The upcoming Assassin’s Creed game, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, will take players on a journey through feudal Japan. Players will get to experience this historical period through the eyes of two unique protagonists. However, the choice of one character, Yasuke, a real-life African man who served as a samurai, has sparked controversy.
Nevertheless, it seems that the initial controversy surrounding Yasuke’s inclusion has been outweighed by the love players have for the character. This comes after a gameplay trailer release that shows how brute the character is.
Yasuke’s Inclusion in Assassin’s Creed Shadows Sparked Controversy
Ubisoft’s decision to add Yasuke as a playable character in Assassin’s Creed Shadows wasn’t quite well welcomed at first. Some fans wanted a true Japanese male protagonist, feeling it would be a natural fit for a game set in feudal Japan, considering the franchise hadn’t done that in the past.
This wasn’t the only problem about African Samurai. His origin story is that he is a retainer to Oda Nobunaga which is affecting his samurai status. However, the fact is that retainers are still samurai, just covering military tasks for their lords and in this case Oda Nobunaga.
The controversy behind the character also got a political note with some critics labeling the game as ‘woke’ for its diverse characters. Nevertheless, not everything was about bad-mouthing the character, as some fans praised Ubisoft for taking a different approach and adding a lesser-known historical figure that will give a fresh perspective on feudal Japan.
However, players seem to accept the core of the game as the character’s gameplay brings another dimension to the assassin’s game. Instead of stealth, this character is all about brute force.
All Aboard the Yasuke Train as the Samurai Steals the Show
The initial controversy surrounding African Samurai inclusion in Shadows is fading fast according to fan reactions to recent gameplay trailers. Fans are jumping on the hype train and the hype is pretty strong.
The trailers show samurai’s brutal combat, both with a blade and rifle that leads to opponents’ deaths pretty efficiently. He can cleave through the enemies and switch to a firearm if players love that combat style.
Look at my boooooy, he is a beast. He also can use a riflehttps://t.co/tVf09PY71S
— Big Flower (@BigFlowerTime) June 12, 2024
Various NPCs are reacting in fear and respect, while some fleeing before his wrath. The players will love the finishing move, which seems to be a clean decapitation, which just shows how brutal the second protagonist is in the next Assassin’s Creed installment.
Niceee!! I can’t hardly wait!! Justice coming soon!!
— HotTakesHub (@HotTakesHub) June 11, 2024
Fans are praising the improved fighting mechanics, and the character overall. One player called him a beast, while also noting that he can use a rifle when needed. Another fan said that he can’t wait to play the game and explore samurai’s might.
One player said that this already feels amazing and that he is a perfect mix of grace and savagery. What are your thoughts on the controversy and new gameplay? Will you be sending enemies to their graves by Yasuke’s brute force? Let us know in the comments.
