Yasuke in Shadows: A Fresh Take on Assassin's Creed

Thanks to a renewed focus on the core principles that the series was originally built upon, *Assassin’s Creed: Shadows* delivers the most satisfying experience the franchise has offered in years. The game introduces an unparalleled parkour system since *Unity*, allowing players to fluidly transition from ground to castle rooftops. The addition of a grappling hook enhances this experience, making the ascent to strategic vantage points even quicker. Perched on a tightrope high above your foes, you’re only a drop away from executing the perfect assassination—as long as you're playing as Naoe, the game's swift shinobi protagonist. However, switching to Yasuke, the second protagonist, transforms the gameplay entirely.

Yasuke, a towering samurai, is intentionally slow, clumsy, and incapable of silent kills, presenting a stark contrast to the typical Assassin’s Creed protagonist. His climbing abilities are severely limited, making him feel more like a character from a different genre. This design choice initially frustrated me; what's the point of an Assassin’s Creed protagonist who struggles with core mechanics like climbing and stealth? Yet, the more I played as Yasuke, the more I appreciated his unique role in the game.

You don't get to control Yasuke until several hours into the campaign, after spending ample time mastering Naoe's agile movements. The transition is jarring; Yasuke's inability to effectively sneak or climb high structures forces a more grounded approach to gameplay. His limited access to high vantage points restricts strategic planning and reconnaissance, pushing players to engage in direct combat rather than stealth.

*Assassin's Creed* has always been about stealthy kills and vertical exploration, elements that Yasuke directly opposes. Playing as him feels more akin to *Ghost of Tsushima* than traditional *Assassin’s Creed*, emphasizing fierce combat over stealth. Yasuke's gameplay forces players to rethink the series' traditional approach, requiring careful observation of the environment to find hidden pathways that suit his limitations. These paths, while more restricted, offer a unique challenge and a fresh perspective on exploration.

Yasuke's combat abilities, however, are exceptional. *Shadows* features the best swordplay the series has seen in over a decade, with purposeful strikes and a variety of techniques from brutal rush attacks to satisfying ripostes. His combat prowess contrasts sharply with Naoe's stealthy approach, providing a rich and varied gameplay experience.

The dual protagonist system in *Shadows* effectively separates combat and stealth, preventing the action-heavy approach seen in recent titles like *Origins*, *Odyssey*, and *Valhalla*. Naoe's fragility ensures that combat remains a last resort, preserving the tension and necessity of stealth. Meanwhile, Yasuke's strength offers a robust alternative when you want to dive into intense battles.

Despite the compelling design of Yasuke, his integration into *Assassin’s Creed* poses challenges. The series is fundamentally about stealth and vertical exploration, aspects that Yasuke struggles with. Naoe, on the other hand, embodies the ideal Assassin’s Creed protagonist with her superior stealth toolkit and the ability to navigate the vertical landscapes of Sengoku Period Japan.

Naoe also benefits from the refined climbing mechanics introduced in *Shadows*. Although the series' "stick to every surface" approach has been toned down, the need to assess routes and use anchor points for the grappling hook adds realism and strategy to exploration. Naoe's combat, while as impactful as Yasuke's, is more limited in endurance, maintaining the balance between stealth and action.

Ubisoft's attempt to offer two distinct playstyles with Yasuke and Naoe is ambitious but creates a double-edged sword. Yasuke's gameplay, while innovative and engaging, clashes with the core tenets of *Assassin’s Creed*. Despite enjoying Yasuke's combat, it's Naoe who truly allows me to immerse myself in the world of *Shadows* and experience the essence of *Assassin’s Creed*.

Yasuke changes the rules of Assassin's Creed, promoting grounded combat over parkour stealth. | Image credit: Ubisoft

Yasuke enjoys the best combat mechanics Assassin's Creed has ever had. | Image credit: Ubisoft