Introduction
After years of anticipation, Assassin’s Creed Shadows finally arrives as the latest installation of Ubisoft’s popular series. Set in 16th century feudal Japan, the game offers a dual-play experience with two protagonists: Naoe, an agile shinobi, and Yasuke, an African samurai based on real historical figures. However, behind the enthusiasm of fans, the game has also sparked controversy regarding the internet connection requirement for physical installation. Let’s dive deeper!
1. Setting and Characters: Two Sides of the Story in Feudal Japan
Assassin’s Creed Shadows takes players to the Sengoku era, a period of conflict and change in Japan. Two protagonists offer different play styles:
Naoe: Focuses on stealth, parkour, and stealthy assassinations. Suitable for players who like subtle tactics. Yasuke: Fights head-on with strength and heavy weapons. Ideal for those who like direct action.The two can be swapped dynamically after the initial round, though Naoe is more effective for exploration due to his agility, while Yasuke excels in open combat.
2. Gameplay and Tips for Beginners
Exploration and Key Mechanics
Explore Every Corner: Shrines, forests, and villages hold side quests, knowledge points (for skill upgrades), and cutscene lore.
Use Shrines and Temples: Praying at shrines gives temporary bonuses like XP or stat boosts.
Don’t Buy Gear: Loot from chests or enemies is more efficient than buying from merchants.
Character Tips
Naoe: Prioritize upgrading assassination skills to kill strong enemies with a single attack.
Yasuke: Attack the fortress at night when the enemy is off guard. His tank ability is suitable for open combat.
Unique Features
Pets: Raise stray cats and dogs to decorate the base. Some rare animals are collectible.
Hideout: Build facilities like Stables or Forge to increase mission efficiency and upgrade weapons.
3. Controversy: Installation Must be Online, even for the Physical Version
Although it can be played offline once installed, Shadows requires an internet connection during installation-including the physical version. This has led to criticism:
Game Preservation Issues: If Ubisoft’s servers shut down one day, physical owners can’t reinstall the game.
Access for Internet-Limited Regions: This requirement makes it difficult for players in areas with poor or expensive connections.
Ubisoft defends this policy on the grounds of day-one patches and content distribution efficiency, similar to Avatar: Frontiers of Pandora and Star Wars Outlaws.
4. Community Response and the Future of Gaming
The gaming community is divided. Some praised the innovation of dual protagonists and the anticipated Japanese setting, while others were concerned about the “always-online” trend for single-player games. Shadows was also a test for Ubisoft after The Crew server shutdown controversy made the game unplayable.
Conclusion
Assassin’s Creed Shadows promises an epic adventure in feudal Japan with fresh gameplay mechanics. However, online installation requirements and game preservation issues remain a challenge for Ubisoft. For players who have no problem with internet connection, this game is worth looking forward to. For physical collectors? You might want to think again.
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