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

With 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 a parkour system reminiscent of Unity's fluidity, enhanced by a grappling hook that accelerates your ascent to strategic vantage points. Perched high on a tightrope above your enemies, you're poised for the perfect silent kill—as long as you're controlling Naoe, one of the game's protagonists. However, switch to Yasuke, the second protagonist, and you'll find yourself in a completely different gameplay scenario.

Yasuke moves slowly and clumsily, unable to perform silent takedowns and struggling with even the simplest climbs. His design as an Assassin's Creed protagonist is both baffling and intriguing. Playing as Yasuke feels less like Assassin's Creed and more like a departure into a new genre.

Initially, the contrast between Yasuke's capabilities and the traditional Assassin's Creed gameplay was frustrating. What's the purpose of a protagonist who can barely climb and can't execute silent kills? Yet, as I spent more time with him, I began to appreciate the unique challenges he presents. Yasuke's limitations highlight and address some of the series' recent struggles.

You don't get to play as Yasuke until several hours into the campaign, after spending significant time with Naoe, the agile shinobi who embodies the essence of an assassin. The transition to Yasuke can feel jarring. He's too large and noisy to sneak through enemy camps and can only climb modest heights. His movement on rooftops is precarious, and the slow pace of his climbing adds friction to the experience, making vertical exploration more of a chore.

This design encourages Yasuke to stay grounded, which limits his ability to survey the environment and plan his moves. Unlike Naoe, who has Eagle Vision to highlight enemies, Yasuke relies solely on his strength. Playing as him means embracing a more direct and combat-focused approach, which contrasts sharply with the series' emphasis on stealth and vertical exploration.

Yasuke's gameplay feels more akin to Ghost of Tsushima than Assassin's Creed, particularly due to his samurai background and lack of stealth skills. His presence in the game forces players to rethink traditional Assassin's Creed strategies. While previous protagonists could climb anywhere with ease, Yasuke's limitations introduce a new level of challenge. Environmental puzzles and specific pathways allow him to reach objectives, though he lacks the freedom to explore as freely as past heroes.

Yasuke's combat is exceptional, featuring a rich variety of techniques and satisfying finishing moves that create a stark contrast with Naoe's stealthy approach. The dual protagonist system effectively separates combat and stealth, preventing the series from leaning too heavily into action, as seen in Origins, Odyssey, and Valhalla. Naoe's fragility ensures that stealth remains crucial, while Yasuke's strength offers a break from the tension of stealth gameplay.

Despite the thoughtful design behind Yasuke, his fit within the Assassin's Creed framework remains questionable. The series has traditionally been about stealthy kills and vertical exploration, aspects that Yasuke directly opposes. While characters like Bayek and Eivor ventured into action territory, they still adhered to the core mechanics of climbing and stealth. Yasuke, as a samurai rather than an assassin, struggles to embody these elements.

The real challenge for Yasuke is Naoe's presence. Naoe is arguably the best Assassin's Creed protagonist in years, with a robust stealth toolkit that complements the vertical architecture of Sengoku Period Japan. Her ability to climb and navigate swiftly makes her the quintessential Assassin's Creed experience. Even with the game's more realistic climbing mechanics, Naoe remains the superior choice for players seeking the classic Assassin's Creed gameplay.

Naoe benefits from the same combat enhancements as Yasuke, but her inability to endure prolonged battles keeps the focus on stealth. This raises the question: why choose Yasuke when Naoe offers the quintessential Assassin's Creed experience?

Ubisoft's intent to provide two distinct playstyles with Yasuke and Naoe is commendable, yet it presents a double-edged sword. Yasuke's unique mechanics offer a fresh and compelling experience, challenging the traditional Assassin's Creed formula. However, they also stand in direct opposition to the core ideas that define the series. While I'll occasionally enjoy the thrill of Yasuke's combat, it's through Naoe that I'll truly explore and experience Assassin's Creed Shadows, as she embodies the essence of what makes Assassin's Creed unique in the open-world genre.