Assassin’s Creed Shadows’ new trailer at the Xbox Games Showcase gave us another sneak peek at the two new characters, Yasuke and Naoe, this time with actual in-engine gameplay.
While both characters bring something unique to the table, it’s already pretty clear that Naoe is the standout, especially for fans who loved the stealthy vibes of the original Assassin’s Creed games.
Yasuke is The Warrior in Assassin’s Creed Shadows
Yasuke is clearly the warrior-type character of the game. Loud and brash, he’s got this strong, fighter vibe going on. Based on the real historical figure of the same name, Yasuke was seemingly an African samurai in feudal Japan. In the trailer, Yasuke is shown in heavy combat, taking on multiple enemies at once. He uses a mix of brute strength and traditional samurai skills, like sword fighting and martial arts. He can also use multiple heavy weapons, instead of just a sword.
Yasuke’s gameplay seems focused on direct confrontations and powerful moves. He’s definitely a force to be reckoned with, and his fighting style looks incredibly cinematic and intense. For players who enjoy action-packed battles and epic duels like in Ghost of Tsushima, Yasuke is probably going to be their main character.
Yasuke’s approach feels a bit more like what we’ve seen in recent Assassin’s Creed games, which have leaned heavily into RPG elements and big, flashy combat mechanics. While that’s not a bad thing, it’s been a departure from the series’ roots in stealth and subtlety for a while now.
Naoe Is the Stealthy Assassin, Reminiscent of the Older Protagonists
Then there’s Naoe. From the moment she appears in the Assassin’s Creed Shadows trailer, you can tell she’s different. Naoe moves with almost ghost-like precision. Her character design and gameplay are a clear nod to the original Assassin’s Creed games, where stealth and strategy were key.
The way Naoe activates the blade then retracts it is pure Assassin's creed I love it
— Somewhat of a nerd guy (@HoodMik1) June 9, 2024
Naoe is shown blending into shadows, silently taking out enemies, and using a variety of gadgets to distract and disorient her targets. Her weapon of choice seems to be a mix of traditional ninja tools, like shurikens and smoke bombs, along with a sleek, deadly dagger. Watching her in action, you get that classic Assassin’s Creed feeling of being a shadow, striking swiftly and disappearing before anyone knows what happened.
naoe will be my character for sure whenever i play it it looks like classic ac
— AstroCyborg (@AstroCyborg) June 9, 2024
Fans of the series have been longing for a return to this style of gameplay. The original games were all about the thrill of outsmarting your enemies and moving through environments unseen.
Naoe’s gameplay looks like a return to those early days, and it’s exciting to see the franchise embracing that aspect again.
While Yasuke’s warrior approach is undeniably impressive, Naoe seems to be the clear favorite among fans who watched the trailer. The reason is rather simple: she embodies the essence of what made the original games so special.
Naoe’s character also offers a different kind of challenge. Playing as her will likely require more strategy and patience, which is perfect for players who love the tension and satisfaction of executing the perfect stealth kill. It’s not just about taking down enemies
Are you excited for Assassin’s Creed Shadows? Let us know in the comments!
