When I received the opportunity to dive into the world of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, I was both excited and apprehensive. As a long-time fan of the franchise, I was eager to explore this latest installment, but my initial experience was shrouded in darkness—literally. The preview build I encountered was set to an eerie low brightness, with no option to adjust the settings. To make matters more challenging, I decided to play as Naoe, our nocturnal ninja protagonist, whose stealthy prowess was somewhat hindered by the game’s murky atmosphere.
Confronting Shadows and Enemies
As I navigated through the dimly lit environments, I faced a variety of foes, including bandit ronin and formidable samurai. The real challenge, however, was battling the oppressive darkness itself. Identifying enemies based on their UI indicators and maneuvering through the elaborate castle battlements felt like a test of patience. After a while, it became clear that my only option was to wait for daylight. Unfortunately, this would render Naoe less effective, as she would stand out in the bright light like a beacon.
Despite these difficulties, I persevered. Although the experience had its flaws, once I finally stepped into the sunlight, Shadows proved to be far more engaging than I had anticipated. To be honest, my expectations were as low as one of Naoe’s sneaky execution moves.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Pricing Overview
For those eager to secure their copy of Assassin’s Creed Shadows, here are the current prices for different editions across various platforms:
Assassin’s Creed Shadows (Standard Edition)
PlayStation 5
– Amazon: $89
– JB Hi-Fi: $89
– Big W: $89
– Harvey Norman: $88
– PS Store (digital): $109.95
Xbox Series X
– Amazon: $89
– JB Hi-Fi: $89
– Big W: $89
– Harvey Norman: $88
– Xbox Store (digital): $109.95
PC
– Ubisoft Store: Price TBA
*Preorder any version to receive a bonus quest titled “Thrown to the Dogs,” along with the first expansion for free.*
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gold Edition
PlayStation 5
– Amazon: $159.95
– JB Hi-Fi: $158
– Big W: $139
– PS Store (digital): Price TBA
Xbox Series X
– Amazon: $159.95
– JB Hi-Fi: $158
– Big W: $139
– Xbox Store (digital): Price TBA
PC
– Ubisoft Store: Price TBA
*This edition includes the base game along with a Season Pass.*
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Ultimate Edition (Digital)
– PS Store: Price TBA
– Xbox Store: Price TBA
– Ubisoft Store: Price TBA
*Includes the base game, Season Pass, Sekiryu character pack, Sekiryu hideout pack, 5 skill points, and a red dragon filter for photo mode.*
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Collector’s Edition
– PS5: $329.95
– Xbox Series X: $329.95
– PC: $329.95
*This edition features the Ultimate Edition game, along with a diorama figurine, steelbook, hardcover art book, replica tsuba, silk creed kakemono roll, and a set of three sumi-e lithographs.*
A Closer Look at Naoe’s Abilities
Despite the initial frustrations with visibility, Naoe quickly became an enjoyable character to control. She possesses unique moves that allow her to escape tricky situations and turn stealthy blunders into opportunities for surprise attacks. Her multi-tool rope, while not the traditional grappling hook I missed from classic titles like Tenchu: Stealth Assassins, still offers a fun way to traverse the environment.
As I explored Himeji Castle, I appreciated the fluidity of Naoe’s movements. Climbing has never looked so visually stunning, with intricate animations that made her ascent feel dynamic and rewarding. However, I did experience some frame rate issues at higher altitudes, likely due to the game engine processing the expansive views.
Combat and Gear: A Warrior’s Arsenal
During my gameplay, I was equipped with impressive gear, including a “Dragon’s Edge” Legendary Katana that boasted strong damage stats. The diverse weaponry, such as the Kusarigama and Tanto, offered unique combat styles that kept encounters fresh. The skill progression system, while familiar, allowed me to invest points into various perks tailored to my playstyle.
Naoe’s abilities, like the Tidal Wave strike and Eviscerate, provided exciting options for combat. For those who prefer a more tactical approach, the game also features crowd control maneuvers and quick strikes that can turn the tide in battles.
Final Impressions: A Stealth Experience Worth Waiting For
As my time with Assassin’s Creed Shadows came to a close, I found myself excited for the game’s release on March 20th. This installment captures the essence of what made the original Assassin’s Creed so compelling, drawing inspiration from stealth gameplay while introducing fresh mechanics and environments. The chance to explore Edo-period fortresses as Naoe is an experience I eagerly anticipate.
With Shadows, it seems Ubisoft is finally embracing the ideal of stealth gaming that fans have been craving. As I look forward to scaling castles and executing thrilling death-from-above moves, I can’t help but feel that this installment is a true homecoming for the franchise.
Stay tuned for more updates and insights from the gaming world!
