Wake Up- First of the Month Game Review- Assassin’s Creed Shadows

Written By Ryan Sparks

Le't’s start with this: AC Shadows is rated M for Mature and isn’t suited for younger players.

While this game has been out since March- we wanted to give them time to clean up a few of the issues and release a few game updates.


1. Setting & Story

  • Time and Place: Set during Japan’s Sengoku period (late 1500s), the game unfolds amid samurai rule, ninja clans, Portuguese influence, and the rise of firearms es.wikipedia.org+15en.wikipedia.org+15windowscentral.com+15.

  • Dual Protagonists: You play as Naoe, an agile shinobi on a path of revenge, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai inspired by history’s first Black samurai en.wikipedia.org+8en.wikipedia.org+8thetimes.co.uk+8.

  • Plot Essentials: From slaver raids to clan massacres and hidden artifacts, the narrative weaves betrayal, vengeance, and political intrigue against a backdrop of the Assassin‑Templar conflict .

2. Gameplay & Presentation

  • Stealth vs. Strength: Naoe offers classic Assassin stealth—hiding in shadows, using daggers and grappling hooks—while Yasuke barrels through enemies as a tank-like warrior neogaf.com+6en.wikipedia.org+6polygon.com+6.

  • World Dynamics: The game features breathtaking seasonal shifts, breakable environments, enhanced parkour, prone movement, and restored Eagle Vision windowscentral.com.

  • Visuals & Experience: Critics and players hail the game as one of the most visually stunning entries yet, with lush forests, swaying branches, realistic lighting, and dramatic weather effects .

3. What the Critics Say

PraiseCriticism“Fantastic exploration and stealth,” with “distinctive dual‑hero system” pt.wikipedia.org+7neogaf.com+7polygon.com+7Some story elements are considered predictable, and side missions can feel repetitive Combat balances nimble stealth and brutal power The overall narrative may feel thinner than in some franchise entries World-building and ambiance are immersive and elegant Modern-day storyline and Assassin‑Templar framing are minimal compared to previous titles

4. Content Concerns & Warnings

Plugged In’s main advisory: This is an M‑rated, very bloody game steeped in brutal historical violence—slavery, conquests, betrayals, gory revenge, and murder. Players are frequently engaged in visceral, graphic combat .

  • You’ll witness intense dismemberments, blood sprays, and civilians often caught in the violence.

  • A gore settings toggle can lessen visual intensity, but the thematic darkness remains central to the experience techradar.com+2polygon.com+2youtube.com+2.

5. Final Take

Assassin’s Creed Shadows delivers a stunning, ambitious journey into feudal Japan. Its dual protagonists offer refreshing gameplay variety—stealthy finesse with Naoe and brute strength with Yasuke. The world is rich, vibrant, and hauntingly beautiful.
On the downside, its narrative depth, side-content pacing, and subdued modern-day framing might disappoint some long-time fans.

Yet if you're drawn to mature, visceral storytelling steeped in historical violence, Shadows delivers. Just be aware—it isn’t for the faint of heart.

In short: A mature, visually breathtaking entry in the Assassin’s Creed universe—perfect for players seeking a dark, immersive ninja‑samurai experience, but not suited for younger audiences due to graphic violence and adult themes.

Note: Always check the ESRB rating and consider using the gore toggle if sensitive to graphic content.

Ryan Sparks
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