Ubisoft may have been expecting Assassin’s Creed Shadows to become a hit among its fanbase, considering how long it’s been since the requests for a Japan-set title in the series started to pour in. All it took was an initial reveal trailer to throw many fans off the upcoming game due to numerous reasons, but the developer would’ve probably thought that after seeing gameplay footage, gamers may get off its back and appreciate the next Assassin’s Creed a bit more.
However, even with the showcase during Ubisoft Forward 2024, not everyone’s sold on the game, especially because there are some comparisons that Assassin’s Creed can’t seem to escape.
Assassin’s Creed Shadows Gameplay Raises Ghost of Tsushima Comparisons
At its latest event, Ubisoft shared a ten-minute showcase that focused on how the gameplay mechanics in the upcoming Assassin’s Creed would work since there are two different protagonists with distinct combat types.
But while Naoe, the assassin who likes to tackle situations with stealth, didn’t face much criticism, as she basically follows the series’ signature style of combat, it was once again Yasuke, the controversial samurai, who found himself in the middle of comparisons with a PlayStation icon who raised the bar for the Japanese action-adventure genre.
Jin Sakai, the protagonist of the beloved Ghost of Tsushima, was an amazing samurai to play as, with the combat and gameplay seamless and smooth, but fans think that’s not the case with Assassin’s Creed Shadows.
It’s like Ghost Of Tsushima but helluva lot jankier
— Rin | 凛 (@TheIshikawaRin) June 10, 2024
Sucker Punch succeeded in almost every aspect when it came to creating an authentic Japanese samurai gaming experience, but compared to the 2020 title, a gamer pointed out that the combat in the upcoming Assassin’s Creed game doesn’t feel as polished.
I’m very on the fence with this game, especially because it’s Ubisoft, but I also love Japan and a Japanese-themed Assassin’s Creed is hella interesting… but at the same time Ghost Of Tsushima exists and is basically a very refined Assassin’s Creed.
— Rin | 凛 (@TheIshikawaRin) June 10, 2024
One of the main issues that seems to be plaguing Assassin’s Creed Shadows is its timing, because although Ubisoft taking the series to Japan was a highly requested sentiment, plenty of players now believe that Ghost of Tsushima already nearly perfected the samurai genre.
The Japanese Assassin’s Creed Increases the Anticipation for a Sequel by Sucker Punch
As PlayStation also shared the footage, the player reaction hasn’t been surprising due to the inevitable comparisons.
I'll take Ghost of Tsushima's Jin Sakai instead
— ᴊᴜʟɪᴀɴ sᴀɪɴᴛ (TIMELOST) (@JulianSaintMart) June 10, 2024
Ubisoft revealing more details about its title has also added more fuel to the fire that gamers have for a sequel to Ghost of Tsushima, as they appear to be unfazed by the existence of a Japan-set Assassin’s Creed.
We don’t care, where’s Tsushima 2?!
— Marcos (@marcosmcfly_) June 10, 2024
Others seem to share similar sentiments, but as Jin Sakai’s adventures may not be continuing anytime soon, fans might have to make peace with what Yasuke has to offer.
On the other hand, the stealth elements that shaped some of the greatest Assassin’s Creed installments are still being respected by Naoe, and it seems likely that she may become the fan-favorite playable character.
If nothing else, at least the Ubisoft Forward trailer confirmed that players will be able to pet dogs in the game, so that seems like a clear win for everybody.
Did the new gameplay footage for Assassin’s Creed Shadows manage to impress you, or would you want to step back into Jin Sakai’s shoes instead? Let us know in the comments!
