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A pair of early Assassin’s Creed Shadows reviews have leaked in anticipation of Ubisoft’s highly anticipated release on March 20.
The first Assassin’s Creed Shadows review to leak, written by Court LaLonde of the publication Console Creatures, surfaced online on March 18, before the press embargo was lifted, giving gamers a tantalizing hint of what they can expect from this ambitious installment in the popular series. Despite being swiftly removed from OpenCritic, the leaked details suggest Ubisoft might be on track for another memorable entry.
Before being taken down, the review said, “Assassin’s Creed Shadows gives you a lot of player freedom and takes you on a journey of exploration and history of one of Japan’s most famous periods.”
An additional review from IGN Brazil, posted pre-embargo, also painted a favorable picture, indicating a strong 9 out of 10 rating. According to the translated impressions, Assassin’s Creed Shadows “establishes itself as one of the most remarkable titles in the franchise, delivering an experience that balances action, stealth, and a historically rich setting. Although it stumbles in some aspects, the game maintains an engaging quality.”
What the Early ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Reviews Hint At
The early buzz suggests that Ubisoft Quebec, the studio behind fan-favorites like Assassin’s Creed Odyssey, has struck gold again. Shadows places players directly in the heart of 16th-century Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period—a historical setting fans have long demanded. This period, defined by samurai clashes and intricate political intrigue, seems to have given Ubisoft the perfect playground to weave together gameplay and storytelling seamlessly.
Players take control of two distinct characters, including the historic samurai Yasuke, which the leaked review indicates adds depth and variety. Yasuke brings robust, visceral combat dynamics featuring destructible environments and realistic weapon interactions, while the other protagonist, Naoe, emphasizes agile stealth, using environments creatively to ambush and evade opponents. The leaked review highlights that this dual-protagonist system enriches gameplay by allowing multiple tactical approaches.
Gameplay Mechanics and Innovation
Aside from the two protagonist setup, Assassin’s Creed Shadows also introduces several intriguing gameplay features, as noted by the leaked information and earlier official reveals. One standout mechanic is the reintroduction and enhancement of Eagle Vision, which now allows players to detect enemies through walls and isolate sounds—an evolution designed to refresh stealth gameplay significantly.
Stealth appears far more nuanced, inviting players to leverage shadows strategically—indoor and outdoor darkness becomes a critical ally. Small but meaningful details, like the ability to move quietly by crouching through creaky indoor floors or extinguishing lanterns to create new shadows, suggest an elevated stealth experience that echoes the series’ earliest and most beloved games.
A Promising Balance of Action and Strategy?
Combat-wise, Assassin’s Creed Shadows seems poised to strike a delicate balance between stealth and action—a sweet spot Ubisoft has often chased but not always successfully hit. Yasuke’s combat style involves heavy attacks and environmental interaction, while Naoe focuses on agility and precision, using weapons like Kunai and Shurikens alongside the classic smoke bomb distractions.
One unique element mentioned in the leaked review and developer previews is the inclusion of historical settings influenced by the dynamic changes of the four seasons, affecting not just aesthetics but gameplay. Icy waters in winter or dense grass in spring could offer strategic possibilities, adding further immersion and complexity.
Ubisoft’s Ambitions and Potential Challenges
Ubisoft’s journey to releasing Assassin’s Creed Shadows hasn’t been entirely smooth, marked by delays and unexpected challenges. Initially set for November 2024, the game faced two major delays, first moving to February 14, 2025, to accommodate additional polishing based on insights from the launch of Star Wars Outlaws. Ubisoft also canceled the game’s season pass, refunding existing pre-orders and offering the first expansion for free with new pre-orders, reflecting a notable shift in their release strategy. However, controversy arose again when the new release date was announced as March 20, 2025—the 30-year anniversary of Japan’s tragic Tokyo subway sarin attack—drawing criticism from sensitive segments of the gaming community.
Further issues emerged following the game’s trailer reveal in May 2024, focused primarily on the portrayal of Yasuke, an African samurai protagonist inspired by historical events. The inclusion of Yasuke sparked heated online debate over historical accuracy and cultural representation, leading to harassment of the game’s developers. Ubisoft vigorously defended their creative choices, highlighting Yasuke’s unique perspective as a foreigner exploring feudal Japan. Supporters praised the fresh narrative angle, while historians affirmed Yasuke’s historical legitimacy as a samurai, suggesting Ubisoft’s approach could enrich rather than diminish the storytelling potential of Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
Will ‘Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ Live Up to Expectations?
Judging from the early leaked review and online speculation, expectations are cautiously optimistic. Fans and critics anticipate that the game will sit comfortably alongside predecessors like Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla, scoring in the low to mid-80s on platforms like Metacritic. Given Ubisoft’s history, this seems entirely plausible, with reviews likely highlighting the game’s strengths—gameplay diversity, rich historical context, and technical polish.
Yet, gamers have good reason to approach cautiously. Ubisoft titles often split public opinion, with some praising the familiar yet reliably entertaining formula, while others crave innovation. The early Assassin’s Creed Shadows reviews indicate a promising step forward, though whether it’s enough to convert Ubisoft skeptics remains to be seen.
Ultimately, despite controversies and familiar criticisms, Assassin’s Creed Shadows seems set to deliver an engaging, well-rounded experience. With its rich setting, refined mechanics, and compelling protagonists, the game has the potential to reaffirm Ubisoft’s position in the open-world RPG market.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows is scheduled to release on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, macOS, and iPadOS.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Reviews FAQ
When is Assassin’s Creed Shadows releasing? On what platforms?
The game is set to launch on March 20, 2025, for PlayStation 5, Xbox Series X/S, Windows, macOS, and iPadOS.
What are early Assassin’s Creed Shadows reviews suggesting about gameplay?
Early leaked reviews highlight engaging stealth mechanics, dynamic combat, and a richly detailed historical Japanese setting.
Which historical period does Assassin’s Creed Shadows explore?
It takes place in 16th-century Japan during the Azuchi-Momoyama period, a time marked by samurai warfare and political upheaval.
Who are the main characters in Assassin’s Creed Shadows?
Players control two protagonists: Yasuke, an African samurai known for intense combat, and Fujibayashi Naoe, a stealth-focused female shinobi.
Does Assassin’s Creed Shadows include multiplayer or co-op gameplay?
No, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is exclusively a single-player experience.
