Ubisoft has carried out an impressive recreation of Okishima Island, known as the Cat Village, in its latest title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This idyllic enclave is located in the same spot as its real counterpart, in Lake Biwa, Japan. In this game, players can venture into the Omi region and explore this island, where the atmosphere is filled with soft meows and adorable interactions with the felines that inhabit it. A very cat-like addition The arrival of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been a resounding success, surpassing two million players […]
Ubisoft has carried out an impressive recreation of Okishima Island, known as the village of cats, in its latest title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows. This idyllic enclave is located in the same spot as its real counterpart, in Lake Biwa, Japan. In this game, players can venture to the Omi region and explore this island, where the atmosphere is filled with soft meows and adorable interactions with the felines that inhabit it.
A very cat-like addition
The arrival of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has been a resounding success, surpassing two million players in just two days, making it a more successful launch than acclaimed titles like Assassin’s Creed Origins and Assassin’s Creed Odyssey. The inclusion of interactive features, such as the unique animations of the characters Naoe and Yasuke, allows players to recruit cats and bring their own hideout to life, adding a charming and appealing touch to the game.
However, the developer has clarified that the title is not intended to be a documentary nor does it represent Japan in a stereotypical or clinical manner. Instead, Ubisoft strives to provide a more inspired and creative view of Japanese culture during the feudal period. This statement suggests a desire to avoid clichés and offer a more authentic experience to the player, which could contribute to its growing popularity.
With the world of video games increasingly leaning towards including friendly and accessible elements, such as cats, it seems that Ubisoft has hit the mark with Assassin’s Creed Shadows, establishing it as a strong contender in the race for game of the year. The combination of exploration, interaction with cats, and a well-intentioned cultural background has certainly caught the attention of the gaming community.
The launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has marked a milestone in Ubisoft’s franchise, offering an immersive experience set in feudal Japan. With its impressive open world and the dynamic between the protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, the game has not only raised graphical standards but has also captured the attention of millions of players in just three days since its release. Spectacular figures typical of the best-selling games in the franchise Since its debut, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has reached over 2 million players, a figure that surpasses the records of previous launches like Assassin’s Creed […]
The launch of Assassin’s Creed Shadows has marked a milestone in Ubisoft’s franchise, offering an immersive experience set in feudal Japan. With its stunning open world and the dynamic between the protagonists Naoe and Yasuke, the game has not only raised graphical standards but has also captured the attention of millions of players in just three days since its release.
Spectacular figures typical of the best-selling games in the franchise
Since its debut, Assassin’s Creed Shadows has reached over 2 million players, a figure that surpasses the records of previous launches such as Assassin’s Creed Odyssey and Assassin’s Creed Origins in the same period. This remarkable success includes both individual game sales and subscriptions to services that provide access to Ubisoft titles, which has contributed to Shadows’ strong start in the market.
The record for concurrent users on Steam has been another notable achievement, with a peak of 64,825 players, thus surpassing Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, which had 62,069 at its best moment. Although the exact figures on consoles are still unknown, the game has received a 4.74 out of 5 on the PS Store and has garnered over 7,500 positive reviews on Steam, reflecting a very favorable reception from the community.
With these encouraging numbers, analysts speculate whether Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be able to match the impressive sales figures achieved by Assassin’s Creed Valhalla, the best-selling title in the franchise released in 2020. The future looks bright for Ubisoft, which aims to regain its financial balance through this release, which is shaping up to be one of the most successful in its history.
Recently, the gaming community has erupted in reactions following comments made by Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, regarding the video game Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Although it was interpreted that Ishiba was openly criticizing Ubisoft’s title during an official session of the National Diet, transcripts reveal that his response focused on the need to respect local culture and customs, rather than criticizing the video game itself. An absurdly manufactured controversy The controversy arose after a gameplay video in which the protagonist, Yasuke, attacks priests […]
Recently, the gaming community has erupted in reactions following comments made by Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, regarding the video game Assassin’s Creed Shadows. Although it was interpreted that Ishiba was openly criticizing Ubisoft’s title during an official session of the National Diet, transcripts reveal that his response focused on the need to respect local culture and customs, rather than criticizing the video game itself.
An absurdly manufactured controversy
The controversy arose after a gameplay video in which the protagonist, Yasuke, attacks priests and destroys the Itate Hyozu shrine went viral, accumulating thousands of reactions on social media. From the shrine, its officials expressed their discontent, stating that Ubisoft did not obtain permission to use their name in the game and that, had they requested it, they would have rejected the proposal. This lack of permission has led to criticism of the developer from officials and citizens.
Hiroyuki Kada, a member of Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party, also expressed his concern that the game could inspire acts of vandalism at cultural sites after its release, mentioning the video that shows violence against the shrine. Although the Prime Minister did not make a direct criticism of Ubisoft, his statement about the importance of respecting Japanese culture has generated confusion. Ishiba emphasized that acts of vandalism are unacceptable, referring to potential behaviors of tourists visiting Japan after playing.
While the controversy continues to resonate on social media and in the media, the “appropriate actions” that the sanctuary will take against Ubisoft have not yet been specified. This situation reflects the increasingly complex intersection between digital entertainment and cultural respect, raising a debate about the limits of freedom of expression in video games.
I will not deny that when Ubisoft said that the next game in the Assassin’s Creed saga would be set in Japan, around the 18th century, and that the protagonists would be a shinobi and a samurai, my heart rejoiced. This adventure is one that players have been asking the French company for more than a decade. Fortunately for many of us, Sony released a game about samurais in Japan called Ghost of Tsushima in 2020, which made the wait more bearable. But let’s not stray from the topic we are here for […]
I won’t deny that when Ubisoft announced that the next game in the Assassin’s Creed saga would be set in Japan, around the 18th century, and that the protagonists would be a shinobi and a samurai, my heart rejoiced. This adventure is one that players have been asking the French company for over a decade.
Fortunately for many of us, Sony released a Samurai game in Japan called Ghost of Tsushima in 2020, and it made the wait more bearable. But let’s not stray from the topic that here we have come to talk about Naoe and Yasuke, two characters who have forever earned a place in my heart.
After spending two weeks with the game and not being able to release the review on the day the embargo lifted (a lot of work these months), here comes the analysis of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, a title that manages to be everything we wanted and a little bit more.
Landing in AC Shadows, welcome to the Sengoku period
Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes the series through the end of the Sengoku period in Japan, set approximately between the years 1570 and 1600 AD, during the time when Oda Nobunaga attempted to unify the nation and Japan saw an increase in Portuguese merchants and Jesuit missionaries.
Just like the duality of the historical setting, Shadows always plays with multiple themes throughout its story. Revenge, anguish, and even a sense of belonging and purpose are present in every mission.
Shadows allows players to switch between the two main characters, Naoe, the assassin, and Yasuke, the samurai, but only after the first 10 hours or so, when you unlock Yasuke. Don’t let it happen to you like it did to me, after about 10 hours of playing non-stop with Naoe, I thought I had broken the game because I couldn’t find Yasuke anywhere.
Naoe and Yasuke, a team you won’t forget
The story of Naoe speaks of his past as a member of the Iga clan, along with the understanding of his role in the Brotherhood, the mysterious guild of assassins that spans the ages. His travels throughout Japan reflect the vastness of the cultural and political landscape of the nation.
Ubisoft has done a splendid job of educating players on a cultural level. The educational work and the respect shown by the team for Japanese culture is incredible.
Yasuke is also the definition of an outsider. Upon arriving with the Jesuits, Yasuke quickly captures Nobunaga’s attention due to his size and skin color. True to both the game and the historical figure, Yasuke was the first black man in Japan and the only black man in history to achieve the rank of samurai.
And as the game represents the two protagonists, it is curious. Naoe is ignored as she wanders through cities and towns. People do not pay attention to her as she recruits companions for her cause or gathers information about targets. Yasuke, on the other hand, is feared and revered as he travels. Random villagers approach him and bow, or say his name in an excited tone.
A graphic marvel that raises the new generation standard once again
I have been playing Shadows on a regular PS5 and it is one of the most beautiful video games I have ever seen in my life. You know how you get used to how beautiful modern games are after a few hours and forget to admire the scenery? That hasn’t happened to me yet after 15 hours with Shadows.
The light, the architecture, the natural beauty of the mountains of Japan, the way the roofs of the shrines can be seen peeking out from the treetops, the delicate beauty of the winding streets of Kyoto… It helps that the seasons change every few hours, allowing you to literally see your surroundings in a new light.
Ubisoft has wanted to bring us the best possible Japan, at least graphically, and they have succeeded. By the way, if you are playing on Xbox Series X or PS5, the ideal is to play in Balanced Mode, as it has a high level of resolution (the upscaling to 4K works very well), features ray tracing, and runs at 40 fps.
Conclusions of Assassin’s Creed Shadows
And now let’s get to the important part: the new Assassin’s Creed is one of the best I’ve played in years. It’s fun, it’s overwhelming, it’s huge, it’s beautiful, and it’s an adventure in every sense of the word.
Many people are debating whether it is the best of the decade, or if it is the best since the originals. I couldn’t tell you, as opinions are very personal, but for me it is one of the best Assassin’s games I have played and one of the games I have enjoyed the most in a long time.
The gameplay is a marvel, the combat is challenging and full of possibilities, the climbing and parkour work better than ever (or that’s the feeling I’ve gotten after many hours of playing and looking for the seams in the game).
As negative points, there are few to highlight. However, I would like to talk about the narration, as it seems disjointed and incoherent for a large part of the game. The feeling is that they have tried to combine hundreds of ideas, characters, and motivations, and the result is a poorly stitched patchwork. If you put in the effort, you won’t hold it against them, but if you are demanding with narratives and like things to be well told, there AC Shadows will disappoint you.
As a final point, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is the best game I’ve played in 2025 and I think it’s great news for a franchise that has been with us for almost two decades and for a Ubisoft that is not going through its best moment (financially). If you’re tired of seeing all your friends going to Japan and you can’t afford it, for 69 euros you have the chance to travel to Japan, albeit to the Sengoku period.
The new title of the famous franchise Assassin’s Creed, titled Assassin’s Creed Shadows, offers players unprecedented flexibility in choosing the difficulty, allowing them to change it at any time to suit their preferences. Players can select from four difficulty levels: easy, normal, hard, and expert, each designed to provide a unique experience based on the player’s style and skills. Four difficulties with four different approaches to the game The easy mode focuses on a more narrative experience, making it easier to defeat enemies so that players can fully enjoy the […]
The new title of the famous franchise Assassin’s Creed, titled Assassin’s Creed Shadows, offers players unprecedented flexibility in choosing the difficulty, allowing them to change it at any time to suit their preferences. Players can choose from four difficulty levels: easy, normal, hard, and expert, each designed to provide a unique experience based on the player’s style and skills.
Four difficulties with four different approaches to the game
The easy mode focuses on a more narrative experience, making it easier to defeat enemies so that players can fully enjoy the story. At this level, the protagonist Naoe stands out for his ability to infiltrate and be more resistant to damage, while Yasuke radicalizes his power in essential battles. On the other hand, there is the normal mode, which is recommended for a balance in gameplay, allowing Naoe to choose stealth and Yasuke to confront his enemies directly.
For those seeking a greater challenge, the hard mode features more powerful enemies and demands a deeper mastery of the combat system. With Naoe, players will need to be more cautious due to the high field of vision of the adversaries, while with Yasuke, combat becomes a more intense experience. The expert mode, on the other hand, promotes strategy and control, making it the ideal choice for players looking for a demanding gaming experience.
In addition to the difficulty selection, Assassin’s Creed Shadows offers additional options such as guided exploration, canonical mode, and immersive mode, which further enrich the gaming experience. These features allow for even more customization of how players interact with the vast game world, creating a significant impact on the narrative and overall gameplay.
With less than a day until its global launch, Ubisoft is generating high expectations around Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the new title in the iconic franchise, which is expected to sell millions of units in its first months. This installment stands out for the choice of Yasuke, a historical black samurai, as one of the protagonists, which brings a unique and mysterious cultural perspective to the game’s narrative. An interesting, intriguing, and mysterious character Jonathan Dumont, the creative director of the project, explained in an interview that the choice of Yasuke was not random. “The unanswered questions about […]
With less than a day until its global launch, Ubisoft is generating high expectations around Assassin’s Creed Shadows, the new title in the iconic franchise, which is expected to sell millions of units in its first months. This installment stands out for the choice of Yasuke, a historical black samurai, as one of the protagonists, which brings a unique and mysterious cultural perspective to the game’s narrative.
An interesting, intriguing, and mysterious character
Jonathan Dumont, creative director of the project, explained in an interview that the choice of Yasuke was not random. “The unanswered questions about his life made him an interesting and intriguing protagonist, full of mystery,” he noted. The story of Yasuke, a man lost between two worlds, offers a different perspective that can serve as a bridge between the West and Japan. This allows players to explore more deeply the cultural implications and historical events surrounding this fascinating character.
The first analyses of Assassin’s Creed Shadows highlight that, visually, it is the most impressive title in the saga, achieving improved gameplay that reaffirms the fun and challenge of stealth. However, it has been noted that the story does not always manage to capture the player’s interest, which could be a weakness in a game that seeks to engage its followers.
Despite its imminent release, the title has generated controversy due to its censorship in Japan, resulting from an evaluation system that has raised concerns about creative freedom. This fact has added an additional level of debate within the gaming community, which hopes that Ubisoft will remain steadfast in its artistic vision despite the restrictions.
With a partnership that reflects the connection between the franchise and the cultural history it represents, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is set to captivate the audience, although challenges related to its narrative and censorship could impact its reception in the Japanese market.
Ubisoft has announced its latest collaboration in the popular game Rainbow Six Siege, integrating characters from the hit Prime Video series, The Boys. The new characters available are Homelander and Black Noir, who join the tactical experience of the game, adding a unique touch to the gameplay. The package that includes these iconic heroes is available for 4080 R6 Credits, while the characters can be purchased individually for 1944 R6 Credits each. The Boys package includes Aces as Homelander and Deimos as Black Noir, accompanied by several extras, such as a […]
Ubisoft has announced its latest collaboration in the popular game Rainbow Six Siege, integrating characters from the hit Prime Video series, The Boys. The new characters available are Homelander and Black Noir, who add a unique touch to the gameplay experience. The package that includes these iconic heroes is available for 4080 R6 Credits, while the characters can be purchased individually for 1944 R6 Credits each.
The Boys package includes Aces as Homelander and Deimos as Black Noir, accompanied by several extras, such as a milk bottle charm, a nod to an iconic element of the series. This is not the first time that Rainbow Six Siege has collaborated with other franchises, as characters from universes like Halo and Rick and Morty have previously been incorporated.
The Boys, a series far from ending anytime soon
The series The Boys, which has maintained a large number of followers, is currently in production for its fifth season, which will be the last. However, fans can expect more related content, as a spin-off series titled Gen V and a new prequel called Vought Rising are planned.
Regarding the news within the Rainbow Six franchise, Ubisoft has also announced that Siege X will be the next evolution of Rainbow Six Siege. This new format, which should not be confused with Siege 2, will be released in June and will bring the first permanent game mode since the game’s launch, the 6v6 Dual Front. Currently, players can participate in a closed beta that will run until March 19, providing the opportunity to experience these new features before their official release.
Ubisoft has announced the implementation of an anti-harassment plan to protect its developers from harassment on social media, coinciding with the imminent release of its next title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, scheduled for March 20. This move comes in response to the growing concern about harassment in the video game industry, where 91% of developers consider it a significant problem, especially for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community. A game surrounded by questionable controversies The game has faced intense criticism, particularly for the inclusion of Yasuke, a black samurai, which […]
Ubisoft has announced the implementation of an anti-harassment plan to protect its developers from harassment on social media, coinciding with the upcoming release of its next title, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, scheduled for March 20. This move comes in response to the growing concern about harassment in the video game industry, where 91% of developers believe this is a significant issue, especially for women and members of the LGBTQ+ community.
A game surrounded by questionable controversies
The game has faced intense criticism, particularly for the inclusion of Yasuke, a black samurai, which has intensified negative reactions towards the company. Additionally, previous communication issues have created a hostile environment in which Assassin’s Creed Shadows will be launched. An employee of Ubisoft commented to BFMTV that they are advised not to mention their association with the company on social media to avoid the possibility of harassment.
To address this situation, Ubisoft has collaborated with the Canadian Communications Security Agency, which monitors networks and acts quickly in the event of targeted attacks. The company has also established a dedicated team that provides psychological and legal support to employees who experience harassment, with lawyers ready to file complaints if necessary. “Unlike what we have had before, this is serious,” said a source close to the studio.
The CEO of Ubisoft, Yves Guillemot, has tried to reassure concerned players, stating that the company is not looking to impose any specific agenda. However, key figures within the creative team have emphasized the importance of distinguishing between constructive criticism and intolerant attacks, an issue that remains a significant challenge in the video game industry.
Ubisoft has confirmed that in its upcoming release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, enemies will not become mere damage sponges. Instead, the artificial intelligence of opponents will be significantly improved, adapting to players’ tactics. At higher difficulties, enemies are expected to learn to actively seek out the player, forcing them to continuously change their gameplay strategy. Options for all kinds of users The game will offer specific difficulty settings for both stealth and combat. The options will include a mode for instant kills, allowing players to choose […]
Ubisoft has confirmed that in its upcoming release, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, enemies will not become mere damage sponges. Instead, the artificial intelligence of opponents will be significantly improved, adapting to players’ tactics. At higher difficulties, enemies are expected to actively seek out the player, forcing them to continuously change their gameplay strategy.
Options for all kinds of users
The game will offer specific difficulty settings for both stealth and combat. The options will include a mode for instant kills, allowing players to choose how they want to approach missions. However, players who opt for expert difficulty will face an added challenge: in this setting, rooftops will not be a safe haven. This means that players will have to seek less conventional routes and use the environment more strategically to avoid being detected.
The content shared by JorRaptor showcases a stealth approach reminiscent of the Splinter Cell series, rather than the traditional Assassin’s Creed style. Players will need to take advantage of the architectural environment and adopt more cautious stances, such as becoming a bit more invisible by going to the ground, to evade the gaze of the game’s more intelligent enemies.
Ubisoft is paying attention to different play styles, as evidenced by a recent video showing Yasuke using a heavy blow to fight instead of resorting to stealth. This suggests that players will be able to choose a more aggressive combat style or a more discreet one, thus encompassing a wide range of experiences for everyone diving into this new title.
In addition, Ubisoft has released a roadmap that includes downloadable content and future developments for Assassin’s Creed Shadows, promising a gaming experience that will expand over time.
Ubisoft Montpellier released in 2005 Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie, a video game that, although it received mixed reviews at the time of its release, stood out for its ambition and innovative gameplay. Developed in less than two years, the creation of the game was designed to synchronize its release with the film by the renowned director, who played an active role in its development. A game that was a challenge for multiple reasons Peter Jackson, acclaimed for his work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, was excited to collaborate with Ubisoft, especially because it was […]
Ubisoft Montpellier released in 2005 Peter Jackson’s King Kong: The Official Game of the Movie, a video game that, although it received mixed reviews at the time of its release, stood out for its ambition and innovative gameplay. Developed in less than two years, the creation of the game was designed to synchronize its release with the film by the well-known director, who played an active role in its development.
A game that was a challenge for multiple reasons
Peter Jackson, acclaimed for his work on the Lord of the Rings trilogy, expressed excitement about collaborating with Ubisoft, especially because he was a fan of another title from the studio, Beyond Good & Evil. From the beginning of the project, Jackson contributed significantly, even requesting changes to the character design. A notable example was the reconfiguration of King Kong’s face, based on feedback from his son after trying a preliminary version of the game.
The Ubisoft Montpellier team faced a significant challenge due to the lack of access to complete data about the film’s production, which forced them to turn to the 1933 movie to define the artistic direction of the video game. As explained by the art director Florent Sacré, photographs were taken of the Cévennes region in France, which were used to create the textures and materials of the game’s natural environment.
Despite the criticism it received at launch, the game stood out for its survival and combat-focused experience, with a HUD-less presentation that clearly marked an attempt to innovate in film adaptations. Although “King Kong” is not considered a timeless classic, it is still remembered for its creativity and while its flaws can be attributed to its short development cycle, it left a mark on the movie-based game genre.
