7 reasons not to buy Assassin's Creed Shadows - for now or ever

By: Irina Miller | 26.03.2025, 09:00

First look at Assassin's Creed Shadows: analysis of the promo footage

A still from the Assassin's Creed Shadows promo. Source: Ubisoft

Assassin's Creed Shadows looks like a fan's dream: Japan, two protagonists, stealth, and a combat system with "weight". But if you look a little deeper, it becomes clear that the shiny facade hides everything that Ubisoft has been getting kicked around by players for years. Here are seven reasons why you should think twice before pre-ordering.

1. Microtransactions, microtransactions, microtransactions

Ubisoft wouldn't be Ubisoft if they didn't try to sell you coloured clothes, a shorter sword, or an XP boost for real money. Even if it's not pay-to-win, the presence of a store in a full-fledged AAA game is a bit fake. And it seems that Shadows is no exception.

2. Stealth without social stealth is a step backwards

Do you remember when you could blend in with the crowd, sit on a bench, hide among monks or chest carriers? Forget it. There is no social stealth in Shadows. And this is surprising, considering that this mechanic has been the highlight of the series since the first instalments. Instead of becoming a "part of the crowd", you are now just a lone ninja without integration into the environment. This is a disadvantage in terms of flexibility.

3. Yasuke is more of a meme than a hero

A historical figure who could have become a source of a strong narrative is still perceived in the game as a "strong but silent" template. His gameplay style is slow, clumsy, and many players call the battles for him "wooden". In addition, the old debate continues: how well does the game's interpretation reflect the historical Yasuke?

4. Quests are déjà vu

Ubisoft's promise to "reduce filler" does not mean that the quests have become more interesting. Many have already noted the repetitiveness of tasks: "get through", "kill", "take", "escape". The formula is familiar from the days of Odyssey, but now everything is in kimonos.

5. Historical depth... or chaos?

The setting is interesting, but for those who do not know much about feudal Japan, it is a kaleidoscope of names, clans, conflicts, and political intrigues without clear explanations. For a beginner, the plot can become a complete confusion. And the game's interface does not really try to explain anything.

6. The feeling of "we have already been through this"

The main problem with Shadows is that old problems live under a new roof. Ubisoft again promises "less but better", "deeper, not wider", "more story, fewer icons" - but once again, in practice, it turns out to be the same formula with cosmetic changes. Even with two heroes.

7. Assassins? Templars? And where is Assassin's Creed, actually?

Shadows has the big name of Assassin's Creed, but if you are looking for a classic confrontation between assassins and templars, get ready to be disappointed. The plot focuses on Naoe and Yasuke, local wars, and clan feuds, but the philosophical conflict that has been at the heart of the franchise since Altair has almost completely disappeared. There are no symbolic hidden orders (there are only alliances - the kakushiba-ikki and the shinbakufu, who play the role of assassins and templars), no ideology about freedom versus control. There is a fighting samurai, there is a vengeful shinobi - but the lore of the series is left with crumbs in the form of references to assassins (which still need to be searched on a huge map). And this is not a trifle, it is a change in the game's DNA. The question is straightforward: if there are no assassins and templars, is it even Assassin's Creed?

Assassin's Creed Shadows looks like a game that could be a breakthrough. But so far, it's more like another variation on the theme, with all the old franchise ills. And if you're not ready for a déjà vu with a new setting, you might want to wait a little longer. Or even put down the katana and look at something else.

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