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

You’re likely acquainted with the Japanese art form known as ‘kintsugi’, which translates to ‘golden repair’. It’s a beautiful blend of philosophy and art, involving the intricate process of repairing shattered pottery by filling the cracks with powdered precious metals like gold, silver, or platinum. This method doesn’t just restore the item; it highlights and honors its history, celebrating the beauty found in imperfection.

In many ways, Assassin’s Creed Shadows represents Ubisoft’s version of kintsugi applied to their longstanding franchise, now 18 years in the making. The game doesn’t shy away from its imperfections—such as a cluttered user interface, overly busy maps, and sometimes awkward parkour and combat mechanics. Instead of hiding these flaws, Ubisoft appears to embrace them, letting the raw, unpolished elements coexist with moments of true brilliance. For every tedious ‘follow’ mission, there’s a set-piece that rivals the franchise’s most iconic moments. In every crack, there’s a glint of gold.

One of the standout features of the post-reboot Assassin’s Creed games, beginning with Origins, is how they present you with a detailed objective screen filled with targets to eliminate. The complex storylines have always revolved around tracking down shadowy organizations, and in Shadows, set in Sengoku-era Japan, it’s no different. However, this time there are layers upon layers of organizations to dismantle. The appeal is in the pursuit—the reason you don’t mind those lengthy horseback rides from one prefecture to the next. As you pursue the primary storyline of revenge by taking down 13 adversaries, you’re also drawn into numerous engaging side quests. Each set of foes, whether rogue ronin or notorious shinobi, presents unique challenges, requiring clever strategies to overcome—not the mundane ‘tail the priest’ missions of old games.

Ubisoft knows that the core excitement in Shadows lies in the combat, which is satisfying in its chaos. Whether you prefer the agile, stealthy Naoe or the robust brawler Yasuke, you can switch and find joy in their distinct fighting styles. The AI may sometimes be easy to fool, or the collision physics might falter, but executing a perfect stealth attack or watching an opponent’s health bar vanish with precise strikes is immensely rewarding. The blend of intense action and humorous touches makes it a delight.

Story-wise, Shadows offers a compelling narrative. While it may be slow to start—taking upwards of 12 hours to truly open up—it lays a solid foundation. The recommendation to play in Immersive Mode with subtitles over English voiceovers enhances the experience immensely, as the Japanese/Portuguese mix adds authenticity. Ubisoft’s visual storytelling and use of talented artists like Japanese psych-rock band TEKE TEKE give the game a cinematic quality throughout.

As you progress, the game balance of strategy and pacing becomes evident. You frequently switch between characters, keeping the gameplay fresh whether you’re advancing through the story or clearing the map. My personal gameplay tended towards a 70/30 preference for Naoe due to my love for stealth, but Yasuke’s raw power is equally fun and effective in combat.

Shadows even reexamines the series’ collectible missions. Gathering origami cranes, for instance, is given an unexpected twist that elevates this otherwise routine task. Meanwhile, base-building mechanics offer rich rewards and narrative depth, encouraging players to engage with their surroundings and strengthen their allies.

The game stands brilliantly with moments of serene reflection, urging players to slow down and appreciate the environment. Whether through prayer, meditation, or kata practice, these quieter activities enrich the gameplay, allowing you to dictate your own pace.

Shadows is a visual masterpiece, especially when experienced on a PS5 Pro. Every season offers beautiful vistas, with autumn perhaps stealing the show with its vibrant colors. While the seasons introduce some gameplay nuances, they mainly serve as a backdrop, enhancing the stunning journey through the game’s world.

The themes of kintsugi and ‘wabi-sabi’—the acceptance of imperfection—are woven throughout Shadows. The game embraces its flaws, much like the pottery art it symbolizes, and finds ways to make these imperfections part of its charm.

Despite its shortcomings, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is a joy to play, delivering a gripping story with a satisfying sense of progression. Its open world feels thoughtfully constructed, borrowing elements from modern roguelikes, where every action carries significance. Discovering flaws in the game often leads to surprises and delights, which is high praise indeed in gaming.

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will launch on Xbox Series, PS5, and PC on March 20, 2025, following a brief delay earlier in the year, and it promises to be a remarkable addition to the series.