If Successful, Assassin’s Creed Shadows May Be the Gift That Keeps on Giving

A return long awaited by fans, Assassin’s Creed is back this year with its newest main entry, Assassin’s Creed Shadows, following a four-year gap since its predecessor. Set in the captivating world of feudal Japan, players will navigate this expansive landscape through the eyes of two protagonists, Naoe and Yasuke. Together, they must liberate Japan from the grip of a mysterious and tyrannical faction. Staying true to its modern, RPG-inspired roots—unlike the series’ brief departure with the more traditional Assassin’s Creed Mirage—this installment promises a rich tapestry of gameplay styles, harnessing the contrasting strengths of its dual protagonists.

Initially, many speculated that Assassin’s Creed Shadows might face a rocky launch, especially considering the recent hiccups in quality control by Ubisoft and the controversies that have plagued the community. However, early hands-on previews from both media outlets and content creators have painted a surprisingly positive picture. Should Shadows live up to the emerging hype, this might just be Ubisoft’s chance to rekindle a winning strategy from its past.

Although recent Assassin’s Creed games have seen commercial success, they haven’t managed to capture the legendary status enjoyed by earlier titles. Iconic figures like Ezio Auditore and Edward Kenway remain etched in players’ memories, something the newer characters have struggled to achieve. While protagonists such as Bayek, Kassandra, and Eivor have their moments, they don’t quite compare to the depth and enduring appeal of their predecessors. This disparity is likely due, in part, to Ubisoft’s preference for standalone stories with each release. If indeed Naoe and Yasuke exhibit the promise that early Shadows teasers suggest, perhaps revisiting the design philosophy centered around Ezio could be beneficial for future entries.

When questioned about favorites, many Assassin’s Creed enthusiasts are quick to name Ezio as the standout protagonist. What makes Ezio endure in popularity isn’t just his charisma or iconic style, but rather the unique opportunity for fans to follow his journey through three distinct games: Assassin’s Creed 2, Assassin’s Creed: Brotherhood, and Assassin’s Creed: Revelations. This commitment allowed for a deeper investment and connection as players witnessed his growth across a trilogy. Ubisoft has yet to replicate such a compelling narrative arc since then.

One of the challenges with recent Assassin’s Creed releases is their failure to establish steady anchor points within the intricately woven lore. Even as players grow fond of a protagonist, they are swiftly moved aside with each new game installment, apart from sporadic mentions and Easter eggs. Embracing the Ezio model once more could help reinvigorate engagement.

If Assassin’s Creed Shadows becomes a landmark success, Ubisoft should resist the urge to pivot to a fresh protagonist and setting for its next iteration. A sequel, reminiscent in spirit to Brotherhood, could unfold an engrossing story arc in the same backdrop of feudal Japan—an era fans have long yearned for the series to explore. Importantly, this continuation would provide Naoe and Yasuke with the narrative space often denied to protagonists like Eivor and Kassandra.

By allowing these characters to develop across multiple titles, their stories can evolve with richer depth and complexity. The potential sequel would also allow for creative storytelling that could intertwine multiple protagonist paths, lending both gameplay and narrative a fresh, dynamic flair. If Ubisoft aspires to capture the magic of the Ezio era once more, this might just be a path worth pursuing.