Ever since Ubisoft revealed we would be heading to Japan in the next flagship adventure - previously known as Assassin's Creed Codename Red - I've been dying to catch a glimpse. And by the hidden blade did the Assassin's Creed Shadows trailer more than deliver; far exceeding any sort of expectations I might have had. In fact, it's fair to say that I haven't been this excited for a new Assassin's Creed entry in a very long time. Not only will it be taking us to a fascinating point in history, it will also be doing so through the lens of dual protagonists. With Yasuke, Japan's first Black samurai, and Naoe, who's said to come from the "birthplace of Shinobi" in the province of Iga, both characters promise to give us contrasting perspectives and offer up different playstyles that lean into action and stealth respectively.
The more I learn about Shadows, the more I think back to one of my favorite AC experiences, which is only making my sense of excitement and anticipation intensify. As a longtime fan of the series who's played just about every entry going, I have a lot of love for many of the best Assassin's Creed games, but Syndicate will always take a top spot for me. While that's partly down to its Victorian era setting, it's mostly thanks to two major features that Shadows looks to bring back in a bigger, fresher way, and I couldn't be more on board with the concept.
