For years, Assassin’s Creed fans have been hoping for a game set in Japan. Rumors and speculations kept surfacing about when Ubisoft would finally take the series into the world of samurai and shinobi. Now, Assassin’s Creed Shadows is here to make that dream a reality. But the big question is: why now?

Creative director Jonathan Dumont revealed in a recent interview that the development team had been waiting for the right moment. With technological advancements and a strong story that fits the Japanese setting, they finally decided the time was right. But will Shadows truly deliver an experience worthy of all this anticipation? Let’s take a closer look.

Inspired by Legendary Samurai Films

From the moment Shadows was announced, it was clear that the game wasn’t just “Assassin’s Creed in Japan” but was heavily inspired by classic samurai films. The developers took direct influence from:

• 13 Assassins – A modern samurai epic focused on strategic planning and intense battles.
• Zatoichi – The legendary blind swordsman who relies on his senses in combat, reflecting the importance of stealth and precision.
• Akira Kurosawa’s films – The iconic director behind Seven Samurai and Ran, whose work shaped the modern perception of samurai in cinema.

Despite these clear inspirations, Shadows won’t just be an “Assassin’s Creed version of samurai movies.” Instead, it aims to bring its own unique elements while staying true to the core of the franchise.

A Living, Dynamic World

Ubisoft promises an open world unlike any previous Assassin’s Creed game—not just in terms of size but in the way it reacts and evolves. The world isn’t just a large map; it changes with seasons, weather, and time of day.

• Seasonal changes: Experience summer’s bright landscapes or face stealth challenges in the snow-covered winter.
• Day and night effects: Some areas become more dangerous at night, and certain missions require precise timing to take advantage of environmental changes.
• Dynamic NPC interactions: The world’s inhabitants won’t just stand around—they’ll have daily routines and react realistically to your actions.

New Stealth Mechanics

Stealth has always been a core element of the Assassin’s Creed series, but Shadows is taking it to a whole new level.

• Light and shadow matter: You can hide in shadows, but standing in well-lit areas will expose you faster.
• Grappling hook: Inspired by traditional Japanese techniques, players can now use a grappling hook to traverse rooftops and escape enemies.
• Prone movement: A long-awaited feature, you can now crawl through tall grass for better stealth opportunities.
• Spy network system: You’ll be able to recruit spies who gather intelligence on enemies and help with missions.
• Dynamic cutting system: Swordplay isn’t just for show—every slash will leave realistic damage on enemies and the environment.

These mechanics will add a new level of strategy to stealth gameplay, making Shadows the closest experience to playing as a real ninja.

A Massive Adventure… Even with a Smaller Map

Ubisoft confirmed that Shadows’ map will be smaller than Valhalla, but that doesn’t mean the experience will be any less immersive. Instead of sheer size, the focus is on quality and depth.

• Main story length: Around 30-40 hours, similar to Origins and Odyssey.
• Side activities: If you explore everything, the game could take 80+ hours to complete.
• New Game+ possibility: Ubisoft is monitoring player feedback and might introduce New Game+ after launch if demand is high.

Powerful Visuals and Smooth Performance on Next-Gen Consoles

Shadows will offer two performance modes on next-gen consoles:

• Performance Mode: Runs at 60 FPS for smooth gameplay.
• Quality Mode: Runs at 30 FPS with enhanced graphics.
• PS5 Pro enhancements: The game will take advantage of PS5 Pro’s extra power for an even better experience.
• Xbox Series S details: Ubisoft hasn’t shared exact specs yet, but more information will be revealed soon.

Will Shadows Be the Best Assassin’s Creed Game Yet?

Ubisoft understands how important this setting is to fans and is working hard to strike the right balance between authenticity and innovation.

What do you think about these new details? Do you believe Shadows will be the best entry in the series, or do we need to see more gameplay first?

Release Date: March 20, 2025, on PS5, Xbox Series X/S, and PC.