Assassin’s Creed Shadows – Ubisoft’s Biggest Gamble Yet?

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Assassins Creed Shadows will it be a success or a huge failure?

Story Highlights

  • Assassin’s Creed Shadows has fulfilled the request of its fans and is set in feudal Japan.
  • Dual protagonists offer variety but also create a risk of unbalanced gameplay.
  • The advanced stealth and weather patterns could make or break the game.
  • The stakes for Ubisoft are high as Shadows must surpass Ghost of Tsushima and Sekiro.

Everyone, including gamers and critics, is very excited about the upcoming newest installment of the Assassin’s Creed franchise. Set in feudal Japan, this entry into the long-running franchise holds much promise. While the excitement for the game is understandable, many believe that Ubisoft is taking a major risk with this new installment.

Taking the ambitious gameplay and the much-requested new setting, Assassin’s Creed Shadows may become a major success or a misstep for the franchise. The game is available for pre-order on Steam. Let’s discuss why it may be a gamble.

A Long-Awaited Setting

For over a decade fans have requested an Assassin’s Creed game set in feudal Japan with the launch date of March 20 set excitement is at an all-time high. The combination of samurai, shinobi and the franchise’s classic historical storytelling seems like a perfect match.

However, developers for the game at Ubisoft face a huge challenge that being, meeting the expectations that come with this setting. Players are expecting cultural authenticity, intense combat and seamless stealth mechanics.

Assassins-Creed-Shadows-Screenshot-1
Assassins Creed Shadows – Image Credits [Pinterest]
Because other franchises like Ghost of Tsushima have already explored similar game settings successfully, Ubisoft must up its game to stand out from the rest.

A Bold Move with Dual Protagonists

Assassin’s Creed Shadows will have two playable protagonists, a shinobi assassin and a powerful samurai, Naoe and Yasuke respectively. The game won’t force players to choose between the two, players will be free to choose between the two as they please.

Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Naoe and Yasuke – Image Credits [Pinterest]
While previous games have also experimented with multiple characters, this approach holds inherent risks. Developers must balance the two distinct playstyles without one feeling superior to the other and this is no easy task.

Evolving Gameplay Mechanics

Reports say that Ubisoft is incorporating an advanced stealth system, enhanced parkour and a more dynamic open-world environment. Assassin’s Creed Shadows will also have an advanced weather system and destructible environments making the gameplay even more immersive and delivering a reactive world.

However, these innovations may come with potential pitfalls, if not worked around properly they could lead to performance issues, especially on older hardware. Considering Ubisoft’s track record of recent buggy launches concerns arise regarding the dealing of such a technically demanding game.

Competition in the Genre

The open-world action genre has become increasingly competitive over the years. Games such as Ghost of Tsushima, Sekiro: Shadows Die Twice and Nioh have set a high bar for samurai and ninja-themed games.

Assassin's Creed Shadows Stealth
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Stealth -Image Credits [Pinterest]
Developers must make sure that AC Shadows does not feel like it’s derived from other titles or based on them, it should feel new and innovative. Borrowing too much from these successful titles may make the game feel unoriginal, whereas straying too far from the genre conventions may make players feel alienated.

Monetization and Player Trust

As we are well aware Ubisoft has faced much criticism for aggressive monetization tactics in the past. From battle passes to microtransactions the company has been accused of prioritizing revenue over player interests. 

Assassin's Creed Shadows
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Preview – Image Credits [Steam]
If Shadows leans too much on paid content, it could risk losing the trust of longtime fans of the franchise. On the other hand, if Ubisoft successfully manages to deliver fair monetization and a complete, satisfying base game, it can regain goodwill among players and boost the franchise.

The High Stakes

With recent financial struggles and declining player trust, Ubisoft is in a tough spot and needs Assassin’s Creed Shadows to be a hit. A successful game could ensure the franchise’s future and restore faith in the company’s ability to deliver peak open-world experiences.

With a playtime of around 40 hours mistakes, and some minor issues are expected, but too much and there will be a problem. If the game fails it will deal a major blow to the company and the franchise.

Final Thoughts

Assassin’s Creed Shadows showcases one of Ubisoft’s most ambitious projects in years. The new setting, dual protagonists and gameplay mechanics offer exciting possibilities but also carry risk. Will the game be a major success or a failure? Only time can tell.

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