that’s not as fluid as you might like. Yet, instead of hiding these imperfections, Ubisoft appears to embrace them, much like applying gold dust to a crack. Despite some frustrating elements, there are moments of pure brilliance that draw you in. For every monotonous mission where you tail someone, there’s a thrilling spectacle waiting to impress. Each flaw is counterbalanced by something dazzling.

One of the standout features of the post-reboot Assassin’s Creed era—starting with Origins—is the grand objective screen filled with targets. Shadows, set in Japan’s Sengoku era, continues this tradition with an intricate, almost overwhelming, array of shadowy organizations to dismantle. The thrill of these missions is the magnet keeping you riding across the open world. Beyond the main storyline—driven by a quest for revenge against thirteen foes—the game is teeming with side missions urging you to assassinate diverse groups, each requiring different strategies and creativity. It may boil down to ‘seek and destroy,’ but these encounters are far more engaging than simply following a character in previous titles.

With characters like the swift Naoe and the imposing Yasuke, Ubisoft acknowledges that the heart of Shadows lies in its action. While the combat system feels familiar since Origins, with nothing groundbreaking, the options it provides add a distinct layer of excitement. Whether you prefer stealthy takedowns with Naoe or a more direct approach with Yasuke, the game accommodates both playstyles beautifully.

Despite occasional AI blunders or quirky physics, the sheer joy of executing precise combat maneuvers remains exhilarating. Taking down a hefty ronin or deftly disarming enemies is both amusing and satisfying, striking a balance between seriousness and whimsy. It’s a delightful blend of intent and spontaneity.

Narratively, the game holds up well. I recommend playing in Immersive Mode with subtitles, as the Japanese and Portuguese voice acting captures a unique atmosphere. Ubisoft’s art direction is outstanding, with cinematics that rank among the series’ finest moments. The inclusion of Japanese psych-rock band TEKE TEKE enhances some scenes with a Tarantino-esque flair.

For all its merits, however, Shadows isn’t without minor hitches. The plot unfolds slowly, taking about 12 hours before the vast world fully opens up. But once it does, you’re well-equipped to navigate it, switching fluidly between the two main characters to suit your style and preferences. Even the most routine elements of Assassin’s Creed are invigorated in Shadows. Collecting origami cranes, for example, becomes an unexpectedly thrilling mission, highlighting Ubisoft’s creative approach to familiar mechanics.

Base-building, while not essential, enriches the game by rewarding player involvement with extra allies, enhanced weaponry, and shop discounts. It echoes some of the finest elements from Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, creating a deeper, more connected experience.

Certain tasks might seem repetitive, like visiting temples or practicing meditation for skill upgrades. However, they serve a purpose—allowing you, the player, to set the game’s rhythm. After intense battles, moments of tranquility, listening to nature and taking in the serene landscape, offer a refreshing change of pace. This authenticity captures Assassin’s Creed’s signature ‘Disneyland’ experience of historical settings.

Visually, Shadows is a feast for the eyes. Playing on the PS5 Pro, particularly in Quality mode, I often found myself pausing to admire the breathtaking scenery. The vibrant shift of seasons, especially the rich autumnal colors, elevates the game’s aesthetic, making it arguably my favorite Assassin’s Creed setting.

Mechanically, seasons don’t drastically alter gameplay, though they offer distinct visual variation. Despite promotional claims, seasonal impact on mission strategies is minimal. Still, the change in scenery keeps the exploration fresh and engaging.

The concept of ‘kintsugi’ is closely linked to ‘wabi-sabi’—accepting and valuing imperfection. Shadows embodies these ideas, understanding some aspects of the formula are imperfect yet still manages to shine. Though not without its flaws, Assassin’s Creed Shadows captivates with its compelling story and rewarding gameplay loop, offering a rich experience akin to a well-crafted roguelike. Each task feels significant, making the vast open world genuinely engaging and cohesive.

Finding minor flaws often uncovers unexpected delights, a testament to a masterpiece—a rare achievement in gaming.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be released for Xbox Series, PS5, and PC on March 20, 2025, following a slight delay earlier this year.