Platform: PlayStation 5
Edition: Standard
Release Year: 2024
Publisher: Ubisoft
Mode: Single Player
Setting: Feudal Japan
Main Characters: Naoe (Shinobi) and Yasuke (Samurai)
First Reaction – Finally, Japan!
Okay, as someone who’s been into Assassin’s Creed since Origins and has been waiting for a Japan setting forever, AC Shadows totally delivers. When I first launched it on PS5, the intro cutscene, the music, and the world design just gave me goosebumps. It’s like Ghost of Tsushima vibes, but with full-on Assassin’s Creed DNA.
You play as two main characters — Naoe, a stealthy ninja-style assassin, and Yasuke, a powerful samurai based on the real historical figure. I found this switch between styles super fun — one moment I was sneaking across rooftops, the next I was charging enemies with a katana in a full-on duel.
Gameplay & Combat – Smooth and Stylish
- Combat is where the game feels awesome. Playing as Yasuke is like being a tank — you can block, parry, and smash enemies like a boss. Perfect for someone like me who sometimes just wants to go full “power mode.”
- With Naoe, it’s completely different — it’s all about stealth, throwing kunai, hiding in tall grass, and using a grappling hook. Feels like classic AC mixed with ninja anime stuff.
- The dual playstyle means you never get bored. You can even choose how you want to play missions — stealth or brute force.
- The parkour is smoother than Valhalla, and closer to AC Unity — which was 🔥 for movement.
Graphics & World – Feudal Japan Looks Insane
The game is absolutely beautiful on PS5.
- The open world is full of forests, castles, rivers, and temples, and it changes with seasons and weather. Snowy rooftops, cherry blossom trees, foggy bamboo forests — it’s like playing inside an anime sometimes.
- The attention to detail is next level — you can see your footprints in the snow, raindrops on your clothes, and even villagers reacting to you.
- I literally spent like 30 minutes just walking around a town doing nothing but exploring.
PS5 Performance – Fast and Smooth
- Loading times? Barely noticeable. Fast travel is actually fast.
- Haptic feedback on the DualSense is sick — you feel the clash of swords and footsteps on wooden bridges.
- 4K resolution + 60FPS most of the time — smooth and clean visuals.
Story – Surprisingly Engaging
The story is set during the Sengoku period in Japan (like late 1500s), and mixes real history with the Assassin’s vs. Templar stuff.
- I liked how Naoe and Yasuke are from totally different worlds but have to work together.
- There are cool assassination missions, flashbacks, and even side quests that explore the lives of regular people during war.
I won’t spoil much, but there’s betrayal, revenge, loyalty — proper drama stuff that keeps you playing.
What I Loved:
- Two totally different characters to play
- Amazing Japan setting and art style
- Combat feels different and fun for both characters
- No microtransactions in the main story (finally)
- Stealth gameplay is actually useful again
- Samurai armor customization is so cool
- Solid upgrade from Valhalla in terms of gameplay pacing
What I Didn’t Like So Much:
- Some missions can feel a bit repetitive (follow, eavesdrop, etc.)
- Enemy AI isn’t always the smartest
- No multiplayer (but that’s okay for me)
- I wish there was more freedom to switch characters anytime
- Horses can be clunky on tight paths
Final Thoughts – Should You Play It?
If you’re into Assassin’s Creed, ninja/samurai themes, or just want a huge open-world game with beautiful graphics and fun combat — AC Shadows is 100% worth it.
As a teenager who plays tons of action games, I’d say this is one of the best single-player experiences I’ve had in 2024. It’s not perfect, but the vibe, the gameplay, and the fact that we FINALLY got a Japan setting — makes it a must-play on PS5.
Would I recommend it to a friend? Totally.
Would I play it again with a different style? Already started doing that.